Eligibility Requirements

• Have an intellectual disability. Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. This disability originates before the age of 18. Intellectual disability is the currently preferred term for the disability historically referred to as mental retardation. (American Association of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
• Have not received a standard high school diploma; however, students who earned a regular diploma based upon successful completion of their IEP and passing scores on state exit exams, but have not earned the standard admissions criteria for college are eligible applicants.
• Are 18 to 29 years of age.
• Have a desire to receive transition services in a college setting.
• Have exhibited a need and a desire for greater independence.
• Are able to travel independently while on the college campus.
• Have transportation to and from the college campus.
• Have exhibited socially adaptive and responsible behavior when left unsupervised.
• Are able to communicate with others.
• Have satisfactory record of school attendance from previous schools.
• Have health insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, private).
• Must consent to being photographed, videotaped, interviewed and/or quoted in media and publications, because Next Step is a model program that will be publicized to encourage other colleges or universities to develop similar programs.
• Have own cell phone before entering the program, so that Next Step staff can maintain contact.
• Understand that Next Step would like for them to participate in longitudinal research studies that will continue after graduation so that the effectiveness of this model program can be evaluated.