Coordination of Rehabilitation Services in Higher Education for Students with Psychiatric Disabilities

Abstract

In today’s technologically advanced society, post-secondary education is a necessity to obtain stable positions with competitive salaries and adequate benefits. Many young adults with psychiatric disabilities have the cognitive abilities and academic skills to attend and complete college; however, they face significant barriers in achieving these goals. This article describes the barriers experienced by young adults with psychiatric disabilities attempting post-secondary education and the navigation of these barriers. The role of the disability services office in the provision of academic accommodations, service coordination with other on-campus and off-campus agencies, promotion of self-advocacy skills, psychological support, and one-to-one coaching to facilitate completion of a degree program is also discussed.