Postsecondary Education/Training
Learning is lifelong!
For many careers, additional education or training after high school is a requirement. Education after high school is called postsecondary education and includes trade schools, community colleges, and universities. Postsecondary education can be a time to learn more about yourself and who you want to become. If your desired career does not require postsecondary education, may need additional training beyond high school. Some examples of training include on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.
Regardless if you engage in postsecondary education or training, you can use the Summary of Performance (SOP) to assist you in meeting your goals after high school. The SOP is a document school districts are required to provide you during your final year of high school. The SOP provides a summary of your academic and functional performance as well as recommendations on how to assist you in meeting your goals. You can be involved in the development of your SOP--after all, you know yourself the best! The SOP can be given to a college or university Office of Disability Services or vocational agency (for example, Texas Workforce Commission) to help build a plan to support you at the next level of your education or employment.
What is an Office of Disability Services? The Office of Disability Services is the office at the college, university, or technical school that can provide accommodations, academic adjustments, and auxiliary aids and services to students who have temporary or permanent disabilities. It is important for you to visit the Office of Disability Services during college visits and register with the Office of Disability Services once you are admitted. The name of the Office of Disability Services may vary by school; other names include Student Accessibility Services, Disability Services Office, Student Disability Services, Disability Services, and Student Accessible Services.
Explore the following links to learn more about postsecondary education and training.
60x30TX
The 60x30TX (“60 by 30 Tex”) higher education strategic plan contains four broad goals. Each goal contains a set of targets that will move the state toward reaching one or more goals. Many stakeholders across Texas will need to develop and implement a wide range of strategies to meet each goal: educated population, completion, marketable skills, and student debt. This link leads to postsecondary programs and services in Texas for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
College Autism Network (CAN)
College Autism Network
The College Autism Network (CAN) seeks to improve access to and success in postsecondary education for college students who have autism. As a student with autism who is planning to go to college, CAN’s “Support for College Students on the Autism Spectrum” and “Fast Facts” documents may be of benefit to you.
Connections for Academic Success and Employment (CASE)
Connections for Academic Success and Employment
The Connections for Academic Success and Employment (CASE) program helps students with autism and other developmental disabilities at Texas Tech University and South Plains College in West Texas graduate and find competitive employment after graduation. CASE is for students who can meet the university’s academic entrance requirements, but because of their autism or other developmental disability need assistance in developing skills for independent living, social connections, and employment after graduation.
National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD)
National Center for College Students with Disabilities
The National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD) provides information about disability and postsecondary education. On the NCCSD website, you can find information about student organizations on disability, a searchable clearinghouse and resource library, and a listing of scholarships for students with disabilities, among other resources and information.
Texas Workforce Commission-Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Texas Workforce Commission-Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Texas Workforce Commission-Vocational Rehabilitation Services prepares youth with disabilities for postsecondary education and employment opportunities. Their services are based on specific eligibility criteria and individual need.
Think College
Think College
Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with an intellectual disability. One of the best features of this website is its listing of all postsecondary programs for students with an intellectual disability in the United States.