What’s New With Accreditation?
Lots! First, we are excited to share that a second postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disability has been accredited by the Inclusive Higher Education Council (IHEAC). The University of Colorado Colorado Springs Inclusive Services program was awarded full accreditation for a period of 7 years on May 30, 2024. Learn more!
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Virginia Commonwealth University ACE-It in College program has also completed the accreditation process as the third program piloting the accreditation process. An announcement of their accreditation decision is expected in mid-July. The National Coordinating Center will announce the final two programs participating in the accreditation process pilot in late summer. Read this article for all the details.
In addition, the 2024 Guide to Accreditation for Higher Education Programs for Students with Intellectual Disability has been released, providing all the details on the accreditation process.
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Find us at the NDSC College Fair
Since 2019, we've proudly sponsored the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) College Fair at their yearly convention. This year, the fair is on July 27 and will highlight programs for students with intellectual disability from over a dozen colleges. Think College will be there, sharing program updates, showcasing resources, and demonstrating our website tools. For more details, check out this article!
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Explore Our Webinar Archives
The 2023-2024 NCC webinar series has concluded, and we have archived the sessions for you to explore! Follow the links below to access the webinar recordings and accompanying resources.
Have an idea for a webinar? Send it to Sheila.Johnson@umb.edu.
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Policy Update: What's Happening in Your State
Think College tracks legislation at the state level related to postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities. We create a summary for each piece of legislation introduced or passed in our Resource Library and create a document listing all passed and funded legislation annually. You can find these updates in the library and listed by state on our "What’s Happening in Your State" webpage.
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In the recent legislative session, nine states actively introduced inclusive postsecondary education bills. While not all were passed, it demonstrates ongoing progress resulting from consistent advocacy efforts. California, Minnesota, and Georgia successfully passed bills. These bills included provisions for additional funding, tuition assistance, improved student access and accommodations. | |
A Legacy of Leadership and Vision: Honoring the Impact of Debra Hart on the Field of Inclusive Postsecondary Education
Meg Grigal wrote an article in Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (JIPE) honoring Debra Hart, a pioneer in inclusive postsecondary education for 50 years. Debra's work laid the groundwork for transition services, person-centered planning, and initiatives like the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative and Think College. Read Meg’s article in JIPE.
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Inside Think College Blog | |
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By Caitlyn Bukaty, Belkis Choiseul-Praslin, Pam McFarland, and Clare Papay
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the annual TPSID report in this blog from the NCC Evaluation Team.
(Photo left to right: Clare Papay, Pam McFarland, Belkis Choiseul-Praslin, and Caitlyn Bukaty)
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By Grace Arnold and Kelly Haan
We invited Grace Arnold and Kelly Haan to write a blog about their experiences with Think College Policy Advocates (TCPA). This annual program, a partnership between Think College and AUCD, offers college students an opportunity to learn about advocacy and disability rights. Read the post.
(Photo left to right: Grace Arnold and Kelly Haan)
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Other Think College Projects | |
Graduate Certificate in Special Education with a Concentration in Transition Leadership
Application Deadline Extended to July 1!
The UMass Boston Transition Leadership Program seeks professionals in special education, vocational rehabilitation counseling, school social work, and guidance counseling to earn an education specialist endorsement in transition services. Graduates can expect career opportunities in high schools, transition programs, and college initiatives supporting students with disabilities. Contact Program Director Maria Paiewonsky at Maria.Paiewonsky@umb.edu or visit the program webpage.
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Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI)
MAICEI offers grants to college-school partnerships to support eligible public high school students with intellectual disabilities, ages 18–22, to increase their academic and career success by being included in a college or university community of learners. Learn more.
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Future Quest Island-Explorations (FQI-E)
FQI-E is an online accessible college & career awareness curriculum that uses gaming strategies to motivate and support improved self-concept, social and emotional competence, and early college and career awareness for upper elementary students with and without disability in grades 3-5. Learn more.
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AUCD 2024 Conference
November 3-6, 2024, Washington, D.C.
At this year's AUCD Conference, Network members across diverse disciplines and backgrounds and members of the disability community will come together stronger than ever as driving forces to create positive change and to build a more inclusive world for all.Subscribe to Conference updates to receive the latest information.
Help the AUCD Network Gather HCBS Resources
AUCD is collaborating with HSRI, NDRN, Developmental Disabilities Councils, and partners to form cross-disability coalitions. Share your UCEDD's efforts in enhancing disability rights and home/community services. Gain insights on AUCD initiatives, upcoming CMS state visits, public comment opportunities, and learning from others. Learn more about ways to get involved.
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AHEAD 2024 Annual Conference: Equity and Excellence, Access in Higher Education
AHEAD is excited to announce its 47th annual conference, Equity & Excellence: Access in Higher Education, as an in-person professional development and networking event. Presenters and participants from diverse fields, including education, technology, law, scholarship, and government will gather in Baltimore, MD July 15-19, 2024. Register.
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The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) is a technical assistance center co-funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs and the Rehabilitation Services Administration. They provide information, tools, and supports to assist multiple stakeholders in delivering effective services and instruction for secondary students and out of school youth with disabilities. Learn more about NTACT:C.
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