The special diploma is for students at the secondary level who have a disability and cannot meet the requirements for Standard education. The parent of the student and the student’s individualized education plan committee (IEP) determine if a student is qualified. A level 6 diploma is the same as a degree with honors in terms of higher education. No one made it compulsory for students doing a Special Diploma to meet the standards of students in the standard diploma program. This does not limit the options available for these sets of students in acquiring higher education. Lets’ start with Can You Go To College With A Special Diploma?
Colleges and universities recognize that being disabled does not mean a person can not achieve great success in any sphere of life. The educational system should be more enlightened on the need to help the disabled to live a typical normal life. Many disabled students would have been successful in their career path, but little or no provision has been made for them, limiting them in society. The college or university that accepts disabled students provides facilities, services, and accommodations that are needed for a successful teaching and learning process; they do not leave out the disabled in their structures for easy movement in the college environment, dedicated to future improvement of the Disabled students.
These are colleges and universities that accept special or disabled students according to their rankings by some media agencies:
Curry College Milton, Massachusetts: This is ranked one of the best colleges for the disabled. They run the program for the advancement of learning (PAL) first in America, focusing on language learning disabilities, executive function disorders, and lots more.
Montclair State University has a virtual learning system for students with disabilities. They use technology more efficiently in monitoring and data analysis to enhance instructions, assessment, and curricular programs. They are fully online graduate Certificates in virtual learning for students with disabilities. Using hardware and software assistive technology tools to improve student learning and achieve educational goals specified in an individualized education plan (IEP). They also implement the policies and guidelines for students with disabilities.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale: This is one of the best for disabled students, they help students with ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, and dyslexia through special programs, and their professionals support students in their individual learning needs.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the best known for its special activities of coordinating awareness and innovation fairs through the student’s advocates, which helps the students to relate well with their colleagues, an example of a specially balanced life on campus.
The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign: college magazine ranked it one of the second-best colleges in America for the physically disabled, with online and physical programs geared towards assisting the disabled students even up to exploring career opportunities after graduation.
Wright State University Dayton, Ohio: college magazine ranked this university as the second-best while dealing with differences ranked it as 17th. It has a large enrollment of physically disabled students, about 800 students with mental and physical impairment. Disabled students get assisted all through their learning process. The college is known for its open walk-in center for the disabled.
Ramapo College of New Jersey Is ranked 7th by the college magazine and 15th by dealing with a difference; it provides equal access to all students, either disabled or not, allowing every student to succeed in their chosen sphere.
The University of Missouri is ranked 9th by college magazine and 12th by dealing with differences. Students’ testimonials on their website are doing a great job.
Programs available to help the disabled students
- Individualized education plan(IEP)
- Free appropriate public education (FAPE),
- Individuals with disabilities education act (IDEA),
- Individualized education plan (IEP)
Individualized education plan (IEP)
This is a legal framework developed for every student with disabilities who needs special education. This program came to its inception for the purpose of working together and improving the educational system for students who have disabilities. This program is developed to make sure that any child identified with a disability is attending an educational institution and receiving specialized instruction and related services. Eligibility is dependent on your referral, identification, Review, evaluation, and implementation of the program.
Free appropriate public education (FAPE)
This is a system that supervises educational activities in other to make sure that the school makes available special education equipment to meet the needs of individual disabled students. This program puts into consideration the unique need of a student. This program has components that are free, Appropriate education, and parents’ participation.
Individuals with disability education act (IDEA)
This is previously known as education for all handicapped, which started in 1975. The program was changed to the Individuals with disability education act in 1990; this program is needed because it gives students with disabilities the education they need to succeed. For children, the program gives parents access to the services necessary to prevent learning disabilities and other disorders from completely stopping a child’s academic career.
Conclusively, the disparity of colleges in enrolling students with disabilities is very vast notwithstanding, many colleges and universities accept special diplomas, students with disabilities, staff with disabilities, and visitors with disabilities. Colleges that accept students with disabilities Are well equipped to aid the students in effective learning processes, for example, Landmark College, Harvard University, Michelle college, Marshall University, Edinboro University, Lesley University, Augsburg University, University of America, and so on. Scholarships available for the disabled are the $4,300 Ethel Hayes De-stigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship, $500 Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship, John Lepping Memorial Scholarship for Disabled Students, and so on.
Frequently asked questions
- What is ADD?
ADD is an acronym for Attention Deficiency Disorder. A chronic condition of attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
- What is ADHD?
ADHD is an acronym for Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder that persists from childhood into adulthood. It may contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and difficulty at school or work.
- Why do colleges have preferences for Special diplomas?
The cost of facilities needed to help the disabled is one of the many reasons why colleges have preferences for a Special diploma.
