At Think College, our goal has always been clear: to help educators, families, students, and program staff create and sustain inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) opportunities for students with intellectual disability. Every day, we connect with people across the country who are building programs, seeking advice, or simply exploring what’s possible.
As our community grows, so does the variety of questions we receive—from “Where can I find examples of college programs for students with intellectual disability?” to “Can you review our program’s admissions materials?” or “Can someone help us plan strategically for inclusion?”
To ensure we meet these needs consistently, we’ve refined how we define and track the types of technical assistance we provide. Here’s a look at what each level means for you.
Universal Technical Assistance: Quick Connections to Resources
Universal TA is the “front door” of Think College. Most requests come through our Help Desk (thinkcollegeTA@umb.edu), where our team answers questions and connects people to information available on our website. These interactions happen primarily by email and might include linking to a Resource by Topic page, sharing a publication, or answering a short question. Requests like media inquiries, access to printed materials for events (e.g., transition fairs), or updates to our College Search Directory fall under universal TA as well. While simple, these exchanges are an essential part of how we help people on a daily basis.
Targeted Technical Assistance: Tailored Support for Specific Needs
Sometimes, a question requires more focused attention. Targeted TA goes beyond a quick reply and involves scheduled time with a Think College team member. This may include reviewing program materials, conducting a phone or video consultation, or offering feedback on documents such as Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) applications. Targeted TA is short-term and designed to help individuals or organizations get answers to more comprehensive questions. Fulfilling requests for presentations also fit this category.
Intensive Technical Assistance: Engagement for Long-Term Impact
Some goals require sustained collaboration and in-depth problem-solving. Intensive technical assistance represents the highest level of support we offer and is specific to the TPSID federally funded model demonstration sites.
This application-based support involves frequent, ongoing engagement and is designed to help TPSID programs address complex challenges, achieve measurable outcomes, and create lasting change.
Customized Technical Assistance: Fee-for-Service Support Tailored to You
Beyond our general TA, Think College offers customized TA for a fee for those seeking specialized or extended support through Think College Consulting.
This type of TA is built around your goals and timeline. It can include customized professional development, hands-on consultation for new or expanding programs, development of tailored materials, or facilitation of strategic planning.
Because it involves a greater investment of time and resources, customized technical assistance is delivered through a letter of agreement, providing highly personalized support that helps you move from vision to action.
Why These Definitions Matter
Clarity improves connection. By defining these categories, we can:
· Ensure consistency in how we respond to requests
· Track and share the impact of our work
· Help you know what kind of support to expect
No matter your level of engagement, our goal is the same: to provide the right support at the right time. Contact our Help Desk at thinkcollegeTA@umb.edu and we’ll connect you to the information and/or support that fits your needs.