Introducing: Think College Consulting!
Need expert guidance to strengthen your inclusive postsecondary education efforts? Think College Consulting is ready to support you with whatever opportunities or challenges you're facing. This article explains what we're prepared to do for you, and you can explore our services and meet our consultants on the Think College Consulting webpage. As always, you can email our help desk at ThinkCollegeTA@umb.edu with any questions.
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2026 TPSID Project Director Meeting
Just last week, many of the NCC staff traveled to Sacramento, CA to engage with TPSID Project Directors and teams at their first in-person meeting. There were more than 80 people in attendance from 33 TPSID sites. The morning featured inspiring Project Officer remarks, important policy updates, and project-specific information. TPSIDs then developed action plans focused on student outcomes, program refinement, and sustainability, which will be part of the strategic data-driven technical assistance process throughout the year.
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The Think College Resource Library
Looking for resources and information on inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability? The Think College Resource Library features over 1,000 resources on topics ranging from academics and employment to transition, student supports, and paying for college. Explore publications, webinars, videos, podcasts, guides, and more! You can use the library’s search filters to find resources by topic, audience, project, media type, and publication type. Whether you’re an educator, researcher, family member, vocational rehabilitation professional, advocate or student, there’s something for you.
Explore the Resource Library
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The online Help Desk at Think College responds to hundreds of calls and emails from program staff, families, teachers, job coaches, college faculty, and others each month. Below is an example of a topic that many folks have questions about, and the resources our Help Desk recommends.
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Topic: Application & Admissions Process
It’s that time of year when many inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs are opening applications and beginning to admit students for the next academic year!
If you are reviewing your program's admissions process or are students and families navigating their college options, Think College has resources to help!
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TIP: Every Program Has Its Own Process.
The application and admissions process vary from program to program. Some programs have their own application requirements and admissions procedures, while others more closely follow the college's traditional admissions process.
Students and families can use the Think College Search Tool to explore individual programs and find information about their application processes and deadlines. Since requirements vary, it's always a good idea to check directly with the program for the most up-to-date information.
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Resources to Explore:
College Planning Timeline - This college planning timeline was created by the Think College Transition team to help teachers, families, and students prepare for college. It includes tasks that should be considered throughout high school, as well as for specific grade levels.
The College Application Process: It Takes a Village webinar - This webinar offers practical tips for families navigating the college application process for students with intellectual disability. Drawing on personal experience, they share advice on gathering application materials, understanding different program requirements, staying organized, and preparing for a successful application process.
Admission Examples - Looking for examples to help develop or improve your admissions process? The following resources highlight tools and practices used by programs. They can also help students and families better understand what to expect when applying to college.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help!
If you are developing an admissions process, updating application materials, or looking for ways to make the process more accessible and student-centered, or if you are a student or family looking for guidance about the application and admissions process, the Think College TA team is here to help.
Connect with the Think College TA Team to ask questions and explore resources.
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Webinar: Building Post-High School Services for Students with Disabilities
November 18, 2026 | 3:00-4:00pm ET
Presenter: Maria Paiewonsky
What do strong post-high school services look like in practice? Join Maria Paiewonksy and the MA Center to explore ways to build services around students’ goals, create meaningful real-world learning opportunities, and strengthen collaboration across schools, agencies, and communities.
Register here
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OCALICON: An Online Autism and Disabilities Conference
Our partners at OCALI invite you to join OCALICONLINE, their 20th annual conference, November 17–20, 2026. Bringing together a global community, the conference explores ideas, strategies, and innovations that support individuals with autism and disabilities. Attend live and on-demand sessions online to learn, connect, and discover new ways to turn knowledge into real-world impact. Our Technical Assistance and Consulting Manager, Chelsea Stinnett, will be presenting on supporting the transition to college for students with intellectual disability.
Register here
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Ruby's Rainbow Recipients Rocked Social Media for Down Syndrome Awareness Month
With October being Down Syndrome Awareness Month, our friends and partners at Ruby's Rainbow hosted a month-long video series of some of their Rockin' Recipients taking viewers through a "day in their life" as a college student or alumni. From classes to jobs and internships, parties and sporting events, these students gave an amazing behind-the-scenes look at what college looks like for students with Down syndrome.
You can check out some of the videos on their Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
| | Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Association | |
Join the IPSE Association!
Join the IPSE Association to connect with professionals, family members, partners, and advocates from across the country who are working together to expand inclusive postsecondary education opportunities and improve outcomes for students with intellectual disability. Learn more about member benefits here. Keep up to date on all IPSE Association events by visiting their events page.
Affinity Groups & Communities of Practice Are Here!
We're excited to launch IPSE Association Affinity Groups and Communities of Practice, creating new opportunities for Association members to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another throughout the year. Whether you're a program director, employment specialist, researcher, state leader, or other professional, these groups provide a welcoming space to share ideas, tackle challenges, explore promising practices, and build meaningful relationships with colleagues across the field. Join the conversation and help strengthen our community through the power of peer connection and shared learning. For more information, view this list of the available groups with descriptions. Join by visiting the IPSE Association Groups page. You must be a member of the IPSE Association to participate.
Monthly Professional Networking
The IPSE Association will be hosting a monthly professional networking session for members on the second Thursday of each month from 4:00-5:00pm ET. The next networking session will be on November 12.
Register
Talk IPSE to Me: Recruitment Strategies
The IPSE Association will be hosting an interactive conversation led by the Lipscomb IDEAL staff on recruitment strategies for professional and pre-professional members on Tuesday, November 17th from 4:00-5:00pm ET.
Register
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