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Together, let’s expand and strengthen inclusive higher education programs so individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can thrive academically, socially and professionally.

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IHETAC

The Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center (IHETAC) of New York at Syracuse University helps colleges and universities across New York State develop, expand and strengthen inclusive higher education programs that give individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to thrive academically, socially and professionally.

Through collaboration, innovation and advocacy, IHETAC of New York works to create inclusive college campuses that celebrate diversity and unlock the potential of every student.

The core elements of our services are:

  • Tailored information and support through consultations, communications and resources.
  • Systematic and continuous assistance to ensure the creation, sustainability and growth of IPSE programs.
  • Collaboration with individuals, programs and institutional teams to address key needs such as program design, developing funding sources, residential life, resource utilization and more.

Contact Us

Mak El-Hassan, Project Director, Technical Assistance Center
[email protected] | 315-607-3822

Years of Experience
20
  • Affordable Support
  • Emerjency Solution Anytime
  • Reliable & Experienced Team
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HOW WE CAN HELP

Our Services

Our Technical Assistance begins with a Readiness Assessment. Email Mak El-Hassan ([email protected]) to get started.

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IHETAC New York is funded in part by the Golisano Foundation. The Golisano Foundation is one of the nation’s largest foundations dedicated to supporting programs for people with intellectual disabilities. IHETAC is grateful for its generous support, which will advance our mission to expand and strengthen inclusive higher education programs across New York State.

Outcomes

ATTENDING AN INCLUSIVE COLLEGE PROGRAM LEADS TO:

Meaningful work experience, higher wages and continued employment​

Students who participated in these programs, on average, earned 73% higher income than those who received only vocational rehabilitation services.

more successful independent living outcomes

39% of graduates rented an apartment or home and an additional 4% owned a home two years after graduation.

Increased community integration

Completing an IHE program correlates to increased levels of self-determination and confidence and a greater number of friends with and without disabilities.

The State of the State:

The Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center of New York (IHETAC) is a critical force in addressing the severe gaps in higher education access for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With only 27 inclusive college programs statewide—and just four approved Comprehensive Transition Programs (CTPs) providing federal financial aid—far too many students are left without a pathway to higher education and meaningful careers. Colleges struggle to develop, expand and sustain these essential programs, leaving students with IDD at risk of lifelong poverty and exclusion from the workforce. By providing vital training, resources, and coordination, IHETAC ensures that state resources like OPWDD and ACCES-VR are fully leveraged to improve employment outcomes and economic independence for students with IDD.

Less than 1%

of individuals with intellectual disability are currently accessing Inclusive Higher Education in New York State.

75%

of NYS counties do not have an Inclusive Higher Education program.

90%

of all higher education institutions in New York State do not have Inclusive Higher Education programs.

extensive experience and practical guidance

Meet our Team

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Beth Myers
Executive Director, Taishoff Center
Beth Myers is the Lawrence B. Taishoff Associate Professor of Inclusive Education, the Executive Director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education, and the Assistant Director for the Center on Disability and Inclusion. She is a faculty member in the Teaching and Leadership Department in the School of Education at Syracuse University, teaching in the Inclusive Elementary program where she started in 2014. She oversees InclusiveU, a federally-recognized model program for college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Professional headshot of Makram El Hassan, the Director of IHETAC of NY - male, Caucasian man with glasses, facial hair, and a bald head, unsmiling
Makram El-Hassan
Director, IHETAC of New York
Mak El-Hassan is the Director of the Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center of New York. He previously served as a Special Education Trainer for the Regional Partnership Center at Syracuse University. Mak holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from SUNY Plattsburgh, a Master of Arts in Special Education from CUNY Queens College, and a Master’s in Education Administration from Concordia University Texas. Prior to his work in higher education, he held leadership positions in K-12 education, including Assistant Director of Behavior Services and Assistant Principal, where he focused on inclusive practices, behavior support, and equity-driven education initiatives.
Professional headshot photo of Brianna Schults, Director, InclusiveU, female, Caucasian, brown shoulder length hair, blue eyes, with a dark colored blazer - smiling
Brianna Shults
Director, InclusiveU
Brianna Shults is the Director of InclusiveU, a program at Syracuse University for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend college. With ten years of experience at InclusiveU, Brianna has played a central role in shaping the program’s strategic plan, student services and community partnerships. Before joining the Taishoff Center, Brianna worked for a Syracuse-based non-profit, where she developed and launched employment and community engagement programs. These initiatives were aimed at equipping individuals with skills to actively participate and succeed in their communities. Brianna brings both passion and expertise to her work, advocating for increased access, funding, support, inclusion and success for all students.
Mary Downes Welker
Consultant, IHETAC
Mary Downes Welker previously served as Assistant Director of the Office of Professional Research and Development at Syracuse University’s School of Education, where she conducted program evaluations and supported project development and administration. She holds a Bachelor of Professional Studies from Syracuse University, a Master of Public Administration, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Conflict and Collaboration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. 

Ensure the quality of your Program

IHETAC Membership

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$TBD / Annually

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Our Partners

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InclusiveU

A leading inclusion program at Syracuse University School of Education.

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IHEA Council

An accrediting agency for college and university programs for students with intellectual disability.

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NYS IHE Coalition

A group of committed universities, colleges, school districts and disability agencies providing access to postsecondary education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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Warner School of Education at University of Rochester

The Warner School of Education and Human Development is a graduate school of education that prepares practitioners and scholars in the areas of teacher education, counseling, K-12 school leadership, higher education, human development and educational policy.

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Think College

The Think College National Coordinating Center provides coordination, technical assistance, training and evaluation for Transition and Postsecondary Education Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID).

Our Clients

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TESTIMONIALS

What our clients say

We are so impressed with the depth of support provided by IHETAC. Mak and the team have answered every program start-up question we've had with clarity and supporting resources. Also, the linkages provided to the IHE community in NYS and beyond have been invaluable to our Director. We cannot thank IHETAC enough!

Daemen website

Lisa Casper & Liz Wright

Director of Daemen ASCEND & Associate Vice President for Academic Relations

The Department of Teacher Education values our work with the Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Team. Our shared efforts have brought clarity to our commitment and vision of supporting access to higher education for students within the IDD population.

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Adam Huck

Roberts Wesleyan Dean, School of Education and Social Work, Director of Initial Certification Graduate Programs

The team at IHETAC of NY have been instrumental in the development of the EmpowerU program at Hartwick College. Mak El-Hassan's guidance, encouragement and support have been critical as we move our program to the next level. I'm excited to continue to work with the team to enhance the options for inclusive postsecondary programs for people with disabilities in New York State.

Hartwick College

Lara Sanford

Director of AccessAbility Services, EmpowerU

Who We Are

We are the consulting firm known for asking tough questions, listening well, digging in and rolling up our sleeves. We are fact-driven and action-oriented. We move our clients forward, to where they need to be.

News

Recent Articles

View All News
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  • News
  • March 13, 2025
Expanding Access: Syracuse University’s Taishoff Center Launches Technical Assistance Center to Expand Inclusive Higher Education in NY State
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University’s Taishoff Center has launched the Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance...
A group of people pose together for a photo in front of an on a stage with a large screen behind them.
  • News
  • November 22, 2024
Taishoff Center’s National Conference on Inclusive Higher Education Brings Record Number of Attendees to North Carolina
Across October 29-30, the Lawrence B. Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education—part of the Syracuse...
A graphic for 'Cuse Conversations that features Brianna Shults G'20 and Matthew Falanga '26
  • News
  • October 8, 2024
Making Higher Education Accessible to All: The Global Impact of InclusiveU (Podcast)
InclusiveU Director Brianna Shults and student Matthew Falanga discuss the life-changing opportunities InclusiveU affords its...

This is what

Inclusive Higher Education Looks Like

A group of around 20 InclusiveU college students and instructors in a gym, half with blue t-shirts and half with orange t-shirts, about half are standing in a line in the back and the rest are sitting in a line in front of them for a group photo.
An InclusiveU female students is sitting between two other females. One is helping to hold earphone on her head and the other is pointing to something on a screen that she is looking at.
Four people sit around a table with recording equipment, each has a microphone in front of them. One is an older white haired gentlemen, there are two young Caucasian males and one Caucasian woman in a bright blue shirt. They appear to be participating in a podcast or live radio recording session.

Inclusive Clubs and Organizations

Accessible Coursework

Internship and Employment Opportunities

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A young Caucasian man with a mustache is smiling and wearing a graduation cap and gown.

Inclusive On-Campus Housing

Peer Support

Graduating with Peers

Let’s start working together.

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