Program Funding

One important aspect of program development is to create a program budget reflecting anticipated expenses and program income.  These proforma budget examples are provided to assist programs in developing their own budget. Examples for both a university program and a community college program have been provided by IN: Pathways to Inclusive Higher Education (Colorado), and LeadLearnLive (Oklahoma) provides a university example. 

This “Questions and Answers” (Q&A) from the U.S.

In this Insight Brief, we explain Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). An MOU is used to describe an agreement between parties; it outlines each party’s roles and responsibilities and helps to avoid confusion and miscommunication. They are used in inclusive postsecondary education to define relationships between the institution of higher education, employers, school districts, and other relevant parties. This publication describes the core components of MOU, their usage within a college program for students with intellectual disability, and their advantages and disadvantages.

There is growing evidence postsecondary education (PSE) is an effective pathway to employment for individuals with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder (ID/A). Partnerships between institutions of higher education (IHEs) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) are essential in providing better access to this pathway. This study sought to identify elements of effective IHE-VR partnerships through case studies at four sites, involving interviews with faculty and program staff, VR administrators and counselors, and students and families.

In 2020, AUCD and the Think College National Coordinating Center (NCC) conducted a national survey that examined how individual DD Councils were supporting postsecondary education for students with IDD at the state level.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is a written document describing a cooperative relationship between a college or university and a sending district wishing to work together to develop an inclusive dual enrollment program. It services as a legal document and describes the terms and details of the partnership agreement. A MOA may be used regardless of whether or not money is to be exchanged as part of the agreement. This example was developed by Westfield State University.

Think College Insight Brief #24 describes the partnership, illustrating key activities with videos and photos that are embedded into the publication. Without a formal program or structure, the State University of New York Delhi and The Arc of Delaware County, NY, a human service agency that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, forged a collaboration. Their partnership creates opportunities that support individuals to reach their goals, share their dreams, and be part of a strong relationship between The Arc participants/staff and SUNY students and faculty members. 

Think College Insight Brief #9 describes how EXCEL was formed, how its work led to the creation of THRIVE, and how others might use a similar process for similar efforts in other areas of the country. Over a period of four years, the founders of EXCEL evolved from meeting informally over coffee to establishing an official nonprofit organization. EXCEL raised private money from generous families and foundations, then used partnerships with public agencies to promote sustainable inclusive programs in local colleges. 

Think College Insight Brief #17 describes how dual enrollment programs at several community colleges in Massachusetts have shifted from the use of state funds that were provided as seed money to be self-supporting with the use of IDEA funds and in-kind contributions from the college.  Examples of who funds different aspects of the programs, and a template to use to establish a Memorandum of Understanding between a college and a school district are included.