Colleges and Universities

IDEAL is an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) program at Georgia State University with a focus on creative media; art, film, theater, and music. Our mission is to prepare students with intellectual disabilities with job skills and employment-readiness while providing access to university education, resources, and support that leads to higher levels of self-determination, meaningful employment, greater independence and a higher quality of life. IDEAL students take classes with other Georgia State University students and receive work experience through internships. Students have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of university life, such as club memberships, athletic events, arts events, and multicultural events.

EAGLE Academy inclusive post-secondary education program is a two-year certificate program of study which teaches independent living and career skills and empowers students to achieve Equal Access to Gainful Learning and Employment (EAGLE). Our program currently focuses on years 3 and 4 of the college experience, meaning our students have either attended other post secondary programs for a year or two, worked previously, or have been out of high school for a couple of years.

Destination Dawgs serves students with intellectual disabilities between the ages of 18 -25 who have a personal desire (and support from family) to gain skills for self-determination, independent living, and career development at the University of Georgia. Completion of the program will result in a UGA Certificate in College and Career Readiness from the UGA Center on Continuing Education bearing +/- 100 continuing education units. Student competency and accomplishments will be recorded in an electronic portfolio. The Destination Dawgs team will utilize the Students Transitioning to Adult Roles (STAR) Person-Centered Planning (PCP) model to facilitate goal setting and to track progress across five domains: Career Development and Employment, Academic Enrichment, Campus & Community Engagement, Building Independence, and Self-Determination.

The EXCEL Program offered by the Georgia Institute of Technology is a four-year college program for students with intellectual disabilities leading to two separate Certificates. Excel courses are specialized sessions designed to provide essential academic career and personal success. Every student is exposed to the course's full curriculum however, students in the Excel program at Georgia Tech are responsible for learning a modified portion of the curriculum based on their individual needs.

Creating Higher education Opportunities to Increase College Experiences (CHOICE) is a two-year, non-degree college inclusion program at East Georgia State College designed to provide students with intellectual disabilities who may traditionally be excluded from post-secondary education the opportunity to participate in college classes and develop employment skills.CHOICE provides instruction in the following areas: Career Development and Employment, Academic Enrichment, Campus and Commu­nity Engagement, Self-Determination and Independent Living.

The Leveraging Education for Advancement Program (LEAP) is an Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Program. LEAP at Albany Technical College provides students with intellectual disabilities (ages 18 and older) an inclusive post-secondary college education. LEAP focuses on developing academic, personal, and self-advocacy skills that lead to employment. Each participant works closely with an academic transition teacher and a trained mentor to assist students in meeting their academic and social needs. Student programming is based on the strengths and needs of the individual student identified through the development of a Person-Centered Plan. Along with taking classes for credit, students have the opportunity to participate in career development workshops, social community integration, job shadowing, and internships.

The KSU Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth provides a university-based, post-secondary education experience for persons with intellectual disabilities. The Academy focuses on independence through an inclusive campus program – encouraging social growth and development through real-life college experience. The programs are tuition and fee-based with housing options available on and off campus.

The Guidance and Opportunities for Academic and Leadership Success (GOALS) Program at Columbus State University is a two or four year certificate program that provides a college experience for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Using a person-centered planning process, GOALS provides students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to set and work toward their personal post-secondary goals as a foundation for active, lifelong career and community participation. GOALS represents an inclusive, university-based program built upon the four principles of: personal advocacy, career development, health education, and civic engagement. Students complete 36 credit hours of inclusive and program-specific courses, along with work-related internships that are designed to support the academic and personal leadership development of students.

The Berry College Program for Inclusive Learning is designed for individuals ages 18-26 with an intellectual disability who are highly motivated to continue learning and acquiring skills to contribute meaningfully as a fully engaged participant in their communities. Berry's Inclusive Post–Secondary Education (IPSE) program provides admitted students a 2-year college experience working toward personal goals that build academic skills, vocational development and interpersonal growth.

GC THRIVE is an Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Program that enables young adults with intellectual disabilities, ages 18-28, to attend college with their non-disabled peers. The program is committed to providing an inclusive, meaningful college experience for students so they can develop the social, academic, career, and independent living skills that will support them to live authentic and fulfilling lives.