The Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students With Intellectual Disability (TPSID) Annual Report, published annually by the Think College National Coordinating Center (NCC), is a powerful resource for anyone working to expand postsecondary opportunities for students with intellectual disability.
Here’s how you can utilize the TPSID Annual Report in a variety of ways!
Policy and Advocacy
Advocates and policymakers turn to the Annual Report to understand the current landscape of inclusive postsecondary education options. Key data points help educate them about the many benefits of inclusive postsecondary education which may lead to increased funding and supportive policies.
Share the latest data with your legislators with this easy script!
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a [your role—parent, educator, advocate, etc.] calling to ask [Representative/Senator Name] to share exciting new data about inclusive college programs for students with intellectual disability. These programs provide life-changing opportunities for students who have historically been excluded from higher education.
According to the latest federal TPSID Annual Report, [insert key stat], and [insert key stat]. Examples:
99% of students took inclusive college classes, and 93% pursued a credential aligned with their career goals.
67% of students had paid employment or paid work based learning experiences while enrolled in their college program.
One year after program completion, 65% of survey respondents had a paid job.
These programs open pathways to academic, social, and career success for students with intellectual disability. I encourage you to take a look at this data and learn more at www.thinkcollege.net.
Want to share the documents with decision-makers?
Use the Executive Summary (a quick 10-minute read) for an overview of this year’s report.
Or, share the Highlights document (a 3-minute read) with impactful top statistics like:
“65% of students had paid work in 2023-24 through either paid employment or paid work-based learning experiences.”
Program Development
Higher education educators and administrators rely on the report to identify successful practices and program models implemented by TPSID grantees. Data on areas like inclusive courses and strategic partnerships can inform the development or improvement of inclusive postsecondary programs.
Explore the Developing a College Program for Students with Intellectual Disability resource to start or enhance your program with insights from the Annual Report.
Research
Researchers use the report for data and trends on enrollment, program characteristics, student demographics, and outcomes in inclusive postsecondary education.
Check out recent studies using TPSID data:
- Experiences that Predict Employment for Students with Intellectual Disability in Federally Funded Higher Education Programs
- Predictors of Inclusive Course Enrollments in Higher Education by Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Predictors of Self-Determination in Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Evaluation and Assessment
Colleges and organizations use the report to benchmark their programs against national trends, measure effectiveness, and identify areas for growth.
For example, programs can compare their academic and employment supports to those outlined in the Annual Report.
Student and Family Guidance
Students with intellectual disability and their families use the report to explore postsecondary options, supports, and outcomes—helping them make informed decisions about college.
The Annual Report includes success stories, like:
- Addie’s college journey in North Dakota to support her long-term restaurant employment goals, and
- Jacob’s journey to independence through his time in the Wayfinders Program
Students and families can also use data points from the report alongside the Think College College Search Tool to find the programs that best fit their goals.
Professional Development
Special educators, transition coordinators, and related professionals use the Annual Report to stay informed about best practices and trends—equipping them to better prepare students for inclusive college experiences.
Insights like the most accessed career exploration activities or details on housing options in TPSID programs can help professionals guide students and families effectively.
Funding and Grants
Grantmakers and funders use the report to understand the inclusive higher education landscape, prioritize funding, and allocate resources strategically.
This year’s Annual Report includes:
- A look at fiscal sustainability, including annual program costs (pg. 29), and
- Details on strategic partnerships with external organizations (pg. 28).
These insights can support both program grant applications and funders’ decision-making processes.
Overall, the TPSID Annual Report is a comprehensive resource that informs advocates, educators, families, researchers, and funders about the state of inclusive postsecondary education—and helps drive continued progress.
How will you use the TPSID Annual Report this year?
Already putting it to work? Share your stories! Need help finding a specific data point? We’re here to support you—email us anytime at thinkcollegeTA@umb.edu.