As someone who has spent over 23 years teaching in the North Carolina community college system, I’ve always believed in the power of these institutions to change lives. Community colleges are designed to be places of opportunity, open to everyone. But before I’m an educator, I’m a parent. My youngest son has autism, and for over two decades that reality has shaped our lives. It’s also given me a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities colleges face in supporting students with special needs. 

Engaging with individuals who have special needs has brought a lot of joy into my life, and I firmly believe that everyone would benefit from getting to know them better. Most have a love for life and a spirit that is simply uplifting.

The landscape of community colleges is changing — fewer traditional students are coming through our doors, due in part to demographic shifts. My own college (Johnston Community College) has been fortunate because of the growth in the Raleigh area, but the reality is that without students, educators like me would be out of a job. We need to think about how we can serve more students, and one of the groups we need to focus on is students with disabilities — but we need to do it right.

As a special needs parent helping my son through college, I’ve learned that students with disabilities don’t always fit the mold of a typical college student. While staff in disability services understand this, many college employees and administrators don’t encounter these students every day. That’s why we need better communication between colleges and parents like me who are actively supporting their children’s educational journeys. 

One idea is for colleges to designate a specific person who serves as a point of contact for parents of students with disabilities. This person could guide families through the enrollment process and provide a packet that includes everything parents need to know — from important contacts to required forms and ways to stay involved. We’re not asking for special treatment; we just want to be included in the loop so we can help our kids succeed.  Give us the forms in the beginning and ways to get updates.  

Graduation ceremonies are another area where colleges can make a real impact. For most families, graduation is a rite of passage and a reason to celebrate. But for students with special needs, this milestone isn’t always guaranteed. When my son was in community college, I asked an administrator if he could walk at graduation only to learn he’d be participating in activities like kickball instead. While fun activities are important, graduation is more than that. It’s a moment of pride, a moment my son deserved to experience just like his brothers did.

Communication is key. While our kids are legally adults, they don’t always express their needs clearly. When I asked my son about his day, he would often just say, “It was fine,” even if there were challenges. Having someone at the college who could keep parents informed — not daily, but regularly enough to make a difference — would be a tremendous help.

Lastly, colleges should actively seek out partnerships with community organizations and foundations that can provide jobs, scholarships, or other forms of support. The more involvement we have from parents and the community, the stronger the college becomes, and that’s a win-win for everyone.

The bottom line is this: special needs students have so much to offer. They bring unique talents, perspectives, and strengths to our campuses. But we have to meet them halfway. By improving communication, celebrating their successes, and providing clear paths for them to be included and supported, we can ensure that community colleges are places where every student, regardless of their abilities, is valued and has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s open our doors a little wider and make sure that community colleges are truly for everyone.