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

2. 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

3. 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?

4. College options for students with intellectual disability shown on a map

6. 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)

7. 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?

8. Student Experience and Outcomes

9. 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

14. 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.

15. 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)

16. 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)

17. 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. us at