Students with intellectual disability in higher education: adult service provider perspectives.

Sheppard-Jones et al. (2015) sent a short survey to 87 adult DD-agency directors. They asked one thing: how much do you know about college options for clients with intellectual disability?

The study wanted to see if the people who control waiver money have the facts they need to plan school supports.

Most directors had almost no information about higher-education programs for adults with ID. The survey did not give exact numbers, but the gap was big enough to see clearly.

In short, the gatekeepers of adult services are flying blind when it comes to college.

Lemons et al. (2015) asked the same question in the same year, but they surveyed college program directors instead of agency heads. Those directors said barriers went down and supports went up after the first year—except for money.

The two 2015 studies sit side-by-side like puzzle pieces. Kathleen shows the money side does not know college exists; J shows the college side learns fast once it starts. Together they explain why funding stays stuck.

Nevin et al. (2005) found the same knowledge hole among practice nurses: willing to help, short on facts. The pattern repeats across ID services—frontline staff want to do right, but training never reaches them.

If waiver agencies do not know college is an option, they will not fund it. You can fix this in one team meeting. Bring a one-page list of local PSE programs and the waiver line item that can pay for tuition or coaching. Email it to every case manager you work with. One sheet of paper can open a door that policy alone cannot.