Consortium Work
The Colorado Inclusive Higher Education Consortium (CIHEC), led by IN!, works to create and promote the development, growth, and permanency of high-quality inclusive higher education (IHE) pathways statewide to provide students with intellectual disabilities (ID) an opportunity to be fully included in higher education.
CIHEC Accomplishments Include:
- Advocated for and passed legislation in 2015 to establish the first pathways (pilot) and in 2022 for expansion of IHE. To date, four colleges/universities in Colorado offer Inclusive Higher Education.
- Achievement of Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) status at all participating institutions, resulting in access to financial aid for students with intellectual disabilities accessing inclusive services.
- Creation of a Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate that is institutionally approved and similar across IHE institutions.
- Transferable student transcripts between institutions offering IHE.
- Continued program data collection and evaluation based on current and graduated student outcomes.
- Development of partnerships with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing, Colorado Department of Education and Colorado Department of Higher Education.
- Statewide Outreach leading to increased awareness in prospective students, families and K-12 educators resulting in consistent enrollment numbers.
- Shared curriculum for specialized inclusive program courses.
Consortium Members
Members:
- Jeanine Coleman, PhD Director, GLOBAL Inclusive Program at Regis University
- Julie Harmon Inclusion Specialist, Office of Inclusive Services at University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Christi Kasa, PhD Director, Office of Inclusive Services at University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Shayna Laing Community Engagement Coordinator, IN! Pathways to Inclusive Higher Education
- Tracy Murphy Executive Director, IN! Pathways to Inclusive Higher Education
- Christina Ruffatti Director, GOAL at University of Northern Colorado
- Jen Woegens Director, Elevate at Arapahoe Community College
Advising Partners:
- Arc of Colorado
- Colorado Department of Education
- Colorado Department of Higher Education
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Health Care Policy and Financing
- Think College
Inclusive Higher Education News
Graduates experiencing independent living, IN!'s Tailgate Party scheduled for July 27th, several community resources, and more!
IN!'s Inclusive Higher Education Opportunities Grant is now accepting applications from colleges and universities throughout CO.
Laura's senior story, expansion is happening, free summer institute at UCCS, webinars, job openings, and more!
Georgie's senior story, applications, scholarship, spring resources, and more!
IN! announces the launch of the Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program this March.
