Inclusive higher education opens the doors to college for students with intellectual disability (ID) to create a better path toward meaningful employment and independence. 

When you give to IN!, you support our commitment to provide:

1. COMMUNITY OUTREACH 

IN! informs community members of the college possibilities for students with ID via presentations, resource fairs, webinars, and personal consultations. 

"I just want to say how inspired I am by what you've been able to do. It's a reminder that we can make a difference in our communities." -Community Partner

Impact: She can now dream of going to college and know that inclusive pathways await her.

2. FAMILY RESOURCES 

IN! Provides relevant resources for families to prepare and navigate the path to inclusive higher education, including information on college preparation skills, financial considerations, available supports and services. 

“It’s an inspiration to us and our 12-year-old daughter. This looks very promising as a possibility for her. It is so encouraging.” -Parent

Impact: Students and families have hope for what their futures hold.

3. TEACHER PREPARATION 

IN! provides statewide trainings and resources to teachers, counselors, and disability professionals on how to prepare students with ID for college while advocating for increased inclusion of individuals with disabilities in our communities.

“I got goosebumps at the enthusiasm for college that the students have. This experience is a must for the future of all students”. –Teacher

Impact: Educators are now elevating expectations for all students.

4. STUDENT MENTORSHIP & PREPARATION 

IN! facilitates annual mentorship programs, giving high school students with ID an opportunity to learn about college from current college students enrolled in inclusive higher education. 

“A lot of high school teachers tell a lot of students with disabilities they can’t go to college. I think it’s not fair, because we’re people too.” -Student

Impact: He is now planning and preparing for college alongside his peers.

5. PROGRAM GUIDANCE & BEST PRACTICE 

IN! provides technical assistance to current school partners by leading the state-wide consortium. These efforts ensure sustainable, quality inclusive higher education programs focused on academics, social engagement, greater independence, and career development. 

"We cannot put limits on people. With our students, they're the ones that say 'I want to do this and I will do this.' And they can!" -Peer Mentor

Impact: They have the opportunity to attend college and be fully included on campus.

6. COLLEGE EXPANSION & LEGISLATION 

IN! works to pass necessary legislation, provide start-up funding, and offer program development guidance. Advocating for students with intellectual disability to have equitable access to college, IN!’s work will continue until inclusive pathways become part of the fabric of all colleges throughout Colorado.

"I'm really excited that this work continues. I know it is not done, and I know I am not done." -Colorado State Representative

Impact: More colleges are seeing the benefit of inclusion and welcoming students with ID on their campuses.

7. ALUMNI GROUPS & MEASURING SUCCESS 

IN! is committed to tracking the outcomes of students to demonstrate the impact higher education has in their lives. Continuing to expand the alumni community, IN! ensures inclusive higher education graduates are celebrated, connected, and continuing to reach goals together.

"The bar has been set high, and the students have risen and reached it! They have been presumed competent and their lives changed." -Graduate Parent

Impact: Students with ID pursuing higher education achieve a 70% employment rate, standing in stark contrast to the 30% employment rate of people with ID who did not access college.

If the door is opened and the path is paved, anyone can rise and reach their college dreams.