It’s a Wrap: Listen to the Final Podcasts in the MCIE-Think College Series
The last two episodes of this podcast series feature IDEAL at Georgia State University, a commuter program focused on creative media, and then, a conversation with Meg Grigal and Clare Papay about the growth of inclusive postsecondary education and the innovative work that Think College continues to do to expand college options for students with intellectual disability. Learn more here.
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Building Awareness: Getting Your Campus on Board
The start of a new academic year is a great time to build awareness of your IPSE program and the students you support! Whether you're introducing your program to faculty for the first time or looking for new ways to build campus support, Part 1 of the Think College Guide to Working with Faculty and Instructors offers practical strategies for creating awareness and gaining support for students with intellectual disability in academic courses. .
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There’s something big coming...
...and you won’t want to miss it! Think College staff are putting the final touches on this new initiative for the field. Follow us on social and watch for next month’s newsletter to find out what it is!
| | | | | 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 just one example of a question received by our team along with their answer and recommended resources. | |
Topic: Employment Opportunities Start in College
Our Technical Assistance team often receives questions about how programs can help students explore careers that match their interests and gain the skills and experiences needed to work toward their employment goals. Programs may also have questions about how to create meaningful employment experiences when a student's career interests don't easily match existing jobs or internships on campus or in the community.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), making it a great time to highlight the important role that employment plays in the college experience. Career development shouldn't wait until a student is getting ready to leave college. Career exploration, skill development, paid work experiences, internships, and connections with employers can all help students learn more about their interests, build skills, and take steps toward their career goals.
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TIP: Think student-centered, and be creative!
Start with the student's career interests, not the available job. Help students identify what they are interested in, explore careers connected to those interests, and build the skills and experiences needed to move toward their goals. When existing jobs or internships aren't a good match, programs can work with campus and community employers to identify or develop new opportunities that better align with the student's interests and career goals.
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Resources to Explore:
Job Development Topic Page – Explore Think College resources, frequently asked questions, and practical guidance related to job development, competitive integrated employment, employer partnerships, accommodations, and employment supports.
From College to Career: Strengthening Employment Outcomes after Postsecondary Education for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – Explore research, publications, and a webinar from this federally funded project focused on strengthening employment outcomes after postsecondary education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Supported Employment in College: A Free Online Course – This self-paced course from Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (VCU-RRTC-Transition) provides tools and evidence-based practices for developing and supporting paid employment opportunities for college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
College to Career: Inclusive Internship Support and Student Success – This webinar shares practical strategies for creating inclusive internship experiences for students with intellectual disability, including supporting internship sites, providing ongoing feedback, and building student self-advocacy. It also highlights how internships can help students develop skills and experiences that support their career goals.
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Division of Career Development and Transition (DCDT) Annual International Conference
October 14–17, 2026 | New Orleans, LA
Registration is now open for the DCDT Annual International Conference, being held in New Orleans, LA, October 14–17. Get all the information here.
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IPSE Association Book Talk: Attaining a Just Future: Disability Studies Examines Curriculum and Transition for Students Labeled with Intellectual Disability
October 15, 2026 | 3:00 –4:00 pm ET
Presenter: Dr. Jessica K. Bacon
Join colleagues for an engaging discussion centered on professional learning and leadership development. Dr. Jessica K. Bacon will share about her book, Attaining a Just Future: Disability Studies Examines Curriculum and Transition for Students Labeled with Intellectual Disability. You must be a member of the IPSE Association to register.
To register for this event, follow this link to register as an existing or new user.
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State of the Art (SOTA) Conference on Inclusive Postsecondary Education and Individuals with Intellectual Disability
October 27–29, 2026 | Sacramento, CA
Registration is now open for the annual SOTA Conference, which will be held in Sacramento, CA this year on October 27–29.
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SOTA Pre-Conference Sessions
This year, the IPSE Association is offering four pre-conference sessions on October 27 from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm PT. You will see these as ticket options when registering. Here are the session options and prices:
- IPSE 101 for New Program Staff ($100)
- IPSE 101 for Family Members ($25)
- Hot Topics in the IPSE Field ($100)
- Student Leadership Conference Pre-Conference Session: Level Up With Esports! Technology & Self-Determination (Free)
SOTA College Fair
Think College is sponsoring an inclusive college fair for opportunities for students with intellectual disability. Around 40 colleges, universities, and organizations will be there. Tour booths, meet admissions representatives, and learn about your options!
Want to Exhibit? Secure your booth for $100 here.
Want to attend? Families and students can register here.
Get all the information here.
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Support the Silent Auction at #SOTA26!
Bring a state-themed basket, student artwork, books, gift cards, or other unique items to help launch the new College Changes Everything Scholarship Fund. Funds raised will support student scholarships beginning in Fall 2028. Every donation makes a difference!
For questions, email info@ipseassociation.org. You can drop items off at the Hospitality table, which will be next to registration on the 27th or morning of the 28th.
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Webinar: Building Post-High School Services for Students with Disabilities
November 18, 2026 | 3:00 – 4:00 pm 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.
| | 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.
Regional Alliances Sustained through the IPSE Association
As the Think College Network project concludes, the Regional Alliances are entering an exciting new chapter. Stewardship and coordination of the alliances will be sustained by the IPSE Association.
New Offering! IPSE Book Talks
Join colleagues for an engaging discussion centered on professional learning and leadership development. IPSE Association Book Talks will be held twice a year and feature lead authors who write about higher education and intellectual disability.
Monthly Professional Networking
The IPSE Association will be hosting a monthly professional networking session for members on the second Thursday of each month from 4:00–5:00 pm ET. The next networking session will be on October 8. Email info@ipseassociation.org for more information. You must be a member of the IPSE Association to register.
| | Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (JIPE) | |
A New Issue is Now Available!
Check out the latest issue of the Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education. This issue features articles on family perceptions of IPSE, social experiences of students with intellectual disability, social peer support programs on campus, the status of technology use on campus, dignity of risk, and program directors' learning preferences.
Read the latest issue of JIPE here.
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