Inclusive Postsecondary Education
Opening Doors to College for Students with Disabilities
What is inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE)?
Inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) allows students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in college life. Students take classes, explore careers, and build independence alongside peers. These experiences support strong outcomes after college.
What effective IPSE looks like
- Access to college courses with peers
- Opportunities for campus employment
- Support for social engagement
- Person-centered academic planning
- Collaboration across campus partners
How we support your team
- Plan and develop IPSE initiatives
- Build partnerships across systems
- Train staff and faculty
- Evaluate programs and outcomes
- Create tools for implementation
Technical Assistance in Action
Launching an IPSE initiative
Interested in starting an IPSE initiative but not sure where to begin? The MA Center worked alongside a parent advocate and local college to support early inclusive postsecondary education planning through facilitated meetings, tailored resources, and goal-setting. The group built a shared vision and began moving from interest to action, opening the door to an IPSE pathway.
Recommended Resources
Learn how students build independence through planning, scheduling, and goal setting.
Learn how to plan campus visits that help students explore and prepare for college.
Learn how educational coaches support students with intellectual disability in college through academics, navigation, work, and inclusion.