Post-Secondary Options

State College System (Community Colleges)

Florida has an outstanding state college system that is generally accessible to students with disabilities. The state college system offer a variety of vocational, occupational, and academic programs that lead to professional certificates or associate’s degrees. If you are undecided about a career path, you can use the state college system experience to explore options.

Some state (community) colleges have residential housing available, most do not. If you decide to live off campus, make sure you have a way to get back and forth to classes.

Four-Year College or University

Many colleges require a high school diploma or GED, a minimum grade point average, minimum scores on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, references or letters of recommendation, completed application and application fee, and a personal statement. There are some institutions of higher learning that have additional requirements, such as an interview.

Career and Technical Centers
(Vocational Schools, Trade Programs, and Technical Schools)

Students with disabilities, like everyone else, should pursue the career they desire. Some careers require a license or some other kind of certification. Often, a specialized vocational school can provide this. Some of these programs may be located on a state college (community college) campus and be part of the state college system. Others might be separate schools of their own.

The kinds of occupations such schools provide training in are varied. Here is list to give you an idea: