University Opportunities for Students with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities By: Roslyn Dotterweich
It’s a quiet, gorgeous day for a walk on the University of Oklahoma (OU) campus.
And out of the peace, my husband and I hear a sweet little yell.
“MOMMY……take picture! CHEEEEEESE!!!!”
How can I refuse that precious, high-pitched voice?
But as I take the picture, my heart hurts.
He would never be admitted here.
The Gabriel on the left is six years old and diagnosed with Autism. He is enrolled in a self-contained program with a fully modified curriculum, receives intensive speech and language services, and uses PECS visual icons to support his limited vocabulary.
His father and I know full well that he will never be eligible to attend OU – or any university – for that matter.
Fast forward 13 years.
The Gabriel on the right is 19, has just graduated from the American International School of Jeddah (AISJ), and is about to begin his freshman year at OU.
NEVER have I been so happy to be proven wrong!!!
Gabriel’s Path to University
From grades 1-8, Gabriel was enrolled in AISJ’s intensive learning support program. In high school, he entered the General (modified) Diploma program, with targeted postsecondary transition instruction. This included functional academics, independent living, self-determination, employment exploration, and an off-campus vocational training internship at a local restaurant.
Gabriel thrived in this program. He gained skills in executive functioning, self-care, hygiene, laundry, cooking, personal safety, and more. By the time he reached his Sophomore year, we were highly optimistic that he might live independently someday.
However, we were still concerned about his postsecondary future, until we learned of a new, four-year program at Texas A&M University, which was specifically designed for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. We couldn’t believe our eyes! We dug into the internet to see if there were more, and found the Think College website, based at UMass Boston. We learned there are more than 300 similar programs across the United States, and at least 10 in Europe / Middle East!!
We even found a program at OU!!!
Most programs allow students to live on campus, attend traditional and specialized courses, and offer personalized academic support. Many also offer instruction in life skills, career development, work internships, and provide socialization opportunities through campus activities. Some programs are geared more toward students with intellectual disabilities, some toward developmental disabilities, and some both.
Navigating the Application Process
We shared this news with Gabriel, and he became more excited than we were! We began the application process, and submitted his Individual Learning Program (ILP), high school transcript (with no GPA), an updated Educational Psychological report, and Gabriel answered some life-centered questionnaires. We also helped him create a personal Google site to showcase his abilities, and he went through several virtual interviews – where he discussed his strengths, challenges, dreams, goals, and level of independence with admissions committees.
His hard work paid off, and he was accepted into the OU Sooner Works program. This was one of the happiest days of our lives.
Thriving at University
Gabriel has now successfully completed one year of his four-year program. He lived in a dorm, followed a course schedule, did his own laundry, used meal points to eat at the dorm cafeteria, and completed a work internship in the student union. Whenever he had a question or needed help, he could text his personal support liaison, who would follow up with him as needed.
Instead of grades, he receives a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) report each semester, which assesses his performance in four areas: person-centered planning, academics (i.e. attendance, level of effort), career/vocational progress, and social development/campus involvement.
When Gabriel completes the program in 2027, he will participate in the OU graduation ceremony and receive a Certificate of Completion in Integrated Community Studies. His ultimate goals are to live independently, secure paid employment in his area of interest (Library Studies) and achieve an improved quality of life.
A Message of Hope
Looking back at that precious six-year-old boy, he’s come a long way, and we are beyond proud of him. Society has made great strides as well, increasingly recognizing that students with significant support needs deserve the opportunity to benefit from a university experience.
While there is still much work to do (especially internationally), let Gabriel’s story remind us that dreams, once thought impossible, can indeed become reality. Here’s to all the students and families who dare to dream beyond the confines of their challenges. YES, university is indeed possible for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and our sweet Gabriel is living proof.
