To narrow down our list of disability-friendly colleges, we took several factors into account, including cost, delivery format, and credits required to graduate. We also considered whether they have specific initiatives or programs to support students with physical or learning disabilities.
Another factor to consider when comparing colleges is accreditation status. We’ve made sure to only list schools that are accredited by a reputable institution, such as the Higher Learning Commission, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Their role is to confirm that a school offers high-quality academic programs and that credits can be transferred between learning institutions.
Colleges can’t turn you down for having a disability, and you don’t have to disclose your disability status if you don’t want to. According to the U.S. Department of Education, postsecondary schools must make appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities, including providing accessible housing at the same price they charge other students. Of course, if you don’t disclose your disability, you won’t be able to request accommodations or academic adjustments.
Not all schools offer the same level of support. As many as 20% of undergraduates in the U.S. report having a disability, but the support they receive can vary widely from one institution to another. Common adjustments include assistive listening devices, sign language interpreters, and testing accommodations.
Some colleges encourage professors to follow Universal Design for Instruction (UDI) guidelines, which can help make learning materials as accessible as possible. For example, a lecture could be delivered in multiple formats, with both a written transcript and an audio recording. This saves students with disabilities from having to request accessible materials from every instructor. Other schools offer online learning portals that make it easy to view course materials.
Applying to college can be a stressful experience for anyone, but choosing a disability-friendly college can add more steps to the process. Here are a few things to consider as you compare your options: