Supported Education

A: "Supported education is the process of helping people with psychiatric disabilities return to school by providing supports and services to them so they can enroll and remain in an educational program." - Karen Unger

"A program that offers the support, assistance, and encouragement to enable adults to resume college classes with a built-in network of support." - Marilyn Wedenoja, Ph.D., ACSW, and Joanna S. Fortna, M.A., Families and Supported Education, Mowbray et. al.

Q: Where can I find the closest Supported Education program in Indiana?

A: Currently, no formal Supported Education programs have been developed in Indiana. However, many other types of formal and informal supports do exist. The resource directory posted on this web site can help you find people within various organizations throughout the state who can help you explore a post-secondary educational goal.

Q: What supports are available to assist someone in pursuing an educational goal?

A: Supports can be found in various places:
Disability Support Services - Most colleges and universities have staff who provide a variety of services to individuals with disabilities, including assistance with accommodations and academic supports. The size of the office and specific services may vary from school to school. If a school that you are interested in attending does not have a specific office, ask who their designated ADA and/or Section 504 Coordinator is.

Community Mental Health Centers - Mental health centers in Indiana provide assistance to individuals with psychiatric disabilities by helping them establish and pursue goals. While many of these services focus on immediate needs such as housing or illness management, many centers also recognize the importance of providing services oriented toward long-term recovery, such as employment and education. Ask your local center if staff (case managers, employment specialists, etc.) are able to assist someone to pursue an educational goal, and if you might be eligible to receive those services.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services - If someone is eligible to receive VR services and needs additional education or training to meet a vocational goal, VR can assist in meeting expenses for tuition/fees, books/supplies, room and board, personal expenses and transportation. This assistance is only available if other sources of financial aid do not cover these costs.

Submit questions about Supported Education here