Hosted by the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium, this session will review the process of creating an effective and successful post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities from conception to implementation. Important considerations will be shared including planning, potential barriers, training, engaging all stakeholders, and measuring outcomes. The program will include how to prepare faculty and staff and develop potential systems of support including tutors and mentors. An example of a successful structure will be shared and how that structure was implemented to create a four-year fully inclusive program with students participating in academic classes and living in residence halls. The program will also include suggestions for students and their parents on how to prepare for college while still in high school and tips for the college search.
Edie Cusack joined the College of Charleston (South Carolina) in 2010 and established a four-year, fully-inclusive postsecondary education initiative on campus. She has 13 years of experience and results as the Director of REACH to share. Before joining the College of Charleston, Cusack, a Nationally Board Certified Teacher, taught in public schools for over 20 years in South Carolina and New Jersey. She has also worked with many advocacy groups across the state of South Carolina to improve student access to education, independence, and equal opportunity.