If you’re autistic and planning on attending college or thinking about it, you’ve probably already heard that after high school, there’s a shift in support for students on the spectrum. (Check out our posts here and here to learn more about those changes and how to prepare for them.) Not to worry, though. Disability Offices at both community colleges and four-year institutions want to be dedicated, enthusiastic partners in helping you achieve your academic goals. They realize, too, that getting good grades is often only one important part of the college experience. If you’re unsure what kind of services you might receive through a school’s Disability Office, read on to learn what four community colleges are doing to get a sense of common programs, policies, and opportunities. And, remember, all colleges and universities will have approaches like the ones below. When you’re thinking about what school to attend, the supports available through the Disability Office will tell you a lot about the kind of experiences available to you as you begin navigating a whole new environment. Are you already in college? Do you love (or not love) the supports available through the Disability Office on your campus?
And if you’re an administrator or educator and you know you’ve got a great Disability Office, please give them a shout out in our comments! We'd like to profile more schools.
