Why do people want to go to college?

·       To get a better job

·       To study toward a career

·       To move out of their parents’ houses!

·       To expand horizons and networks

·       To continue learning

Why do people with an intellectual disability want to go to college?

·       To get a better job

·       To study toward a career

·       To move out of their parents’ houses!

·       To expand horizons and networks

·       To continue learning

New Opportunities for People with ID

Young adults with intellectual disabilities have the same aspirations, goals, desires, and with support – skills and abilities - to go to college and get a better job. Until recent years, however, they were not given the opportunity.

Inclusive higher education is a developing practice and area of research that strives to create a legitimate alternate pathway to and through higher education for students with intellectual disabilities. Programming outcomes include either integrated and competitive paid employment or further pursuit of higher education. The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 stipulated that higher education programs for students with intellectual disability should be comprised of inclusive academic, vocational, and social experiences, and that these experiences should result in gainful employment. (Grigal, Hart, & Weir, 2014).

Evolution of Inclusive Higher Education Click here for more information!

Improved Employment Outcomes

As these initiatives provide opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities to access higher education experiences that prepare them to live increasingly independent lives and pursue careers of their choice, research shows outcomes are better: Individuals with intellectual disabilities who receive post-secondary education are more than twice as likely to find paid employment than those who don’t and their earnings are roughly 400$ more per month than peers who do not receive post-secondary education.

Effect of Inclusive Higher Education on Employment Click here for more information!

Supported by Federal Legislation

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 addresses financial aid and provisions to create model demonstration programs.

Click here for more information about the HEOA Overview

WATCH: ReTHINKING COLLEGE

Meet some students!

Read all about it

Impact Feature Issue on Inclusive Higher Education and Students with ID Click here for more information!