🎓 Post-Secondary Education & Scholarships
College programs, scholarships, and resources for higher education.
Disclaimer: These resources are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all available resources about Down syndrome, nor does the DSAU promote any therapy, treatment, institution, or professional system presented in any of the resources listed on this page.
🧭 Quick Navigation
📝 IEPs, 504 Plans & College
📋 What Changes in College?
IEPs don’t exist at the college level. IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) only covers elementary and secondary education—it does not apply to higher education.
📝 504 Plans in College
504 plans ARE available in college. Students must request accommodations through the disability services office, providing documentation as required by the institution.
⚖️ Your Rights in Higher Education
🏛️ ADA & Section 504
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protect students from discrimination and ensure equal access to educational programs and activities in colleges.
📂 FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects student education records. At 18, rights transfer from parents to the student—parents won’t automatically have access to college records.
🗣️ Self-Advocacy
In college, students must advocate for themselves. Unlike K-12 where the school identifies and provides services, college students must register with disability services and request accommodations.
🎓 Scholarships & Post-Secondary Programs
💰 Scholarships
🌈 Ruby’s Rainbow
A nonprofit providing educational scholarships to young adults with Down syndrome—funding their dreams of attending post-secondary education programs.
💙 NDSS Scholarships
The National Down Syndrome Society provides scholarships to help individuals with Down syndrome pursue their dreams at post-secondary institutions.
⭐ O’Neill Tabani Scholarship
Scholarships supporting individuals with Down syndrome in pursuing their educational goals through accredited programs.
🏫 Post-Secondary Programs
🐅 Clemson LIFE
Clemson University’s program for students with intellectual disabilities. Focuses on education, socialization, independent living, and vocational skills.
🐔 CarolinaLIFE (USC)
University of South Carolina’s certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities. Students live on campus and participate in campus life.
🐝 GT EXCEL (Georgia Tech)
Georgia Tech’s 2-year certificate program offering inclusive post-secondary education and job preparation for young adults with intellectual disabilities.
🦫 OSU TOPS (Oregon State)
Oregon State’s Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities. A 4-year residential program.
📚 ESU CILLS (Emporia State)
Emporia State’s Campus Inclusion for Life & Learning Success program for students with intellectual disabilities.
🔍 Think College
A national organization with a searchable database of all college programs for students with intellectual disabilities.
📅 Educational Events
Check out our calendar for upcoming educational workshops and informational sessions!
💬 Questions or Need More Information?
Reach out to us to learn more about post-secondary education and scholarship opportunities.