Category: IHEs

Empowering Futures: Understanding Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Posted on | by Patti Singleton

Empowering Futures: Understanding Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

As students with disabilities approach the end of high school, families often face a critical question: What comes next? For many, the path to independence, employment, and further education can seem uncertain. That’s where Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs (CTPs) come in—offering a bridge to brighter futures.

What Are CTPs?

CTPs are higher education programs specifically designed for students with intellectual disabilities. These programs, hosted by six Kentucky colleges and universities, provide students with the opportunity to continue their education while gaining essential life and job skills.

CTPs are approved by the U.S. Department of Education: Students enrolled in these programs may be eligible for federal financial aid, even if they are not pursuing a traditional degree.

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.

Key Features of CTPs

  • Academic Enrichment: Students take part in coursework tailored to their abilities and interests.
  • Career Exploration and Community Engagement: Programs partner closely with the Kentucky Office of Rehabilitation and include internships, job coaching,  vocational training, career development lessons, and other types of experiential learning to help prepare students for meaningful employment and community connection.
  • Independent Living Skills: From budgeting to cooking to navigating public transportation, students learn skills that support autonomy.
  • Social Integration: Students engage with peers on campus, participate in clubs, and build lasting friendships.

Why Families Should Consider Exploring CTPs

For families, the transition from high school to adulthood can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. CTPs provide a supportive and structured environment that fosters growth and independence. By participating in a CTP, students can:

Sara Jones (left), Ann Switzer (right), and Erin Fitzgerald (background)
  • Build confidence and self-advocacy skills
  • Discover their strengths and interests
  • Gain real-world experience in a safe, supportive setting

Encouraging Families to Take the First Step

If you’re a parent, guardian, or advocate of a student with a disability, now is the time to explore what CTPs can offer. Here are a few ways to get started:

  1. Research Programs: Visit the Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership website to see if there is a Community Transition Program (CTP) in your area.
  2. Attend Information Sessions: Many programs offer virtual or in-person open houses where you can meet staff, ask questions, and tour the campus.
  3. Connect with Other Families: Hearing from others who have gone through the process can provide valuable insights and encouragement.
  4. Talk to Your Student: Involve them in the conversation, allowing their goals, interests, and dreams to guide the journey.

Final Thoughts

Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs are more than just educational opportunities—they are launching pads for independence, confidence, and a fulfilling adult life. By reaching out and learning more, families can help their student take the next step toward a future full of possibility.

Group of people standing with the WKU Hilltopper
The SEPSEA logo is a series of circles with an open book in the middle, with bold color pages. Below are three stars and the words Justice, Inclusion, and Advocacy

Southeast Post Secondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA) will hold its annual conference in Asheville, NC this year from May 21-23, 2025.

Posted on | by Patti Singleton

Southeast Post Secondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA) will hold its annual conference in Asheville, NC, from May 21 to 23, 2025.

The SEPSEA logo is a series of circles with an open book in the middle, with bold color pages. Below are three stars and the words Justice, Inclusion, and Advocacy

The SEPSEA conference is an excellent opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about inclusive postsecondary education programs. You can attend sessions with students, alums, and professionals to learn more about what different people are doing to increase access to learning, engagement, and advocacy in college and university settings.

If you are not a member of SEPSEA, you can also find out more information about membership – as well as details about this year’s conference – at this link: https://sepsea.org/sepsea-annual-conference/#

SEPSEA Advocacy Group

Posted on | by Patti Singleton

SEPSEA Advocacy Group meeting February 24, 2025

The next SEPSEA Advocacy Group meeting will be held (on ZOOM) on Monday, February 24 from *4:00-5:00 Eastern Time (*3:00-4:00 Central Time).

The Southeast Postsecondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA) is an organization promoting access to quality inclusive postsecondary education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the region.

This online Advocacy Group is a space for students and alums of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs to connect and share about their college experiences.

During this meeting, we will hear from a few graduates and students from the College and Career Studies program at the University of Kentucky about ways they are connecting with their community. Afterward, we would love to hear from everyone else about ways you connect with your community.

We hope you will join us for this conversation!

For more information about this group, or to get the zoom link for this meeting, please contact Erin Fitzgerald at Erin.Fitzgerald@uky.edu.

Watch Now: Rethinking College, a film by Think College

Posted on | by Patti Singleton
ThinkCollege teaser includes three images of students with disabilities on campus and the title, Rethinking College in bold white lettering over a blue backgroun.
Watch Rethinking College now

ThinkCollege: The Importance of Naming your Program

Posted on | by Patti Singleton

ThinkCollege: The Importance of Naming your Program

This resource by ThinkCollege guides Institutes of Higher Education as they consider naming a comprehensive transition program.

View: The Importance of Naming your Program

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.

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