Just because someone has a disability of some sort does not mean the individual cannot continue an education after high school. Also, students pursuing education majors who do not personally have special needs but who are interested in teaching other students with some handicap as a future career may find certain schools to be most appropriate. Special education colleges might be traditional schools that provide access to students with unique needs. Colleges may not be required by law to provide all of the services that are needed by handicapped students, and it may be up to the students or families to request what is needed.
Not all special education colleges are alike. For individuals with special needs, certain accommodations may be standard, but others may need to be requested. Colleges, for instance, should follow protocols that provide housing to handicapped individuals. This housing should not be more expensive than traditional accommodations provided to other students. In the event that the special attention that students need is academic, as opposed to physical accommodations, students must be responsible to find a college that caters to these specific needs.
Students with special needs should be able to subscribe to some placement service that can find appropriate special education colleges in a region. Also, programs that support a handicapped student's transition to college life on any campus exist and can widen the possibilities for an education. Other colleges are specifically designed to help students with special needs and provide tutorial support for academics in addition to other physical and psychological counseling services.
Autism and Asperger's syndrome are special needs that may be addressed by certain special education colleges or programs. For instance, programs exist that help individuals with autism learn how to live independently. These courses might teach students with autism how to clean a living space or cook meals. Preparation classes may also focus on time management so that the transition from high school to college goes as well as possible or even social skills so that students suffering with these diseases can adapt to university life. While many colleges may make accommodations for students with these special needs, it may make sense for handicapped students to attend local or community colleges so that the transition is not as dramatic.
Students who are seeking careers teaching others with special needs can find special education colleges that support those goals. Certain schools might offer majors in special education with a focus on various types of disabilities, ranging from problems with emotions, learning, or other mental and physical handicaps. These programs may equip individuals to teach students of all ages from early education in elementary school through high school.