The Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council (IHEAC), the non-profit agency serving as the accrediting agency for postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disability, announced on May 30, 2024 that University of Colorado Colorado Springs Inclusive Services (UCCS IS) program has been fully accredited for a period of seven years. The program conducted a self-study and hosted a site visit for three peer reviewers in March 2024 in order to be considered for accreditation. This is the second program to be accredited by the council.
Stephanie Smith Lee, IHEAC Board President said “The Council is delighted to award accreditation to the UCCS Inclusive Services OIS program and appreciates their willingness to be one of the first to undergo accreditation. The services and supports provided to ensure equitable and meaningful inclusion at the University are outstanding.".
Christi Kasa, Director of the Office of Inclusive Services, shared her excitement and gratitude to all who made this important distinction possible. “We couldn't be more excited for this recognition and what it means for our students.” she said. “Thank you to everyone who helped us work towards this goal!” She also shared a congratulatory note from JFK Partners at University of Colorado Denver they sent upon hearing of their accomplishment. "This is a well-deserved recognition after all the hard work you have put in over so many years to show the great outcomes you have achieved. You are contributing to another important step in equitable and meaningful inclusion in higher education. We are proud supporters of your work!"
The program accreditation standards that serve as the basis for accreditation were developed over a period of ten years by two Think College National Coordinating Center (NCC) Accreditation Workgroups, as part of a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The current NCC Accreditation Workgroup has developed a process for accrediting programs using those standards, including a self-study, guidance manual, and plan for piloting program accreditation.
The NCC launched the IHEAC in 2023 with pioneers in inclusive postsecondary education and notably, all parents of individuals with intellectual disability, Madeleine Will, Stephanie Smith Lee, Elise McMillan and Tom Sannicandro are the founding board of directors for the Council. This historic accomplishment was highlighted in a recent Inside Higher Education article.
The photo, taken during the March 2024 site visit, shows Dr. Mary Judge Diegert and Dr. Martha Mock from the Inclusive Higher Education Council, Dr. Christi Kasa, Director of UCCS Office of Inclusive Studies, and the peer review team, Dr. Betty Patten, Aubun University, Dr. Carol Britton-Laws, University of Georgia and Dr. Misty Parsley, Lipscomb University.
For more information on program accreditation, contact Dr. Martha Mock, Executive Director, Inclusive Higher Education Council martha.mock@iheacouncil.org or 585-276-3363