Georgia Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Consortium
The Consortium seeks to create opportunities for students who have historically not had access to post-secondary
educational opportunities. Members of the Consortium include individuals and families, and representatives from
school districts, colleges & universities, and state agencies, working to achieve the goal of inclusive post-secondary
education opportunities for all.
Support Post-Secondary Options
For students with Intellectual Disabilities
Inclusive post-secondary education is an opportunity for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
to experience the world of higher education.
When motivated young people have the opportunity to obtain higher education, they learn and grow in the ways that
all college students do – and their economic prospects also grow.
Individuals with intellectual disabilities who participate in post-secondary education programs are more likely to find
paid employment than those who don't, and their earnings are 73% higher than peers who do not receive postsecondary education. 1
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Inclusive Post-Secondary Education by the Numbers
Number of programs currently in the U.S. and Canada: 220
Number of programs currently in Georgia: 1
o The Academy for Inclusive Learning at Kennesaw State University (KSU)
 Number of new Georgia programs hoping to open their doors in the fall 0f 2014:
3
o Columbus State University
o University of Georgia, J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development
o East Georgia State College
Charlie Miller, a first-year student at the Academy for Inclusive Learning at Kennesaw State
University, says, "The best way I can explain the Inclusive Learning
Academy is it's a chance to fully express yourself out from under your
mom and dad's wing, into being a productive person in society."
He adds, "Usually we're a little
different from everyone else. But on
campus, surrounded by friends with and without disabilities, we don't
feel different from other students at all."
On graduation from the Academy, Charlie hopes to work with young people as a church
deacon and a youth leader.
1
Migliore, A., Butterworth, J., & Hart, D. (2009). Postsecondary Education and Employment Outcomes for Youth with Intellectual
Disabilities. Think College Fast Facts. No 1. http://www.thinkcollege.net/publications/fast-facts.
Expand Post-Secondary Options
For students with Intellectual Disabilities
The Governor’s proposed FY 2015 budget includes a continuation of $100,000 for inclusive post-secondary
education in the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities budget. 2 The Consortium is requesting
$200,000 in new funding for a total request of $300,000. We believe this would lay the groundwork for a far
more comprehensive system of inclusive post-secondary education programs:
$50,000 – support program at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw
$50,000 – support program at East Georgia State College in Statesboro
$50,000 – support program at Columbus State University in Columbus
$50,000 – support program at University of Georgia, Fanning Institute in Athens
$50,000 – support the development of one additional new program
$50,000 – fund scholarships for qualified students in need
$300,000 – TOTAL
Investing in inclusive post-secondary education is an investment in the future of Georgia’s
young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Increasing their skills and
independence leads to improved employment and life-time accomplishments.
Inclusive post-secondary education is a win for all Georgians!
For more information, contact:
Dawn Alford, Public Policy Specialist
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
[email protected]
404-657-2124
Georgia Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Consortium
The Consortium Steering Committee includes representatives from the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State
University, Georgia Advocacy Office, Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, Institute on Human Development and
Disability and the J.W. Fanning Institute at the University of Georgia, KSU Academy for Inclusive Learning, Georgia
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, All About
Developmental Disabilities, Columbus State University, and American International Leadership Institute
2
http://opb.georgia.gov/governors-budget-reports. Governor’s Budget Report FY2015; Georgia Council on Developmental
Disabilities line item, p. 112.