NDSU's recently launched Transition and Access Program for students with intellectual disabilities will provide support during the transition from high school to post-secondary education and into employment.
NDSU recently launched the Transition and Access Program for students with intellectual disabilities.
TAP will provide support to students in their transition from high school to post-secondary education and into employment. TAP will be housed within the Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources and will be administered by a full-time program coordinator.
"The mission of a land grant college is to provide access to education for all, and the Transition and Access Program will be a vital component in fulfilling this mission,” said Mark Coppin, director of the Center of Accessibility and Disability Resources. “By creating an inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their goals. The TAP program allows us to continue to build a more just and equitable society, one that recognizes and values the unique contributions of every individual, regardless of ability. This program provides us with the opportunity to continue paving the way towards a brighter future, where education is accessible to all who pursue it."
TAP is a response to the growing need to increase educational and employment opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are currently over 43,000 students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in post-secondary education in the United States. However, there is still a significant gap between the number of students with intellectual disabilities who graduate from high school and those who enroll in post-secondary education.
The program aims to bridge this gap by providing students with the necessary support to navigate the transition to post-secondary education. TAP is a three-year program and students will receive a College-to-Career certificate that reflects the completion of the program requirements and their readiness for employment and independent living.
The TAP program at NDSU provides a range of services and support to students, including:
Admission: Students who have completed high school, have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability and have the potential to succeed in a post-secondary environment are eligible.
Academic Support: This support will include tutoring, study skills development, person-centered planning and assistance with navigating the university's academic and administrative systems.
Career Development: Includes job coaching, internships and job placement assistance.
Social and Community Inclusion: Provides opportunities for social and community inclusion, including participation in campus events and activities, mentorship programs, and peer support groups.
Accessibility and Accommodations: All students have access to the necessary accommodations and assistive technology to participate fully in academic and social activities.
TAP is committed to providing students with the support and resources they need to succeed in post-secondary education and employment. The program will promote diversity and inclusivity on campus and contribute to the overall success of the university community.
The program at NDSU is supported through a TPSID grant from the United States Department of Education, specifically by the Office of Postsecondary Education, under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.
For more information about the TAP program at NDSU, please visit www.ndsu.edu/disabilityservices/tap or email ndsu.tap@ndsu.edu.
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