Inclusive postsecondary education initiatives are enhancing opportunities for students in Tennessee, particularly those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Managed by the Tennessee Inclusive Higher Education Alliance, nine programs across the state aim to support academic success and workforce readiness for these individuals.
Program Structure and Objectives
These programs are structured to promote academic, career, and social development through customized plans, life skills courses, internships, and peer mentoring. Although Belmont University does not feature an inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) program, three Nashville institutions—Vanderbilt University, Lipscomb University, and Tennessee State University—are actively engaged in such initiatives.
Vanderbilt University’s Next Steps Program
Vanderbilt University introduced the Next Steps program in 2010, marking it as the first of its kind in Tennessee. This program places a significant emphasis on academics, campus engagement, and career development. Hannah Oakley, admissions and administrative coordinator of the program, notes the value of promoting Vanderbilt’s diverse university setting as an attractive factor for potential students.
During her time with the program, Oakley has witnessed considerable growth among participants as they acquire valuable skills and knowledge that can improve their future opportunities. She expressed a desire for students to lead fulfilling lives.
Lipscomb University’s IDEAL Program
Lipscomb University established the IDEAL program in 2014, which extends over two years and offers options for additional enrollment in the third and fourth years. The program prioritizes internships, allowing first-year students to rotate through various positions every six weeks, while second-year students pursue off-campus internships. Kaitlyn Parks, a second-year IDEAL student, is currently interning at a veterinarian’s office, working toward her aspiration of becoming a veterinary assistant, a goal further clarified through her coursework.
Parks remarked that the IDEAL program has contributed to her development of crucial life skills, including financial literacy and independence, while fostering her sense of belonging within the Lipscomb community. Dr. Halle King, director of the IDEAL program, recognized the supportive environment provided by faculty, staff, and students, highlighting the significant impact this has on participants and their families.
Tennessee State University’s TigerEDGE Program
Tennessee State University initiated the TigerEDGE program in 2022, supported by the Tennessee Believes grant and designed for students aged 18 to 26. The program focuses on employment skills, particularly in its second year, as part of the curriculum. Gregory Morrissette and Anita Boyd, coordinators for the Office of Disability Services at TSU, have highlighted the importance of social development for students, which helps them confront and overcome stigma.
Conclusion
These inclusive education programs not only aim to develop critical job skills but also strive to improve the overall college experience for students with disabilities, ensuring they have opportunities for comprehensive academic and personal growth on campus.
(Originally reported by Belmont Vision)
