Use these resources for doing state-level advocacy and education about higher education opportunities for students with intellectual disability. Each resource is intended for a specific purpose and they can be used together or individually. Print these documents and use them to advocate with state policymakers. Some have blank spaces that you can customize with information about yourself or your state.
In partnership with AUCD, Think College tracks all state legislation introduced that is related to inclusive postsecondary education. Basic information about that legislation, including bills from 2015 - 2024, is included in this table. It includes the bills that had funding attached, those that were passed but did not involve funding, and those that did not pass. The table was updated in August 2024, at the conclusion of most legislative sessions.
These resources highlight four types of funding provided through state legislation:
This resource will help you create an "elevator speech," or short and concise description that can be used to inform elected officials, business and community leaders and others who you want to educate on a particular topic of importance to you. This is a helpful strategy for all advocates to learn how to use effectively.
These plain language resources will assist with advocacy and education at the Federal level around key issues of importance to individuals with disabilities. There are three: Community Living, Employment and Education. Each provides an easy-to-understand statement of the problem, why it matters, and what Congress can do.
This resource helps those who are interested in informing state legislators about the importance of college opportunities for students with intellectual disability by providing 10 questions they may have so you can be prepared with the answers.
This resource shares plain language definitions for over 50 common policy terms, like caucus, constituents, debt ceiling, minimum wage and lots more.
Students with intellectual disability are increasingly identifying college as a goal, but far too few have actually had the option. It’s been nearly 20 years since the first inclusive college programs began and still, just 2% of school-age students with intellectual disability are attending college. It’s time to change that! The “Think Higher.
This document was designed to help educate policy makers and legislators about postsecondary education (PSE) opportunities for people with intellectual disability. This sheet can be used when meeting with politicians to educate and advocate for PSE for people with intellectual disability; it can be shared with them directly or left with their staff. Included on this information sheet are some questions and answers and statistics about how PSE improves outcomes for people with intellectual disability.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008 was signed into law on August 14, 2008. This is the first reauthorization in nearly a decade of important legislation covering federal student aid and major postsecondary education initiatives in the United States. The reauthorization contains new and revised provisions that will significantly improve postsecondary opportunities and supports for students with disabilities, including students with intellectual disabilities. In addition, there are also key provisions to improve preparation of teachers and professionals in K-12 education.
