• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cerebral Palsy Guidance

Answers and Assistance

877-862-8594phone iconCall
  • Cerebral Palsy
    • Types
    • Symptoms
    • Diagnosis
    • Prognosis
    • Causes
    • Associated Disorders
    • Gross Motor Classification System
    • Treatment
    • Life Expectancy
    • Myths
    • Risk Factors
    • Support Groups
    • Research
    • United Cerebral Palsy Association
    • Birth Injury Overview
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
    • Daily Communication
    • Physical Fitness
    • Toilet Training Tips
    • Eating and Feeding Tips
    • Wheelchairs and Scooters
    • Walkers, Canes, and Standers
    • Falling Issues
    • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
    • Conductive Education
    • Tips For Better Sleeping
    • Traveling Tips
    • Sports
    • Bullying
    • Inclusive Playgrounds
    • Respite Care
    • Transitioning to Adulthood
    • Vocational Counseling
    • College Guide
    • Finding a Job
    • Having Children
    • Costs
  • Financial Assistance
    • Government Assistance
    • Special Education Assistance
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
math book and pen
Home > Cerebral Palsy > Living With Cerebral Palsy > College Guide for Students with Cerebral Palsy
Last Updated: May 06, 2022

College Guide for Students with Cerebral Palsy

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

This article has been fact checked by a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Sources of information for the article are listed at the bottom.

For any content issues please Contact Us.

A child with cerebral palsy faces more challenges transitioning to adulthood, independence, and going to college than other children. With a physical disability, there are more roadblocks to get through. There are also resources, including aides, financial support, assistive devices, tutors, and others that can help someone get to college and to be successful there.

1. Start with an IEP

Children with cerebral palsy should have an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). These are plans coordinated through the special education department of a school or school district with input from various experts, from doctors and teachers to parents and other caregivers.[1]

As a child grows older, the IEP should change and be updated to continue to match the student’s needs.

An IEP may contain things like ensuring enough space in a classroom for a wheelchair or that a desk is provided in each room at the right height. It may also include accommodations for learning disabilities, such as having tests read aloud or being given more time to complete projects.

Even in high school, when a teen with cerebral palsy may find his stride and gain more independence, an IEP can be updated and used to ensure he gets everything he needs to be successful with a disability.

The IEP in high school should include plans for after graduation. Teens with cerebral palsy should be involved in creating this plan.

A teen with cerebral palsy should start thinking about what he wants for the future, whether he wants to try vocational school, community college, or a four-year university, and their goals.

With these in mind, the teen can sit down with his IEP team to help make a plan for moving forward. Supportive adults are important for helping a disabled teen refine post-high school goals and move forward to achieve them.

Before getting an IEP, the student and their parents or caregivers will need to go through several meetings with the student’s teacher and the school’s administration. Parents may need to take their child for additional medical and cognitive testing (in some cases), which can help the school find the appropriate IEP for the student.

2. Work on College Applications in High School

For a child with cerebral palsy and no intellectual disability, getting into college involves many of the same steps as it does for anyone else aspiring to enter higher education. It starts with making an effort in high school to learn, get good grades, participate in extracurricular activities, and take college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT.

For a disabled student, academic achievement and participation can be more challenging.

smiling college student

A child with cerebral palsy needs to start thinking about and preparing for college early. Too many disabled children feel left out of activities, but participation is important for college admissions. Getting involved in clubs, academic teams, and even adaptive sports teams should be a priority.

When approaching the time for completing college applications, like other students, those with cerebral palsy should visit those colleges that interest them.

Disabled teens will need to scrutinize their future schools even more, though, looking for schools with amenities and services they need and schools with a track record of full inclusion for disabled students.

Ask about disabled student services offices and if all buildings will be accessible or made to be accommodating. Disabled teens need to learn to advocate for their needs and speak up and ask, and a campus tour is a great place to start doing that while parents stand in the background.

3. Start Thinking about Financial Aid

Raising a child with cerebral palsy is expensive, and paying for college is expensive for anyone. Facing the costs of college tuition may be daunting, but for a student with cerebral palsy, there are a lot of specialized resources that can help. A scholarship may be one option.

A student with cerebral palsy can apply for any scholarship for which she is qualified, but special scholarships exist for children with disabilities. A quick internet search will pull up many of these and many opportunities to win tuition for the school. For example, the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine offers several small scholarships every year.[2]

The government, both state and federal, may also be a source of financing for college for students with cerebral palsy. California, for instance, offers several scholarships specifically for students with cerebral palsy who will be attending a college or vocational school. Students with cerebral palsy can get grants, scholarships, and loans through the federal government.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Supplemental Security Income for disabled children from low-income families.[3] The SSA also offers the PASS program, Plan for Achieving Self Support, to further help these students complete college or vocational training.

4. Consider College Programs Designed for People with Special Needs

Some children with cerebral palsy do have intellectual disabilities, but they still have options for education. There are hundreds of schools across the U.S. that offer post-secondary programs specifically designed for students with intellectual disabilities. These programs are diverse and offer coursework, specialized learning, and career training, as well as job placement.

Yale entrance

For example, the University of Arizona works with the Tucson Unified School District to provide Project FOCUS, a post-high school program for disabled teens that gives them access to real college courses and prepares them to find jobs.[4]

Sacramento City Community College offers similar college courses, employment skills training, and education for social skill development.[5] These are just a couple of examples of the many programs offered for any young person with an intellectual disability, including those with cerebral palsy.

However, according to Chris Wise Tiedemann, author of  College Success for Students with Physical Disabilities, only five schools in the U.S. offer students with severe disabilities enough services to live on campus comfortably:[6]

  • Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
  • University of California—Berkeley
  • University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign
  • University of Houston
  • Wright State University

Keep in mind that when Tiedemann says “serious disabilities,” she’s referring to students who have special needs so severe that their daily living is drastically impacted without assistance. For those with less severe disabilities, there are numerous other possibilities, but research is important.

There are hundreds and hundreds of colleges across the nation that offer support groups, specialized education classes, ramps, accessible handicapped parking, dyslexia services, and more.

How to Transition to College Life with Cerebral Palsy

Once you’ve taken the significant steps of preparing for and getting accepted into a college program, it’s time to face making this big transition. For all teens heading off to college, this time in life is an essential transition to adulthood and to a more independent way of living. It can be a struggle for anyone, but it may be more challenging and frightening for teens with cerebral palsy.

green college sign

Here are some things to keep in mind, both for parents and students, to smooth this transition:

  • Start planning for this transition during high school. Parents can help teens learn about setting goals and planning for the future, living independently, being responsible for finances, and other adulthood responsibilities.
  • Parents also have an important role in guiding this transition and being able to let go of control a little bit at a time so that a teen can learn to be independent by being independent.
  • Once at college, a young adult with cerebral palsy faces a new and exciting world. Getting involved in student groups is a smart way to smooth the transition to this world. Relying on the support of others and making new friends will help a teen be happy and involved while learning and preparing for the future.
  • If there is a group on campus for disabled students to gather and support each other, that can be a great resource. Anything a student can do to get more involved, be more active, and reach out will help to make college a rewarding and successful experience.

Also, keep in mind that high school is quite different from college, especially for special needs students. High schools are more likely to accommodate special needs students, whereas colleges may not, even if you’ve requested it.

The key is to be proactive. Make sure to contact the college’s office of disabled services as soon as possible and provide enough information so that there’s no question of the student’s disability.

“Parents and students are almost invariably unaware of how much more responsibility is placed upon a college student. And most students do not leave for college with experience in hiring aides to help them get showered [and] dressed,” Tiedemann told U.S. News & World Report.  “If they haven’t prepared in high school for this, they are sunk.”

All Students Can Succeed

As you take this journey to college, be sure to remember that everyone admitted to a college program is capable of being successful. Having cerebral palsy does not mean that you can’t do what other students can. While you may have unique challenges, you are just as capable as anyone else. Remember that as you go on this exciting new adventure in your life.

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now

References

  1. Guide to the individualized education program. (2019, August 30). U.S. Department of Education.
    Retrieved from: https://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html
  2. Scholarships. (2020, March 10). AACPDM - American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine
    Retrieved from: https://www.aacpdm.org/awards/scholarships
  3. Understanding SSI - SSI for children. (n.d.). The United States Social Security Administration.
    Retrieved from: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-child-ussi.htm
  4. About us. (n.d.). Transition Program | Project FOCUS. The University of Arizona.
    Retrieved from: https://projectfocus.arizona.edu/content/about-us
  5. Dsps. (n.d.). Sacramento City College | Sacramento City College.
    Retrieved from: https://www.scc.losrios.edu/student-resources/support-services/dsps
  6. 4 tips for college applicants, students with physical disabilities. (2011, December 5). US News & World Report.
    Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2011/12/05/4-tips-for-college-applicants-students-with-physical-disabilities
View All References
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has extensive experience working with pediatric patients in primary care as well as adolescent mental health.

See Full Bio

Secondary Sidebar

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy in Newborns
Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers
Severe Cerebral Palsy
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic
Atonic (Hypotonic)
Dyskinetic Athetoid
Dystonic
Hypertonic
Mixed
Non-Spastic
Spastic
Spastic Diplegia
Spastic Hemiplegia
Spastic Quadriplegia
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
How Cerebral Palsy Affects the Brain and Body Parts
Cerebral Palsy Causes
Birth Asphyxia
Prolonged Labor
Delayed C-Section
Forceps Delivery Injuries
Vacuum Extractor Injuries
Nuchal Cord Birth Injuries
Uterine Rupture and Birth Injury
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Failure to Diagnose
Chorioamnionitis
Improper NICU Care
Traumatic Brain Injury
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Hydrocephalus
Pitocin Errors
Anesthesia Errors
Infertility Drugs
Cerebral Dysgenesis and Cerebral Palsy
Jaundice
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
Placental Problems
Epidural Hematoma
Perinatal Stroke
Acquired Brain Injuries and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders
Mobility Issues
Pain
Cognitive Issues
Developmental Delays
Cerebral Palsy and Post-Impairment Syndrome
Seizures
Epilepsy
Malnutrition
Respiratory Health
Hearing Problems
Vision Impairment
Arthritis
Depression
Sleep Issues
Dysphagia
Oral Health Issues
Skin Conditions
Digestive Issues and Health
Emotional Issues
Behavioral Disorders
Autism
Down Syndrome
ADHD
Diabetes
Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Imaging Tests
Cerebral Palsy Prognosis
Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Classification System
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Cerebral Palsy Specialists
Nutrition Therapy
Chiropractic Care
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Medications
Seizure Medications
Anticonvulsants
Muscle Relaxants
Stem Cell Therapy
Surgery
Aquatic Therapy
Acupuncture Therapy
Botox Treatment
Hippotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy
Homeopathy
Yoga
Pilates
Intensive Suit Therapy
Medical Marijuana
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Osteopathic Manipulation
Anat Baniel Method and NeuroMovement
Pet Therapy
Cerebral Palsy Cure
Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
High-Risk Pregnancy
Risk Factor Causal Pathways
Premature Birth
Birth Complications
Post-term Pregnancy
Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Maternal and Fetal Infections
Blood Type Incompatibility
Multiple Births
Parental Habits and Health
Cerebral Palsy Support Groups and Organizations
Cerebral Palsy Research
Cerebral Palsy History
Facts and Statistics
Prevalence and Incidence
Cerebral Palsy Myths
Cerebral Palsy Prevention
Cerebral Palsy Misdiagnosis
United Cerebral Palsy Association
Living With Cerebral Palsy
Costs
Orthopedic Health
Neurological Health
Daily Communication
Physical Fitness
Abuse
Toilet Training Tips
Eating and Feeding Tips
Wheelchairs and Scooters
Wheelchair-accessible Vans
Walkers, Canes, and Standers
Adaptive Bikes
Affordable Transportation
Assistive Technology
Falling Issues
Home Modifications
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Conductive Education
Tips For Better Sleeping
Traveling Tips
Sports
Bullying
Inclusive Playgrounds
Respite Care
Faith
Engaging in the Arts
Transitioning to Adulthood
LGBT
Vocational Counseling
College Guide
Teacher Tips for Inclusive Classrooms
Finding a Job
Having Children
Veterans
Fostering or Adopting a Child with CP
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Emergency Preparedness
Financial Assistance
Government Assistance
Title V MCH Benefits
Special Education Assistance
Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Alabama
Huntsville
Alaska
Anchorage
Arizona
Phoenix
Arkansas
Little Rock
California
Los Angeles
Colorado
Denver
Connecticut
Bridgeport
Delaware
Wilmington
Florida
Jacksonville
Georgia
Atlanta
Hawaii
Honolulu
Idaho
Boise
Illinois
Chicago
Indiana
Indianapolis
Iowa
Des Moines
Kansas
Wichita
Kentucky
Louisville
Louisiana
New Orleans
Maine
Portland, Maine
Maryland
Baltimore
Massachusetts
Boston
Michigan
Detroit
Minnesota
Minneapolis
Mississippi
Jackson
Missouri
Kansas City
Montana
Billings
Nebraska
Omaha
Nevada
Las Vegas
New Hampshire
Manchester
New Jersey
Newark
New Mexico
Albuquerque
New York
New York City
North Carolina
Charlotte
North Dakota
Fargo
Ohio
Columbus
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Oregon
Portland
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Rhode Island
Providence
South Carolina
Columbia
South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Tennessee
Nashville
Texas
Houston
Utah
Salt Lake City
Vermont
Burlington
Virginia
Virginia Beach
Washington
Seattle
West Virginia
Charleston
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
Wyoming
Cheyenne
Medical Malpractice
Claim for Compensation
Lawsuit
Settlement
Statute of Limitations
Life Care Plan
Goals
Evaluation
Diagnosis
Care Team
Record Keeping and Documents
Birth Injury
Treatment
Causes
Failure to Monitor
Symptoms
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Skull Fracture
Treatment
Symptoms
Causes
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Brain Damage
Prognosis
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Settlement
Infant Wrongful Death
Causes
Intrauterine Fetal Demise (Stillbirth)
Claim for Compensation
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Grieving the Loss of a Baby
Erb’s Palsy
Symptoms
Prognosis
Treatment
Causes
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Brachial Plexus Injury
Causes
Prognosis
Symptoms
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Settlement
Claim for Compensation
Klumpke’s Palsy
Lawyer
Lawsuit

© 2023 CerebralPalsyGuidance.com · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer

The information provided by CerebralPalsyGuidance.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
  • Financial Assistance
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
210 W. Division St. Syracuse, NY 13204

We provide nationwide assistance

Facebook Twitter
Learn About Our Editorial Guidelines