The Northeast Postsecondary Education Alliance (NEPSEA) is excited to announce its 2025–2026 Speaker Series, a free virtual series spotlighting leaders and innovators who are shaping inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) in the Northeast region. This year’s speakers represent groundbreaking work across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont, offering insights into accreditation, policy, program design, and long-term sustainability.
Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, parent, advocate, or student, this series is designed to inform and inspire as we work together to expand college opportunities for students with intellectual disability. All states are welcome to join!
All sessions are Wednesday 3:00–4:00 PM
Enhancing Inclusive Postsecondary Options: Results of a Statewide Needs Assessment
April 8, 2026
Ariel Schwartz and Melissa Diodati (New Hampshire)
Discover the findings from New Hampshire’s statewide needs assessment on expanding inclusive postsecondary education. This session will share key themes from stakeholder input, gaps in access, recommendations for future program development, and plans for strengthening collaboration across agencies and institutions. Participants will gain a clearer picture of New Hampshire’s next steps in building a coordinated statewide approach.
Building Legislative Pathways for Inclusion
May 13, 2026
Kathryn Sheridan and Carrie Woodcock (Maine)
This session highlights Maine’s legislative efforts to establish and strengthen inclusive postsecondary pathways for students with intellectual disability. Presenters will discuss the development of state policy, coalition-building among advocates, and the process of engaging lawmakers and partners. Participants will learn what it takes to turn grassroots advocacy into meaningful legislative change that expands college access.
Navigating Accreditation for Inclusive Postsecondary Programs
June 10, 2026
Mary Judge Diegert (New York)
Accreditation is an emerging priority for inclusive college programs nationwide. This session will explore how programs can meet accreditation standards, what the process looks like from campus to state levels, and why accreditation matters for quality, recognition, and long-term viability. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of what accreditation means for students, institutions, and the broader IPSE field.
For questions, contact: Maria.Paiewonsky@umb.edu
Past Session Recordings
College-Based Transition Services in Action
January 14, 2026 | Lyndsey Nunes and Ashley Collins (Massachusetts)
Statewide Inclusive Postsecondary Education Options in New York
February 11, 2026 | Carrie Shockley (New York)
From TPSID Funding to Program Sustainability (recording coming soon)
March 11, 2026 | Bryan Dague (Vermont)