Inclusive Higher Education The What and Why for College Administrators ©️2019

College Programs for Students with ID Have alternative admissions process & requirements Accept students who are non-degree seeking Vary in length – most are 2-year, some 4-year Vary in levels of academic inclusion Have an established course of study that leads to certificate May offer federal student aid (not loans) College Programs for Students with ID

This has changed a lot in 20 years This has changed a lot in 20 years. For some of you, this may not have been an option when you graduated from high school. How many have been out of school for several years? Did you want to go to college but it did not seem possible? How many are planning to go to college or are in college now?

College options for students with intellectual disability shown on a map

Why should this university sponsor a program? Benefits to the University include: Becoming part of a growing movement to educate a new group of students Greater diversity of learners Opportunities for research Opportunities for funding Partnering/giving back to the community Enriched learning environment for typical students (Papay & Griffin, 2013)

Why include students with ID in college courses? Broader array of learning opportunities Career-related topics Supports the growth of academic skills Engagement with college peers Helps instructors build capacity and responsiveness to all students Exposes peers to diverse students It’s where the college students are Why include students with ID in college courses?

Student Experience and Outcomes

Student Experience Enrolling in college courses for credit or audit Internships/work study Paid jobs (on/off campus) Campus Life/Organizations Learning to live independently

Advice for Talking to Administrators These next slides are meant to assist the person who is talking to the college administration - a few things to consider and tips for making the meeting a success.

Suggestions for engaging with administration Use some or all of the slides in this deck to introduce the idea, give some basic background and share key outcomes of these programs. Present development of the program as an opportunity Consider including the voices of students and parents interested in college opportunities—either in person, on video, or through quotation Tie the program into their mission statement – diversity, serving the community, etc. Remember that some people may have had no prior experience with people with ID and may have preconceived and inaccurate ideas. Acknowledge that the folks you are meeting with are busy and have a lot of demands—keep it short, and if possible provide lunch (Papay & Griffin, 2013)

Anticipate problems and questions Logistical issues, ie. registration and admission practices Funding Liability and insurance Encourage questions that people might not want to ask . . . We don't want to become the “disabled” college This will impact the rigor of our curriculum Typical students will question their shared learning experience Professors don't know how to teach “these students” (Papay & Griffin, 2013)

Other Think College Resources on Program Development Film: Rethinking College – Consider showing this 30 minute film that shares the perspectives of students, parents, college faculty and administrators on inclusive postsecondary education programs. It is a good resource to introduce the concept and support discussion. A discussion guide for the film is included. Innovation Exchange: Program Development – For more information on program development, review the resources on this page on the Think College website. Think College Technical Assistance: Contact us for individual consultation and additional resources from Think College consultants. Email us at ThinkCollegeTA@gmail.com