Students With Intellectual Disabilities Going to College? Absolutely!

In a pilot project in Kentucky, called SHEP, young people with intellectual disabilities are pursuing career goals and learning important life skills. They participate in college courses; work with mentors and coaches, and experience supported employment opportunities—all through partnerships among school systems, institutions of higher learning, and community agencies. For example, one student pursuing a career in graphic design works at a screen-printing business while simultaneously taking college courses to pursue his career goal. This article describes the rationale for such programs, the scope of the programs, and benefits to students and the community.