Papay, Clare

This article published in the International Review of Research on Developmental Disabilities (IRRDD) offers a comprehensive overview of the benefits of postsecondary education (PSE) for adults with intellectual and developmental disability. It describes the existing landscape of the current 339 PSE options offered by colleges and universities in the US and the relevant legislative foundations supporting program development.

This Highlights document was created with data from the Annual Report of the Cohort 3 TPSID Model Demonstration Projects (Year 3, 2022-2023) for those who are interested in the most critical statistics from the report, or are sharing with a broad audience. It features bold graphics and brief summaries of program and student data, including exit and post-exit outcomes.

Think College REPORTS present descriptive data in narrative and tabular form to provide timely information to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers for review and use. This report provides program- and student-level data reported by TPSIDs (Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities) during the 2022-2023 academic year. Program data reflect program characteristics, academic access, supports for students, and integration of the program within the college or university system during the third year of FY 2020-2025 funding.

As we develop and evaluate postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disability, we must consider students’ perspectives on known program elements that work well and elements that need improvement. To support the consideration of student voices in program development and evaluation, the Think College Inclusive Higher Education Network conducted a brief literature review of articles that included the voices and perspectives of college students or college graduates with intellectual disability.

This resource provides guidance on naming postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disability. It explains how a program's name can shape perceptions and integration within the academic community. The authors share common mistakes to avoid, like using confusing acronyms or disability-focused terms. They suggest using names that focus on academics, like College & Community Studies, to make programs feel more inclusive. This guide is useful for educators and school administrators who want to create inclusive and empowering program names.

This Executive Summary provides a brief overview of the Annual Report of the Cohort 3 TPSID Model Demonstration Projects (Year 3, 2022–2023). Information is provided about the TPSID (Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disability) projects about program characteristics, student characteristics, academics, academic supports, employment, vocational rehabilitation, residential services, and program completion and credential attainment.

Some colleges and universities across the United States have received money to create and run Transition and Postsecondary Education Programs for Students with Intellectual Disability, or TPSID model demonstration programs. These colleges and universities report data, or information, on their programs and students to the National Coordinating Center. In this session, presenters from the National Coordinating Center will share data on how TPSID programs work and the kinds of activities students participate in, such as taking college courses and working.