College Living Experience (CLE) is a post-secondary program for students who require additional support with academic, social and independent living skills. CLE provides intensive assistance to students with varying abilities. Students with autism, Asperger’s, learning disabilities, developmental delays and a host of other special needs receive the support they need to pursue post-secondary education and become independent adults.
At CLE, students with special needs experience life in a college environment and receive instruction in three areas: independent living skills, academic skills and social skills so they can transition into adulthood.
CLE provides services for students with:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Nonverbal learning disorders (NVLD or NLD)
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Auditory and visual processing disorders
- Central processing disorders
- Cerebral palsy
- Social and maturational issues
- Developmental delays
- Epilepsy
- Hearing impairment
- Visual impairment
CLE has five locations: Austin, Texas; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Denver; Monterey, Calif.; and Washington, D.C. Each location partners with local colleges, universities and educational institutions to provide courses of study and degree programs. CLE provides assistance to students with special needs and their families in the college application and enrollment process.
History of CLE
CLE was founded in 1989 with one location in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. to serve students with autism spectrum disorders. Since then it has grown to multiple sites serving students across the country. In 2005, CLE added two new sites in Denver and Austin, Texas then added Monterey, Calif. and Washington, D.C. in 2007. Throughout its 20-year history, CLE has expanded its services to serve students with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, non-verbal learning disorders (NVLD) and other special needs. CLE has also expanded its curriculum and services to better meet the needs of its diverse population. CLE continues to grow and change for the benefit of its current and future student population, such as the addition of transition services in 2009 for students entering the work force.