Learning Resources

Post-secondary Education Options:

  • Iowa Community Colleges – Community colleges from the Iowa Department of Education.
  • Iowa Cosmetology Schools – Assists you with finding a school, program, scholarships, and be able to request information from the different schools.
  • Iowa Colleges and Universities – Cost, enrollment, and scholarships available by searching each college.
  • Job Corps – Hands-on training location that gives individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 the opportunity to learn a trade to advance their skills.
  • Mercy One Radiologic Technology Program (X-Ray) – This program offers the learner instructional and clinical training program to those who wish to become registered as radiologic technologists.
  • Minnesota Life Skills College – Located in Richfield, Minnesota, not-for-profit, vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders.
  • UI REACH – The University of Iowa REACH Program is a two-year, transition certificate program for students with multiple intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities.
  • Loras College –  Has a four-year program designed to help students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) thrive emotionally, academically and socially. Students will hone skills ranging from self-advocacy and organization to stress management and socialization in addition to earning their bachelor’s degree.

 

Other:

  • High School Equivalency  Diploma  (HSED) Program – The high school equivalency test gives students who left high school before graduating an opportunity to earn a diploma.
  • SAVE – SAVE is a secondary transitional preparatory program for students on a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP) located at the Emmetsburg Campus.
  • STRIVE– STRIVE is a support program on the Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny campus for special education students requiring transition assistance from high school to a vocational program at DMACC on a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
  • Transition Alliance Program (TAP) – Focuses on assisting students with disabilities becoming career and college ready- serving Black Hawk and Floyd County.
  • VITAL – The Vocational Individualized Training and Learning (VITAL) program is designed to help high school students with an IEP succeed in a career and technical education program at Kirkwood Community College.
  • College Accessibility for Visually Impaired Students-  compiled a collection of resources designed to help visually impaired students transition into higher education and achieve success in the college classroom once enrolled.

Post-secondary Expectations/Explorations:

  • College Accessibility for Visually Impaired Students – Supports individuals with visual impairments in being aware of options available to them at the post-secondary setting.
  • College Board – Helps explore majors, colleges, and careers.
  • Education Planner – Supports students, parents, and counselors in having a better understanding of what to expect at the postsecondary setting.
  • Going to College – Helps out on knowing the expectations of my place, campus life, and planning for college.
  • Know How 2 Go – Assists you in gaining a better understanding of expectations and options in the post-secondary setting.
  • School Finder – A 3 step assistance in finding out what career suits you best.
  • Think College – College Options for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
  • Vocational Information Center – Provides links to state resources for Career and Technical Education, Standards and Frameworks, Career Clusters, Career Development, Tech Prep, Adult Education and Workforce Development Programs.
  • National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability – Resources and tools to prepare youth for transition to adulthood.

 

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA)– Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
  • Fast Web – Leading online resource in finding scholarships to help you pay for school.
  • Proteus – Proteus provides training and health care services to farm and migrant workers in Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska. Proteus provides access to education services and job training, support, and additional services suited to the customer’s career goals.

Learning Resources:

  • Affordable Colleges Online – Resources for Students with Disabilities– find specific information and resources on a variety of different disabilities, learn how to make the transition into the workforce easier, and find out what your legal rights on campus are.
  • IDEA partnership– The IDEA Partnership reflects the collaborative work of more than 50 national organizations, technical assistance providers, and organizations and agencies at state and local level.