Author: Teresa Belluscio

CTP Brief: Student Financial Assistance

Posted on | by Teresa Belluscio

CTP Brief: Student Financial Assistance

Image of multiple students in caps and gowns, as well as two students in a classroom. The students are both in masks.

Kentucky Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Program Brief for Students

Comprehensive Transition & Postsecondary Programs (CTPs)

CTPs were created by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA, 2008). They support students with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) who want to continue academic, career, or technical instruction in higher education to better prepare for competitive integrated employment and independent living. CTPs:

  • use person-centered planning to help students identify and explore career goals, which may include paid work and unpaid work-based experiences
  • facilitate the social and academic integration of students on a college campus
  • provide support to navigate all elements of college life, including admissions, coursework, work experiences, and extracurricular activities

CTP Program Eligibility

Students enrolled in an approved CTP must have a documented ID, as defined by the HEOA. This means a student:

  • With a cognitive impairment characterized by significant limitations in:
    • intellectual and cognitive functioning; and
    • adaptive behavior
  • Who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for a free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Student Financial Assistance

Student Financial Assistance:

Students with ID enrolled in an approved CTP can access federal financial aid for which they qualify and state financial aid from the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES), Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, and College Access Program Grant programs, if eligible. Students and families can contact the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) at (800) 928-8926 or visit kheaa.com for help with the financial aid process.

To learn more about financial assistance for students enrolled in an approved Kentucky CTP, see CTP Brief: Student Financial Assistance.


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do students interested in a CTP apply for federal student financial assistance?

Students interested in enrolling in an approved CTP should complete the FAFSA each year at www.studentaid.gov and indicate which college(s) they want information sent.

  1. The FAFSA asks about high school completion status. How do students answer this question and will this affect students’ eligibility for financial aid?

Students with any diploma or credential other than a standard high school diploma (e.g., alternative high school diploma, GED, no diploma) select “none of the above”. This answer will not affect eligibility for student aid if a student is enrolled in an approved CTP.

  1. What does it mean if a FAFSA has been selected for verification?

In some cases, the U.S. Department of Education requires the financial aid office to verify the accuracy of certain information reported on the FAFSA. The school may request additional documentation from the student or parents to complete this review before federal student financial aid can be finalized. Being chosen for verification does not suggest that an error was

made on the FAFSA, and financial aid counselors can support students throughout the process.

  1. What do students enrolled in a Kentucky CTP need to do to keep their federal student financial aid?

As outlined by college/university satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policies for students in CTPs, students must maintain SAP and meet the basic federal student aid eligibility requirements. Students must re-apply each year for federal aid by filing the FAFSA.

  1. How do students enrolled in a Kentucky CTP receive their KEES funds?

College financial aid offices work directly with the statewide KEES coordinator at KHEAA to report enrollment and request the KEES CTP awards for eligible students (KRS 164.7882). KEES amounts for students enrolled in an approved CTP are $500 if enrolled in at least six (6) hours in an academic term; or $250 if enrolled in less than six (6) hours in an academic term. Note: KEES funds can only be awarded for fall and spring terms.

  1. How do students enrolled in a Kentucky CTP continue to qualify for KEES awards?

All that is necessary to qualify for renewal of the KEES CTP award is for a student to maintain enrollment in the CTP and maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the SAP policy. Students are eligible for KEES CTP awards for a maximum of eight (8) academic terms.

  1. How can CTP students apply for the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program (WRKS)?

Click here to learn more about the WRKS Program, including how to apply.

  1. Does receiving financial aid/grants to pay for college affect Social Security benefits for CTP students?

Grants, scholarships, fellowships, or gifts received for educational expenses are not counted as income or resources by Social Security if they are used to pay for educational expenses in a timely manner. To learn more about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) when students turn 18, including how grants and scholarships affect SSI benefits, visit: www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11005.pdf

There are six approved CTPs in Kentucky:

More Information

Last updated 9/13/2023. To view the latest version of this document, visit www.kshep.hdiuky.org/resources

For more information, please contact:

Johnny W. Collett
Deputy Director
(859) 257-2304

johnny.collett@uky.edu

Two Students Celebrated at Northern Kentucky University Celebration

Posted on | by Teresa Belluscio

Two Students Celebrated at Northern Kentucky University Celebration

Two students complete the Supported Higher Education Program at Northern Kentucky University. Congratulations to Tara McGrath and Michael Bushman!

Tara has taken classes across multiple disciplines, including Education, Theatre, English, Business, and more.

In this picture is Tara (far right) and her peer mentor Kayla Rich during commencement.

She has completed on-campus internships at Empower Learn Create, Steely Library, Northerner, NKU Theatre Box Office and most recently the College of Education Office. Emily Hellman of NKU’s SHEP often hears feedback from Tara’s instructors, internship supervisors, and peer mentors about how delightful, hard-working, and dedicated she is. She has represented NKU and the SHEP Program by leading campus tours and meeting with prospective students and their families. It is not uncommon for Tara to go above and beyond in her work while exceeding expectations.

Two students smile into the camera wearing their graduation cap and gown.
A group of people including two college graduates stand facing the camera.

Michael has taken classes in Art, English, Communications, Dance and Theatre. He’s held a paid internship at the Steely Library for the last three years and has assumed a number of roles and responsibilities through this position.

Michael has achieved success not only as a valuable intern, but has continued to challenge and apply himself in the classroom setting as well. Michael was one of the first students in the SHEP Program to live on campus in the residence halls and Emily is grateful for the role that he played in making on-campus housing an inclusive and accessible opportunity for all students.

Cole Amann (pictured far right in the group photo) completed the SHEP Program in Spring of 2020. Due to COVID restrictions, all University events were canceled and he was never able to attend the commencement ceremony. His Mom reached out to me a few months ago asking if Cole could participate in the commencement ceremony with our other two graduates this spring! We enjoyed seeing Cole again and was glad that we he was able to join the celebration.

Owensboro CTP Graduates First Students

Posted on | by Teresa Belluscio

Owensboro CTP Graduates First Students

Gavin Basham and Amie Morris are trailblazers in the CLS Program.

Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) graduated its first two students this spring from the Career and Life Skills certificate program: Gavin Basham and Amie Morris.

The Career and Life Skills certificate is designed to improve employment options through college-level coursework that includes life-long learning skills, digital literacy, and career exploration, as well as essential workplace skills through experiential learning opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.

The program is a 2-year program that started at OCTC in the fall of 2022 with Gavin and Amie being the first participants in the program. There are now a total of 6 students in the CLS program.

Gavin Basham was interested in working in kitchens and restaurants. He gained much experience in food preparation and culinary arts. Through his CLS internships he was offered a job at one of his placements.

Amie Morris found real joy and vision in the art classes that she took over the semesters. The artwork she produced astonished everyone around her. Although she has completed the CLS certificate, she may continue enrolling in other art classes here at OCTC.

We are so proud of our CLS graduates!

University of Kentucky Celebrates Students

Posted on | by Teresa Belluscio

University of Kentucky College and Career Studies Program Celebrates Students

The Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky recognized the following Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership (KSHEP) students for their achievements in a ceremony on May 2, 2024:

Completion of College and Career Studies program at the University of Kentucky

  • Sara Jones (primary focus on Universal Design, Animal Care and Support, and Storytelling in Literature).
  • Justin Harmon (primary focus on Universal Design, Theatre Arts, and Advocacy and Inclusion).
    Completion of Undergraduate Certificate in Universal Design
  • Callie Baesler
  • Kate Boudreaux
  • Will Lyon
  • Sara Jones
  • Justin Harmon

Spotlight on new CCS alums:

Justin Harmon

The College and Career Studies (CCS) program at the University of Kentucky helped me achieve my dream of going to college.  

I am thankful for the opportunity it gave me to attend many interesting classes, learn new things, make new friends, and experience campus life.  I will forever be grateful for my time as a CCS student at UK, and will always be proud to call myself an official Wildcat! 

Justin Harmon, CCS alum
Justin in front of UK Wildcat statue

Justin in front of UK Wildcat statue

Sara Jones (left), Ann Switzer (right), and Erin Fitzgerald (background)

Sara Jones (left), Ann Switzer (right), and Erin Fitzgerald (background)

Sara sitting with the UK Wildcat statue

Sara sitting with UK Wildcat statue

Sara Jones

Things I learned in college:  ​

  • I learned ways to communicate effectively with others.​
  • I can use what I have learned about Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning in many environments.  ​
  • I learned that I am most interested in caring for and supporting animals when thinking about a future career.  ​
  • I learned to be an advocate for myself and others for resources to be inclusive and accessible to everyone.  ​
  • I learned that I can overcome challenges that come with being a neurodivergent person.  ​
  • I learned that I can be successful. 
Sara Jones, CCS Alum

Thanks to everyone who made the 2023/2024 academic year a success! Congrats to all the students who completed a milestone this year, and also to students who completed their first year. We can’t wait to see what you all do next!

Western Kentucky CTP Approved

Posted on | by Teresa Belluscio

Western Kentucky CTP Approved

Western Kentucky University’s application to the US Dept of Ed to establish a CTP has been approved. WKU’s program is the 6th Comprehensive Transition Program that has been approved in the Commonwealth.

Read More

Resource: The Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities

Posted on | by Teresa Belluscio

Resource: The Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities

The Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities website is an online resource center that can be used by youth and young adults with disabilities between the ages of 12-26 and their families and caregivers to learn about how to move (transition) from pediatric health care to adult health care. Pediatric health care is medical care for children ages birth to age 18.  Once children reach age 18, they are most often referred to an adult healthcare provider. This website provides resources that empower youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities to become self-advocates in the transition process without gaps in health care service. The website provides videos for youth with disabilities to view that help them to understand their healthcare transition. Youth can listen to the real-life story of Hunter, who is a young adult with a disability, and his healthcare transition journey. In the video, Hunter describes the helpful tools he used to navigate a change in his own health care. Two additional videos show a young man with epilepsy named Kobe, who makes a healthcare transition, and Katie, who lives with cerebral palsy and other health issues who transitions from a pediatrician to an adult neurologist (a medical doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the brain and nervous system).  Youth can interact with toolkits, quizzes, and workbooks on these topics.

The website also provides a comprehensive listing of resources for parents and caregivers, clinicians, and direct service providers. Those resources include topics such as changes in insurance and legal rights, interactive videos, toolkits, quick guides, and infographics.

Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities

This center is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award.

Inclusive Higher Education Timeline

Posted on | by Teresa Belluscio

Inclusive Higher Education Timeline

Kentucky has a rich history in its commitment to inclusive spaces in post-secondary education. Over the last twenty years, multiple projects and initiatives have supported students with developmental disabilities as they engage in post-secondary education. The timeline below highlights some of the work that has gone into supporting students with their educational goals.

2005

Postsecondary Opportunities Workgroup
(POW) is launched by families, young adults with intellectual disabilities, and Kentucky organizations.

2008

Postsecondary Inclusion Partnership
PIP begins a three-year grant funded by the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities.

2010

The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute is awarded a five-year $2.1 million federal grant Supported Higher Education Project, SHEP.

2011

A pilot between SHEP and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation provides support services on college campuses around Kentucky.

2012

SHEP staff and students with intellectual disabilities present to the Kentucky Legislative Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education.

A group from Murray State University, led by a parent advocate, expresses interest in starting a program on campus.

Representative Carl Rollins attends the POW meeting and hears concerns that SHEP students cannot utilize Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship Program money.

2013

Kentucky’s first U.S. Department of Education approved Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program was established at Murray State University.

Kentucky Legislature unanimously passes a bill to allow students with alternate diplomas to access their KEES money.

2014

Bluegrass Community & Technical College Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) program approved.

SHEP, POW, and stakeholders explore expansion and sustainability options.

Spalding University Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) program approved.

2015

Northern Kentucky University Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) program approved.

2016

Partnerships in Employment State Systems Change grant.

Legislative action to increase KEES funding available to students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in Kentucky CTP programs.

2019

Inclusive Higher Education Webinar series.

2020

Kentucky State Budget addresses Supported Higher Education.

2021

Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership.

2022

University of Kentucky Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) program approved.

Legislative action expands the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship to include students with ID enrolled in Kentucky CTP programs.

2023

Owensboro Community and Technical College Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) program approved.

2024

Western Kentucky University Comprehensive Transition program approved.

Will CCS students have one-on-one support at all times while on campus? 

Posted on | by Teresa Belluscio

A: We cannot ensure that a program support person or peer mentor will be with a CCS student at all times while on campus. Part of the college experience is gaining more autonomy and independence and learning new things. However, we work with each student to make sure they have the support they need to navigate campus and course work.   

At the beginning of a new student’s time on campus, we try to arrange extra support as they get to know their routes, classes, and expectations. Once these become more familiar, students generally become comfortable doing more things on their own.   

We stay in close contact with students, whether in person or by phone or text. It is expected that CCS students be able to use a cell phone in order to communicate with us, as needed.  

Posted in FAQ

What kind of academic supports can CCS students request? 

Posted on | by Teresa Belluscio

A: Courses are selected through a person-centered process with the support of a full-time Program Coordinator, who is available to the student and faculty. The Program Coordinator maintains contact with students throughout their two-year program, from application to completion.   

For audited classes, course materials and assignments may be modified to align with students’ learning styles and goals. Learning Agreements are developed in collaboration between students, faculty, and the Program Coordinator.  

Course syllabi and assignments are not modified for students taking courses for credit.  

Program support staff can also help students with assignments and help connect them with existing campus resources such as tutoring, career exploration, and writing help.   In addition to the supports described above, students can request accommodations through the Disability Resource Center. Program staff assist students with this process, as needed, at the beginning of the program, and at the beginning of each academic year. 

Posted in FAQ