NYS Inclusive Higher Education Coalition

We want students with intellectual disabilities to have consistent and meaningful access to colleges across the state. Colleges and universities need funding to provide coordination and access to supports for students with IDD. Our goal is to create and improve college options for students with intellectual disabilities, and increase awareness of these options amongst families and school districts. 

Employment and community living outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in our country are bleak. Without the education and training needed to start a career, these individuals are trapped in a pattern of perpetual poverty and dependence upon state and federal benefits. A recent survey of 11,599 adults with IDD in 16 states found that only 14.7% were competitively employed (Human Services Research Institute, 2012). However, new postsecondary opportunities for students with IDD are leading to employment and community living (Grigal, Hart, Smith, Domin, Sulewski, & Weir, 2016).

Historically, students with an intellectual disability have not had access to postsecondary education. This is changing. Students want to attend college, gain valuable experiences and education—and work in the community. College is an opportunity that provides all of this.

 In New York State, there are 30 college programs and experiences that include students with intellectual and other disabilities. While this may seem like a large number, it is less than 10% of the colleges in NYS. Students attend community colleges, public four-year colleges, and private colleges and universities.