Take Our Readiness Assessment
To assess a college or university’s readiness to implement an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) program in New York State, it is essential to ask a range of questions that evaluate both logistical and cultural aspects of the institution. The goal is to determine whether the institution can effectively support students with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) and provide a meaningful post-secondary experience.
Below are key assessment questions across various categories:
Category 1:
Institutional Commitment and Leadership
- Where will it be organizationally located?
- Is there a designated champion or team responsible for leading the IPSE initiative?
- What is the level of support from senior leadership (e.g., president, provost)?
- What resources has the institution committed (e.g., financial, human resources, infrastructure) to support the IPSE program?
- Does the institution have a mission or strategic goals that align with inclusivity and diversity, including supporting students with disabilities?
- Do you currently have staff hired to support your new program or is there a plan utilizing existing staff to support?
Category 2:
Infrastructure and Accessibility
- How are accommodations already accessed by SWD and would those be available to students in the program?
- What physical and digital accessibility features are already in place on campus (e.g., ramps, accessible restrooms, assistive technology)?
- Does the campus have accessible transportation options, and how are students with disabilities supported in navigating the campus?
- Are faculty and staff supporting the program trained in universal design for learning (UDL) or other accessibility practices?
Category 3:
Academic Integration and Curriculum
- How will students in the IPSE program engage with the college’s academic offerings? Will they have full access to take already existing college-level courses for credit, non-credit, or audit with other students?
- Will there be academic advisors trained to work with students in the program? Will students be able to work toward a certificate or degree? Does anything already exist within the university system?
- Are there academic advisors and faculty members trained to work with students with IDD?
- How will the IPSE program ensure that students receive academic supports, such as tutoring or mentoring?
- What supports are in place to facilitate inclusion within traditional college classes, such as peer supports or teaching assistants?
Category 4:
Student Support Services
- What existing student services are available (e.g., counseling, career services, disability services) that can be integrated into the IPSE program?
- How will the college ensure that students with IDD are supported socially and emotionally throughout their college experience?
- What career development opportunities, including internships and work-based learning, will be offered to IPSE students?
- What mechanisms are in place to track student progress and success (e.g., retention, academic performance, employment outcomes)?
Category 5:
Campus Culture and Inclusion
- What steps are being taken to promote an inclusive campus culture for all students, including those with disabilities?
- How will the IPSE program foster relationships between students with IDD and other students on campus?
- What initiatives or events are planned to raise awareness about intellectual and developmental disabilities among faculty, staff, and students?
- Is there a history of successful inclusion of students with disabilities in other campus programs or activities?
Category 6:
Financial and Operational Sustainability
- Are you a NYS OPWDD program for students with intellectual disability? Plan to apply?
- Does your program serve or will it serve only students with intellectual disabilities?
- Is your program currently identified as a CTP, or are you planning to become a CTP program?
- How will the program be funded in the long term (e.g., grants, tuition, state or federal funding, private donations)?
- What tuition models or financial aid options are available for IPSE students?
- Does the institution have experience managing programs that are both academic and vocational, and can it sustain these programs over time?
- Is there a plan for program evaluation, including assessing the effectiveness of the IPSE program and adjusting it as needed?
Category 7:
Partnerships and Community Engagement
- Is the college connected to local agencies, vocational rehabilitation services, or organizations supporting individuals with disabilities?
- Are there potential partnerships with local businesses for internships or job placements for IPSE students?
- How does the institution plan to involve families and other community members in the success of IPSE students?
Category 8:
Transition and Post-Graduation Support
- What transition services will be offered to students both before and after they enter the IPSE program?
- How will the institution support students in securing employment or further education after completing the program?
- Is there a network of alumni or community members that will help support students post-graduation?
- Do you currently have staff hired to support your new program or is there a plan utilizing existing staff to support?
Category 9:
Evaluation and Impact
- What metrics will be used to measure the success of the IPSE program (e.g., graduation rates, employment outcomes, student satisfaction)?