California Consortium for Postsecondary Education for People with Developmental Disabilities

The California Consortium is a unique collaboration between representatives from higher education, the developmental disabilities service system, K-12 education, rehabilitation, parents and students to address and advocate for postsecondary education for students with developmental disabilities (such as intellectual disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, etc.) who have limited opportunities for access and participation in higher education.  

College is rarely promoted as a viable option for these students when they exit high school. In 2008, there were 32,488 students ages 14-22 receiving special education services in the categories of mental retardation, traumatic brain injury or autism in California.  Where do they go after high school? Typically they attend segregated life skills or day programs and have limited futures in terms of independent living, community participation and gainful employment.  We believe this can improve through postsecondary education. Students with these disabilities who attend college are more likely to obtain competitive employment with higher wages, require fewer supports to live independently, and actively participate in their communities.

Vision Statement

Students with developmental disabilities will have the opportunity and support to pursue postsecondary education that bring personal, social, vocational and economic fulfillment.

Goals:

• Increase the number of available options for postsecondary education (PSE)
• Provide resources and awareness of the need for and benefits of PSE
• Research existing programs and resources across California
• Disseminate information to end-users and agencies by creating a user-friendly website that provides available resources
• Develop mechanisms for collaboration amongst CA Dept. of Education, higher education, Dept. of Rehabilitation, the Dept of Developmental Services and supporting organizations to increased access to PSE

Members:

Presidents, Faculty and Other Representatives from Higher Education

Universities, State Colleges, Community Colleges & Continuing Education Divisions of Higher Education

Regional Center Directors and Staff

California Dept. of Education, School Districts & SELPA

California Dept. of Rehabilitation

California State Council on Developmental Disabilities

University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

Parents and Students

 Open the Doors to College

Open the Doors to College is an initiative of the Tarjan Center at UCLA that works in conjunction with the Consortium to serve as a state resource for information, training and technical assistance towards the planning and implementation of postsecondary education programs. Open the Doors to College was initially funded by the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (Community Grant Program, Cycle 30) and since 2008 has been the developmental disability consultant for the California Community College Chancellor’s Office.

National Consortium for Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities:

The California Consortium is partnering with Think College, an initiative of the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts, seven University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, the Association for University Centers on Disabilities, and other key organizations, individuals and families to advance opportunities for PSE. The National Consortium will conduct research, provide training, technical assistance and disseminate information. The California Consortium will provide technical assistance to other states in order that they may establish a statewide network for PSE.

Executive Committee Membership:

Michal Clark, PhD, Executive Director, Kern Regional Center

Laurie Flynn, MA, CRC, CA Department of Rehabilitation

Geri Fuchigami, MA, Coordinator, LAUSD 

Olivia Raynor, PhD, Director, Tarjan Center, UCLA

Jeff Ross, MA, Director, Disabled Students Programs and Services, Taft College

 For More Information: