MAIPSE Resources for Students & Families

For Students

Going to college is possible for persons identified with intellectual disability, severe developmental disabilities, or autism who want to attend. Start by talking to your team about what steps can be taken to attend college. Team members might include your teachers if you're still in school, or your DDS or MassAbilities coordinator if you have exited school.

• Questions and Answers for Students
• Rachel's Story on Studying Art
• Scott's Story on Becoming an Anime Artist

For Families

Adults with intellectual disability, severe developmental disabilities, and autism ages 18 and up can go two college. There are two pathways: if a young adult is still in the K-12 system the school district can partner with institutions of higher education to provide college-based transition services, or if the adult is served by an adult agency (DDS or MassAbilities) they can go through their agency.

Planning for college is a collaborative process, and you and your service team should have a clear plan for what benefits your daughter or son will get from attending. You can plan for skills you'd like them to acquire, including social and organizational skills, job-specific knowledge, exploring leisure and recreation activities, and practicing self-advocacy and determination.

When in college, students benefit for three types of supports: the program coordinator, education coach, and peer mentor. Following is an overview of each of their roles:

1. Program coordinators develop a person-centered plan based on your daughter or son's preferences and goals. They work with the school district or agency service provider (DDS or MassAbilities) to identify goals for courses. Based on findings, they recommend courses and campus events aligned with the students' interests.
2. Education coaches provide direct support in the classroom, where they act as note-taker, and help with organizational skills. The goal is for the student to become independent to the point where they can rely only on classroom accommodations, but they will support the student as long as they are needed.
3. Peer mentors are similar-aged students at the school. They provide an orientation to available campus events, clubs and recreational activities, or interest groups, and support the student while navigating these opportunities.

Students also receive travel training to and from campus, delivered by either the district or adult service agency. While in class, students benefit from accommodations that they will request from their instructor. The coordinator and education coach will support them in communicating effectively with Disability Services/Student Support and their instructor.

• Questions and Answers for Family Members
• Accessing MassAbility Supports for College
• Accessing DDS Supports for College
• Accessing DDS and MassAbility Braided supports