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:
- Cathi Allen Interim Director, Inclusive Higher Education Solutions at Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Jeanine Coleman, PhD Director, GLOBAL Inclusive Program at Regis University
- Debbie Fidler, PhD Co-Director, RAM Scholars at Colorado State University
- James Graham, PhD, DC Co-Director, RAM Scholars at Colorado State 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
- Elise Kramer Program Coordinator, IN! Pathways to Inclusive Higher Education
- Shayna Laing Community Engagement Manager, 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
Grad Stories, Grad INvestors, Tailgate
Jonah is earning his certificate from ACC! Hear a bit about his experience, future plans, and words of wisdom.
Schuyler is earning his certificate from Regis! Hear a bit about his experience, future plans, and words of wisdom.
Andrew is earning his certificate from Regis! Hear a bit about his experience, future plans, and words of wisdom.
Sam is earning his certificate from Regis! Hear a bit about his experience, future plans, and words of wisdom.
