Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Momentum at the GA UCEDD
April 4, 2013
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Momentum is building in Georgia around the support of inclusive post-secondary education (PSE) options. The Georgia Inclusive Post-secondary Education Consortium (GAIPSEC) is working hard to create more than one program in Georgia. Currently the one inclusive PSE option is at Kennesaw State University's (KSU) Academy for Inclusive Learning . GAIPSEC is a program of the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University.
At the 15th Annual Disability Day at the Capitol on February 21, 2013, the topic of inclusive PSE was mentioned not once, not twice, but THREE times by Eric Jacobson, the Director of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD); by D'Arcy Robb, the Public Policy Director at GCDD; and by Governor Nathan Deal himself, to more than 2500 individuals rallying at the Capitol steps. This paired with the efforts of Rita Young at All About Developmental Disabilities, along with other advocates to call for legislative funding for inclusive PSE, resulted in a media frenzy throughout Georgia.
The hard work of advocates was rewarded at the completion of the 152nd Georgia General Assembly. The Senate allocated $100,000 to fund Inclusive Post Secondary Education in Georgia. The budget items were supported by Senators Butch Miller (R-Gainesville) of north Georgia, and Jack Hill (R-Reidsville) of south Georgia. $50,000 will go to support the already established program at KSU. The other $50,000 has been restricted to support the development of an IPSE program at a college or university in south Georgia. A specific location for the future IPSE program has not been chosen, but the GAIPSE is working with advocates and supporters in the area to determine which school will be the best fit for the next IPSE program. This is an exciting step in the movement of IPSE and a testament to the collaboration of the Developmentally Disability Network , advocacy organizations, families and self-advocates in our state.
