If you’ve read my post about college tours, you’ll know I’m a firm believer in students connecting with schools they are looking at. If you can’t make it to campus, or you just want to learn more before visiting a campus, college fairs are one way to do that.

Each college/university has admissions counselors (you might also hear them referred to as college recruiters) who visit high schools. The admissions counselors can often answer questions that us special education professionals are not skilled at answering. Let me be honest, I can tell you all about inclusive higher education supports for students with intellectual disabilities at UNC, ACC, and UCCS, but I still have no idea what sort of food they serve in the dining halls, what club sports each school offers, and I’ve only scratched the surface in my knowledge of scholarships available. I’m not the one students want to talk to.

So when exactly do these college fairs happen? The majority are in September and October, with some happening in November. For a schedule of fairs throughout the state, visit the Colorado Council on High School/College Relations. Some fairs are at night (parents you can totally attend) and others are during the school day (teachers, we need your help making sure students with disabilities have the option to attend). The fair locations will change each year. If the fair isn’t at your school this year, perhaps it will be next year.

It is important to note that admissions counselors may not be able to answer all of your questions about inclusive services and supports for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities on their campuses. Remember, a big part of talking to the admissions counselor is for the student to learn what it would be like to be a student at that school. When it comes to better understanding the specific disability supports, please feel free to reach out to IN!; we can help direct your questions.

By encouraging the participation of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in college fairs, you are helping build more inclusive communities and allowing students to truly explore post-secondary options. Thank you! 

Been to a college fair? Ready to visit campus? Click here to read my post about college tours.

Happy connecting,
Shelby
IN! Education and Outreach Program Coordinator
shelbyb@inclusivehighered.org