College Navigator

Our College Navigator program helps students build skills beyond the college classroom and into their communities to prepare them to reach their educational and employment goals.

Overview
Our Stories
Resources
Other Areas of Support

Easterseals College Navigator program provides individualized services to college students with disabilities based on their goals, strengths, and needs. Our Navigators assist students in identifying barriers, advocating for the student's needs, and accessing college services and resources to successfully reach graduation.  Services are delivered in person, virtually, or blended to meet the student’s needs.

College Navigation can help by:

Providing information to students and their families about what to expect as college students, including their rights and the kinds of resources and supports that might be available to them
Connecting students to on- and off-campus resources and helping them develop their communication and self-advocacy skills
Helping students to develop time-management and planning skills that they will need to be successful in college and in employment
Assisting students with accessing online databases (Blackboard, Moodle, etc.)
Supporting students with getting appropriate accommodations
Teaching students new ways to be social: connecting with friends, writing emails/discussion boards, interacting with peers/professors
Facilitating the student's need to be more self-directed

All services are customized based on the student's individual goals and tailored to their strengths to help them build lifelong skills. We can meet in person depending on geographic location, offer virtual services to students anywhere, or design a hybrid support plan incorporating both types of meetings.

1,256

students served since the program began in 2018.
22

students graduated in 2024!
400+

students benefited from grant funding at five state community colleges.

Read the stories of students who have achieved their goals and built independence through the College Navigator program.

John Finds College Success with Easterseals Support

Easterseals supported John with assistive technology, helping him regain independence, improve mobility, and manage daily life more safely.
Nicole’s Inspiring Journey Living and Learning Independently

Nicole was introduced to Easterseals AT through her DDS case manager. Victoria identified her needs, shared devices, and inspired hope for independence and college.
Easterseals Helps Adam Navigate College and Pursue His Musical Dreams

Adam thrives at Berklee College of Music with Easterseals’ College Navigator, gaining independence, self-advocacy skills, and support for college success.
Holly Finds Confidence and Independence Through College Navigation

Holly finds support, guidance, and confidence through the College Navigator Program, helping her succeed academically, pursue art, and advocate for others.

Discover helpful information, FAQs, and guidance on services and supports for people with disabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

College Navigator FAQ

Easterseals’ College Navigator program offers personalized support for college students with disabilities, helping them reach their goals with confidence.
The Bridge Center

Easterseals Massachusetts & DDS Self-Directed Services for Therapeutic Care

Easterseals Massachusetts partners with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to deliver personalized Therapeutic Services through the Self-Directed Services program. From Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy to innovative approaches like hippotherapy, we help individuals and families design flexible, goal-driven plans that fit their unique needs.
Receiving College Navigator Services through DDS

Students who receive services from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) may be eligible for College Navigator services. Please read the eligibility requirements and how to get started below.