Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities into Higher Education

Funding under this program supports competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) (as defined under section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA)), or consortia of IHEs, to create or expand high-quality, inclusive model comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities. Under section 767(d)(6) of the HEA all grant recipients must partner with one or more local educational agencies (LEAs) to support students with intellectual disabilities who are still eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Funds from this program also support a national Coordinating Center (Coordinating Center), which develops evaluation standards for TPSID grantees and provides technical assistance, information, and opportunities for communication among institutions with postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities. The Center assists in supporting continuous improvement activities for the model transition programs. The Coordinating Center will: (A) provide a research and evaluation protocol for TPSID programs; (B) administer a mentoring program matching current and new TPSID grantees based on areas of expertise; (C) coordinate longitudinal follow-up data collection and technical assistance to TPSID grantees on programmatic components and evidence-based practices; (D) make recommendations related to the development of standards for such programs; (E) provide technical assistance and evaluations for such programs.