Postsecondary Academic Readiness and Success

NE-Munroe-Meyer Institute of Genetics & Rehabilitation, UCEDD/LEND
Program Type	UCEDD	Fiscal Year	2011
Contact	Deborah Circo, Ph.D.
Email	[email protected]
Phone	402-559-5735
Project Description
This project will implement a statewide level collaborative planning project that will result in an inclusionary postsecondary academic program for individuals with I/DD. Through a facilitative planning process, the project will explore and propose a program that will foster access to typical college courses for individuals with I/DD with peers without disabilities, and provide access to all college community activities. The planning phase of the project will be comprised of a working Advisory Council of actively engaged stakeholders who will be instrumental in identifying barriers, mapping resources, and facilitating funding options for creating a sustainable postsecondary education experience for Nebraska students with I/DD. Upon completion of the planning project, a Strategic Plan will be developed and disseminated which will guide future efforts. The planning process will include input from stakeholders comprised of individuals with (I/DD), parents, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities, the Nebraska Developmental Disabilities Council, the Parent Training and Information Center, the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Higher Education, the College Disability Services, public and private consumer-driven organizations such as The Ollie Webb Center (Omaha Arc) and advocacy groups such as the Arc of Nebraska and the Autism Action Partnership. The project will work closely with stakeholders to develop a pilot program for use by Nebraska?s higher education programs that utilizes evidence-based inclusionary practices to provide students with I/DD with a postsecondary experience that is rich in both academic possibilities and social engagement. The goal of this planning project is to develop a detailed Strategic Plan for Nebraska that will lead to the full inclusion of individuals with I/DD in postsecondary education which can be replicated across the state and sustained through diverse funding sources.