Individuals with Williams syndrome attend a wide-range of post-high school programs - from full inclusion without supports in a 4-year college, to day programming for life-skills and vocational training, and many different options in between. There is something for everyone, and both the number of program options and the types of programs available are growing annually.
Local developmental disabilities and vocational rehabilitation agencies, the Arc and similar groups, along with those listed below can be a great help in your search for the right program.
THINK COLLEGE
Think College is a program of the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The staff at Think College works with families to help navigate the sometimes complicated (and always exciting) process of considering college options for our daughters and sons with Williams syndrome.
Think College conducts research related to transition and dual enrollment, employment, and higher education for students with intellectual disability, and uses these findings to create resources for expanding college access and improving student outcomes. Their website is very informative. Be sure to navigate throughout the site to find both state and federal resources.
Below is a partial list or programs that individuals with Williams syndrome attend/have attended with success.
Berkshire Hills Music Academy
BHMA is a transition/life skills program with a music-infused curriculum, designed to provide training in essential academics as well as social, vocational, and independent living skills.
LIFE Program - Coastal Carolina University
The LIFE program is a four-year, tuition-based, post-secondary education and transition program for young adults who have mild to moderate intellectual and/or developmental disabilities as defined by AAIDD.
Ready for Life - Hope and Calvin Colleges
RFL provides post-secondary educational experiences for college-aged individuals diagnosed with cognitive, learning, or social disabilities. Based on the student’s interests and abilities the colleges offer non-credit earning classes for the RFL students to attend, and a specialized program focusing on transition skills to help students gain independence and job skills.
P.A.C.E at National Louis University
P.A.C.E. is a three-year, post-secondary certificate program designed to meet the transitional needs for young adults with multiple intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities.
Shepherd's College
Shepherds College is a three-year post-secondary educational program for students with intellectual disabilities.