The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language or behavior areas. There are specific disabilities that may cause developmental disability: Down syndrome, ADHD and autism, for example. Developmental disabilities are characterized by an inability to reach milestones of development in childhood. Developmental disabilities, according to the CDC, are usually discovered in a child because the parent notices the child is not reaching age-appropriate milestones and takes the child to a doctor. Other disabilities, such as Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, are monitored in children from birth.
According to ThinkCollege, universities located throughout the U.S. provide classes for developmentally or intellectually disabled students, and offer three college programs of merit. Western Carolina's University's University Participation program allows adults with disabilities to access university courses and live on campus. In addition, the university holds classes in vocational skills, social and community participation, and personal life skills so the student upon completion is able to transition to adulthood successfully. Keuka College in New York offers college and life skills classes and vocational training. The University of Kentucky partners with Northern Kentucky University to offer classes and vocational training, as well as work experiences and internships through its Supported Higher Education Project.
In addition to colleges and universities that offer services for the developmentally disabled, community colleges may offer similar programs. Taft Community College in California has a program that offers training, college curriculum and work experiences for adults with an intellectual disability. Highline Community College in Iowa offers a one- or two-year program that allows the student to determine his own goals and work toward those goals with a combination of classes, internships and work with life and job skills.
All post-secondary institutions must by law make accommodations and modifications for its students under IDEA -- which remains in effect until the student reaches his 23rd birthday. After that, students with developmental disabilities are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Modifications in college courses may include different leveled readings, reduced homework or classwork, and alternate tests. Accommodations for students with a developmental disability may include large print texts, fewer problems or assignments, and oral answers on tests rather than written.