Although we’re only one month into 2026, we’re already gearing up for #IPSEDay2026! Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Day is an international day of awareness dedicated to spotlighting college opportunities for students with intellectual disability—and we’re aiming to make this year our biggest yet.
Last year, IPSE Day reached record engagement, with more than 250,000 social media interactions across 33 states and two countries. The momentum is growing, and with your help, we can make an even greater impact in 2026.
Here’s what you can do to participate:
Share On Social Media
Celebrate IPSE Day online and help amplify the message that college is possible. Download one of our IPSE Day signs (or make your own!) and share why you support inclusive higher education, highlight a student’s journey, or spotlight your program’s story—there’s no wrong way to participate. You never know who might see your post and discover college options they didn’t know existed. Explore inspiration from last year’s posts, and feel free to get creative with photos, videos, or digital storytelling! Be sure to use #IPSEDay and #IPSEDay2026.
Request a Governor’s or Mayor’s Proclamation
Advocates and programs across the country have successfully worked with state and local officials to officially recognize May 1 as IPSE Day—and you can too. Because the process can take several months, we recommend submitting your request 3–4 months in advance. Learn more here about how to request a proclamation, and check out how our friends at the RISE To The Top program at Southern Miss met with their Governor to celebrate a signed proclamation last year.
Host an IPSE Day Celebration
Bring the celebration to your campus or community! Whether you’re honoring students who are about to graduate, supporting future college-goers, or simply raising awareness, IPSE Day is a powerful opportunity to come together and celebrate what’s possible. Invite families, educators, community partners—or, if you’re on a college campus, classmates, clubs, athletic teams, and student organizations—to join in.
No matter how you celebrate IPSE Day this year, the main goal is to be loud and proud: students with intellectual disability CAN, and do go to college - and we want the world to know it!