While preparing for life after high school is a big decision for all seniors, it is even harder for students with NVLD and other learning disabilities. Given that colleges do not provide equal amounts of support and not every college is equally inclusive, these students have a harder time choosing the place for themselves. In addition, not every student is ready to start a traditional college curriculum and would be a better candidate for a residential transition program. So in this piece, I will discuss how and where students with NVLD and similar disabilities experience great post-secondary success.
One of the first options is to attend a post-graduate program at a boarding school for students with disabilities, such as Middlebridge School in Rhode Island and Franklin Academy in Connecticut. These programs give you an extra year to help you prepare for what is next while giving you the experience of being away from home. In addition, some programs allow students to take two college courses each semester so you become better prepared for college. Also, being at a school for just students with learning disabilities, the college counselors generally have more knowledge about where students with NVLD and other learning disabilities experience the most success. Therefore, the students are more likely to attend a college that is the right fit for them.
Another option is to attend a program like the College Internship Program or the College Living Experience. Both of these programs have a few campuses throughout the U.S. A huge plus for these programs is that you live independently in apartments or in specialized dorms with personal support, depending on which campus you decide to attend. In addition, the support staff sets you up with meaningful internships and helps you choose a few courses, whether your goal is to earn an associate degree or certificate then go to work or head to a mainstream college to earn your bachelor’s afterwards. The benefit of these two programs is that they accept a variety of students with NVLD and other learning disabilities, as the goal isn’t just to attend a traditional college program; it’s also to have the experience of working and living away from home. After attending these programs, many choose to attend college afterwards, as they are given the academic and personal skills to succeed. Most common placements are University of Denver, Lynn, Curry College, Roger Williams University, and American International College with comprehensive learning disability support. Therefore, the graduates of the program typically do quite well transferring to a regular college campus.
Next is the Dynamy Internship program in Worcester, Massachusetts. Its main focus is to help each student develop confidence, stronger time management skills, a greater sense of direction, and most of all greater independence. Students are placed in 3-4 internships throughout the year and can stay in the program for up to two years. In addition, they have the option to take a couple of college courses, which also helps them find the correct major and career path for themselves. Also, all students in the program live within the city of Worcester and share apartments with 2-4 other students. While residential staff and personal counselors check on each of the students regularly, students have daily practice with life skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting money, and being able to wake up independently. So it offers a great balance of support and independence. Most of all, what makes this program a little different is that they accept non-learning disabled students who want an extra year to be prepared for college while having the necessary support and resources for all of their students. So for some students, it is an especially great option, as they can see not everyone is really ready for what’s next at the same time.
To wrap up Part A, as you can see, there are several options for students with an NVLD and other learning disabilities, and it doesn’t even include the college possibilities. So it is important to explore all options and perhaps consider applying to a combination of options, as you have until May 1 of your senior year to make a decision. More importantly, I hope this piece helps you realize your options aren’t nearly as limited as you and possibly your IEP team may think, and it will help you to understand that by doing great research, you will end up having great choices. I was fortunate that my parents knew this years ago, as Dean College was the perfect choice for me. This being said, in Part B I will discuss the different college options, as students with an NVLD and other learning disabilities benefit from different personal paths.
Eileen
Eileen is a Project Social Ambassador and blogger for The NVLD Project. She loves helping others understand they can achieve their goals and dreams through hard work and dedication.
