The membership organization planning committee is excited to announce the name of the future organization: the Inclusive Postsecondary Education Association, or the IPSE Association. This name reflects the commitment to expanding opportunities for higher education for people with intellectual disability and advancing policy and practice in the field.
The purpose of the IPSE Association is to increase access to quality inclusive postsecondary education for people with intellectual disability by building community, advancing knowledge, supporting advocacy, and developing leaders in the field.
The mission of the IPSE Association is to build a community of professionals and advocates that advances policy and practice to expand opportunities for inclusive postsecondary education for people with intellectual disability.
The vision is that people with intellectual disability are included and supported at all colleges and universities to pursue their desired life goals.
As the field of inclusive postsecondary education has grown, so has the need for enhanced communication and collaboration. Now with programs in every state in the country, there is an increased need for people directly and indirectly connected to the field to have a community. One unique aspect of the field is that it is not solely a professional community. Families and students have a critical role in advocacy and policy development. Therefore in conceptualizing this organization the planning committee did not limit it only to professionals. The hope is to launch an organization that offers its members many ways to engage with each other, building their own capacity and potentially increasing local, state, and regional leadership.
Choosing the name IPSE Association was intentional, ensuring clarity and a strong, recognizable identity. The organization will be referred to as the IPSE Association (not IPSEA).
The IPSE Association will provide members with tools, resources, and opportunities to collaborate, advocate, and innovate. Together, members will work to transform higher education and create even more pathways for people with intellectual disability to achieve their dreams.