Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program

The Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program (SDAP) prepares college students with intellectual disabilities for personal growth and occupational success with a focus on health and wellness. The goal upon completion of the four year non-degree program is that students obtain competitive, integrated employment and are empowered to live independent, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

SDAP students benefit from an all-encompassing collegiate experience, and are an integral part of the campus community. They engage and develop skills through essential activities such as

• Attending courses with other university students.
• Taking part in sporting events and clubs with their peers.
• Participating in wide range of university programs and services.

The Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program is a non-degree program in which students audit college courses.

Graduates leave the program with skills that will help them advocate for themselves throughout their adult lives and have greater opportunity to secure employment in fields that are meaningful to them.

SDAP is for young adults, ages 18-25 at the time of admission, who received special education services during high school, and who have documentation of an intellectual disability. (The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) provides definitions for intellectual disabilities. Intellectual disabilities are different from learning disabilities, and a diagnosis of autism alone does not meet the eligibility requirements for SDAP.)

A good fit for SDAP is typically a student who successfully completed the Occupational Course of Study in high school.

If a student is qualified to apply directly to App State, then they would not be qualified for SDAP. SDAP has its own application process. 

App State provides supports for degree-seeking students with disabilities through the Office of Disability Resources.