AccessSTEM

What are some examples of courses for which educational programs might assign course substitutes?

Students with disabilities that affect memory, information processing, and analytical reasoning may face challenges in specific courses, such as foreign language and math classes. They may need accommodations in order to be successful in such classes. If accommodations are insufficient to level the playing field with the other students in a class, the institution may consider a course substitute. For example, an institution might allow a computer science course to replace a math course for a student who needs hands-on and interactive activities to grasp the subject.

Can students with intellectual disabilities attend college?

Yes, some students with intellectual disabilities attend college and other postsecondary programs. The ThinkCollege.net website is devoted to helping students with intellectual disabilities, parents, and advocates find postsecondary programs and resources that are a good match for these students. It includes a database of over one hundred programs that serve individuals with cognitive disabilities.

What is an Individualized Education Plan?

An Individualized Education Plan (or Program) is also known as an IEP. This is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child with an identified disability who is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services. The IEP is developed by a team of individuals from various educational disciplines, the child with a disability, family members, and/or designated advocates.

An IEP typically includes the following:

How can postsecondary institutions determine whether a student is "otherwise qualified" for science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics curricula?

At the postsecondary educational level, a qualified student with a disability is a student with a disability who meets the academic and technical standards required for participation in the class, program, or activity. The standards for a student with a disability are the same as those for all students entering the program. However, a student with a disability may request and receive reasonable accommodations to demonstrate that they meet those standards.

Are postsecondary institutions required to transport a student with a mobility impairment to a remote field site?

If the institution is providing transportation for other students in the class, then it is typically expected that it provide transportation for a student who has a mobility impairment as well. Ideally, that transportation is provided for everyone in the same way (e.g., renting an accessible bus that provides accessible space for a student in a wheelchair as well as for other students).

How can web design teachers learn to incorporate web accessibility in their courses?

The DO-IT publication, Universal Design of Web Pages in Class Projects, provides guidance for instructors who want to incorporate universal design and accessibility content into their web design classes. The publication includes options for teachers who wish to provide short introductions on web accessibility as well as more comprehensive coverage of the topic.

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