I'm currently doing some research for a school project about college accessibility. I was wondering if there's data or information about which disability group is least likely to attend college.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) provides data that could be helpful for your research. According to the latest data from them, individuals with cognitive disabilities, specifically intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), are among the least likely to attend post-secondary education institutions when compared to other disability groups. This includes disabilities like Down Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders.
This could be attributed to a variety of factors, including the need for specialized support and academic accommodations, societal biases, and a general lack of inclusive programs in many colleges and universities.
It's important to remember that much of this is changing as schools and lawmakers drive efforts to make college and other tertiary institutions more accessible. For example, initiatives are emerging that offer modified curricula, peer mentoring, and additional resources to provide an inclusive environment for students with cognitive disabilities.
However, it's important to note that certain subgroups within these broader categories might be attending at even lower rates, and that enrollment rates can fluctuate over time and across different geographic regions.
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