Disability Pride Month: Disability Development Programs
Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center
Douglass School Program: The Douglass School Program helps kids aged 3 to 21 with autism. Using applied behavior analysis (ABA), it focuses on teaching important life skills like communication, social skills, and independent living. Behavioral assessments guide all interventions.
Douglass Adult Program: The Douglass Adult Program, started in 1997, helps adults with autism get jobs and learn life skills. They use a special teaching method to support individual abilities, encourage skill growth, reduce problematic behavior, and respect personal choices.
Douglass Outreach: Douglass Outreach Services offers top-quality help and training for people with autism, their families, and professionals. Expert staff use proven ABA methods in schools, homes, and evaluations. They are committed to meeting the needs of everyone they serve.
Temple Institute on Disabilities
Background: The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University works with people with disabilities and their families in Pennsylvania. They share knowledge, change systems, and promote self-determined lives, recognizing disability as a natural part of life.
National Center for College Students with Disabilities
The NCCSD is the only federally-funded national center in the U.S. that helps college students with disabilities. They provide information and resources for students, their families, and teachers. They support everyone with questions about disability and higher education.
Campus Disability Resource Database
In October 2019, the NCCSD surveyed all degree-granting colleges in the U.S. about their disability services, courses, and resources. The collected information was added to a free, public database. This database helps prospective and current students, families, faculty, staff, researchers, and policymakers find useful campus resources.
Widener University: Integrated Professional Studies
Background: Widener’s integrated professional studies program helps students build self-advocacy, independence, and confidence for successful careers. Through on-campus classes, hands-on career experiences, and campus activities, students develop these essential skills.
Eligibility:
🎓 Ages 18 and older, high school graduates
💡 Documented intellectual difference
🚗 Able to arrange transportation to and from campus
🏫 Able to navigate campus unsupervised for at least an hour
Requirements:
📝 Complete the online application
📞 Contact program coordinator for questions: Julie Heydeman at (610) 499-1102 or jheydeman@widener.edu
Career Studies: Penn State Harrisburg
Background: The Career Studies Program is a special two-year course for young adults with intellectual disabilities. It helps them learn, grow, and get ready for good jobs. This program is like a bridge to a bright future, offering classes, social activities, career advice, and work experience. Our goal is to help students become independent and find great jobs.
Eligibility:
🧑🦱 Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
🎓 Aged 18-25
📚 Seeking higher education and career growth
Requirements:
📝 APPLY HERE for the fall semester starting November 1, 2024
📅 Tour the campus or join an open house/information session
📄 Submit a completed application with: letters of recommendation, most recent IEP, & evaluation report
🗣️ Participate in an interview
Deadline:
📅 March 31, 2025
Integrated Studies: Millersville University
Background: Integrated Studies at Millersville University helps students with intellectual disabilities join in college life and get support for their education. This program makes sure students can have important roles in the university. The program uses the university’s services to help students in the best way.
Eligibility:
📄 Have a documented intellectual and developmental disability
🎓 Hold a GED, Diploma, or Certificate of Completion
🎂 Be at least 18 years old by August 31st of the academic year
🏠 Be able to live in student housing with limited support
🔒 Have basic safety skills in unsupervised settings
❤️ Have family support and a desire to learn skills for independent living and employment
🧭 Independently navigate the campus of Millersville University
Requirements:
📝 Complete and submit the Student Application
📑 Submit required documents using the Application Checklist
✉️ Submit 3 letters of recommendation using the Recommendation Form
Temple University: Leadership & Career Studies
Background: Temple University’s Leadership & Career Studies (L&CS) is a four-year program for young adults with intellectual disabilities or autism. It provides a college-like experience, focusing on academics, career goals, community involvement, and self-determination.
Eligibility:
🧠 Documented intellectual disability or autism
📝 Registered with Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
📅 Age 18-26 at program start
🚌 Access to transportation to Temple’s campus
⏰ Available for day and evening classes
🤝 Willingness to spend 10 hours weekly in college activities with mentors
Requirements:
📄 Submit required application sections and documents
🎓 Include ISP, OVR registration confirmation, diagnosis documentation, high school credentials, and two professional recommendation letters (max 2 pages each).
Saint Joseph’s University: Pathways to Authentic College Experiences
Background: The Pathways to Authentic College Experiences (PACE) program at Saint Joseph’s University offers a supportive four-year certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities. It aims to foster academic, social, employment, and self-determination skills in an inclusive college environment.
Eligibility:
🌟 Documented diagnosis of Intellectual Disability (ID)
🌟 Age 17-25 at time of enrollment
🌟 High school graduate or exited high school
🌟 Ability to communicate effectively, use a cell phone, behave appropriately on campus, manage medical needs, and navigate safely
Requirements:
🔍 Submit PACE Inquiry Form
🔍 Attend virtual informational session
🔍 Tour SJU campus
🔍 Submit PACE Application with ID documentation
🔍 Participate in PACE Experience Visit
🔍 Attend SJU class observation
🔍 Complete separate interviews for student and parent
Arcadia University: REAL Certificate
Background: The REAL Certificate provides a post-secondary program focusing on academic, vocational, and social inclusion for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Participants audit undergraduate courses, engage in vocational experiences, and have options to live on campus or commute. Graduates receive a certificate of completion, not an accredited degree.
Eligibility:
🎓 Ages 18-26 at program start
📄 Documentation of intellectual/developmental disability
🎯 Desire to complete post-secondary education
📚 Proof of eligibility for IDEA (e.g., IEP)
💬 Ability to communicate effectively
🚶♂️ Independence to navigate campus
😌 Emotional and independent stability
🔄 Adaptability to change
🌟 Desire to join the workforce
🚗 Transportation to/from campus
🏥 Proof of health insurance
📜 Adherence to university conduct
Requirements:
📝 Complete application, supporting documents, and teacher reference
📅 Schedule interview upon eligibility review
📧 Final decisions communicated via email
