SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University’s Taishoff Center has launched the Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center (IHETAC) of New York. This initiative, made possible by a grant from The Golisano Foundation, aims to significantly increase access to college for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across New York State.
Currently, fewer than 1% of eligible New York State residents with IDD have access to inclusive college programs. In part, this is because 75% of New York’s counties lack an inclusive higher education program, and 90% of colleges across the state do not offer inclusive programs. IHETAC of New York is working to change this by providing essential resources and guidance to colleges and universities seeking to establish, expand and sustain inclusive education programs.
In many areas, the blueprint for establishing inclusive programs is still being developed. According to Think College, the national technical assistance center for inclusive higher education, 360 programs currently exist in the country. IHETAC’s sole focus is to remove the guesswork for NY Colleges and Universities ready to invest in an inclusive program, by providing expert guidance and evidence-backed best practices. The Taishoff Center, home to InclusiveU, the largest inclusive program in the country, serves as a model for programs across the world and is uniquely qualified to lead this initiative. The Center works to reduce barriers to college access by modeling what true campus inclusion looks like through inclusive coursework, social involvement on campus, internships and residential living.
“This is about expanding opportunities and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the same access to higher education as their peers,” said Mak El-Hassan, director of IHETAC of New York. “The demand is there—we just need to create more opportunities.”
El-Hassan previously served as a Special Education Trainer for the Regional Partnership Center at Syracuse University and has 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. He will work alongside a team of fellow inclusive higher education experts at the Taishoff Center, including its Executive Director Beth Myers and InclusiveU Director Brianna Shults, to serve IHETAC of New York clients.
A Statewide Movement
Since its launch last year, IHETAC has formalized technical assistance partnerships with three institutions: Roberts Wesleyan University, Daemen University and Hartwick College. Each is taking a unique approach to integrating inclusive education on campus.
Hartwick College’s EmpowerU program made history this spring by enrolling its first cohort of students, marking it the first inclusive higher education program not only in its county but in its congressional district. Among the inaugural students is a 60-year-old freshman studying chemistry. His journey is particularly significant, as he was denied access to public school in the 1960s, prior to the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Now, with access to Hartwick’s new program, he has the opportunity to pursue higher education for the first time.
Daemen University in Amherst is in the process of launching its first inclusive education cohort this Fall. Program Director Lisa Casper praised IHETAC’s role in supporting their efforts. “We are so impressed with the depth of support provided by IHETAC. Every program start-up question we’ve had, Mak and the team have answered with clarity and supporting resources,” said Casper. “The linkages provided to the inclusive higher education community in New York and beyond have been invaluable.”
Roberts Wesleyan University is reimagining what inclusive higher education can look like. Administrators are shifting their current program for students with intellectual disability to be more fully aligned with best practices, designing a potential four-year residential program with more options for students to fully integrate into campus life.
Investment in the Future
The benefits of inclusive higher education programs extend far beyond the classroom. According to Think College, graduates of IHE programs earn 73% higher wages than those who attend vocational programs. Additionally, 35% of students from inclusive higher education programs live independently within two years of graduation. The social connections fostered between students with and without disabilities create more inclusive communities overall.
The financial impact of these programs is also noteworthy. By increasing the independence of individuals with disabilities, they reduce reliance on public assistance programs, shifting students from tax recipients to taxpayers. “This is not just about the social benefits of inclusion,” said El-Hassan. “It’s about economic empowerment and strengthening communities across New York State.”
For individuals with disabilities and their families, IHE programs are more than just a chance to attend college—they are a gateway to building careers, gaining independence and participating fully in society.
With strong partnerships and a mission to provide statewide access to IHE programs, IHETAC is on course to redefine inclusive higher education in New York. As more colleges and universities join the movement, New York stands to become a national leader in accessible and equitable education. For more information, visit IHETAC.org.
About The Taishoff Center
The Lawrence B. Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education is committed to individualized and inclusive higher educational opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established in 2009 as part of Syracuse University’s School of Education, the Taishoff Center offers support, research, training, and resources to individuals, families, and college campus communities looking for strategies to foster and support college students with disabilities. The Center also provides information about students’ rights in higher education, universal design for courses, accommodations for specific types of disabilities, and other disability-related resources.
The Taishoff Center is home to InclusiveU, which offers a comprehensive college experience for students with intellectual disabilities including individualized coursework, person-centered planning, professional internships, and social and extracurricular activities.
