Post-Secondary Education

Post-secondary education is an important goal for many youth who are deafblind. Choices include adult education classes, community college, and 4-year colleges and universities.

Higher education has always been seen as an option for students with deafblindness who graduate with a high-school diploma, but a trend toward including increasing numbers of students with intellectual disabilities in post-secondary education, means there may also be new opportunities for students who do not graduate with a diploma (Zatta & McGinnity, 2016).

Students who are deafblind require a range of individualized accommodations and supports to help them access lectures and course materials, as well as social events (Arndt, 2011). Solid planning, organization, and an ability to self-advocate are essential.

A young adult man who is deaf-blind is sitting at a computer with a large monitor screen. He is wearing glasses and hearing aids.

Introductory Resources

Factsheet
College Students Who Are Deaf-Blind
External Resource
6 Tips to Succeed in College through Self-Discipline
External Resource
College Life: Extra Baggage - Necessary Supplies

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Articles:

Perspectives and Experiences of Deaf Blind College Students

As more young adults with deaf-blindness begin to attend college, it is essential to understand what college is like for them and make sure they have the support and assistance they need to be fully included in college life. (Arndt, 2011)

References

Arndt, Z. (2011). College students who are deaf-blind. National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness.

Zatta, M., & McGinnity, B. (2016). An overview of transition planning for students who are deafblind. American Annals of the Deaf, 161(4), 474-485.

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