Students with Intellectual Disabilities

In This Section:

New Policy | Criteria and Eligibility | Additional Help | Related Legislation

New Policy

Section 485 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act permits students with certain intellectual disabilities to receive Pell Grants, FSEOG, and Federal Work Study under certain circumstances for the first time.

Criteria and Eligibility

A student with an intellectual disability means a student:
  • With mental retardation or a cognitive impairment, characterized by significant limitations in:
    • intellectual and cognitive functioning; and
    • adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social and practical adaptive skills; and
  • Who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for a free, appropriare public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA")
The student must meet the following criteria:
  • is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities at an institution of higher education. NOTE: Loyola University does not currently offfer a program that meets these guidelines.
  • is maintaining satisfactory progress in the program as determined by the institution, in accordance with the standards established by the institution
  • The general student eligibility criteria in effect for all students concerning:
    • Is a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.
    • Has a valid Social Security Number
    • Has completed the Statement of Educational Purpose (on the FAFSA)
    • Does not owe an overpayment on a Federal Title IV grant or loan
    • Has not defaulted on a Federal Title IV loan
A comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities means a degree, certificate, or non-degree program that:
  • Is offered by an institution of higher education
  • Is designed to support students with intellectual disabilities who are seeking to continue academic, career and technical, and independent living instruction at an institution of higher education in order to prepare for gainful employment;
  • Includes an advising and curriculum structure; and
  • Requires students with intellectual disabilities to participate at least half-time, as determined by the institution, with such participation focusing on academic components and occurring through one or more of the following activities:
    • Regular enrollment in credit-bearing courses with non-disabled students offered by the institution
    • Auditing or participating in courses with nondisabled students offered by the institution for which the student does not receive regular academic credit
    • Enrollment in noncredit-bearing, non-degree courses with nondisabled students
    • Participation in internships or work-based training in settings with nondisabled individuals

Additional Help

Related Legislation

 

Updated January 21, 2011