Welcome!
Across California, inclusive college programs are opening doors to higher education experiences for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These programs are diverse in focus, emphasizing employment and career pathways, academics, independent living, and community inclusion.
At the heart of each program is the same goal: to build the skills, experiences, confidence, and knowledge needed to thrive as active, included, and engaged members of their communities.
This website is a gateway to learn about existing and emerging inclusive college programs, access resources, and be part of California’s movement toward more inclusive higher education.
What is Inclusive College?
Inclusive postsecondary education, or IPSE, is college for students with intellectual disability. It is attending college with other peers with or without disabilities. Students attending IPSE programs enroll in classes with peers with and without disability. Students have access to internships, social clubs, Greek Life, athletics, recreation, residence and dining halls, campus offices, and employment opportunities. Students take classes for audit or credit and work toward earning a certificate or credential. When they have completed their coursework, they graduate from their program and go on to more learning opportunities or to live and work in the community.
Definition taken from "Think Higher, Think College — A Resource Guide for Inclusive Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disability"
CCIC Mission
The CCIC works to address and dismantle systemic barriers in K12 and higher education that limit participation and equitable access for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), especially those from marginalized backgrounds to improve outcomes and inclusivity and belonging for students with IDD.
Through technical assistance and collaboration, CCIC supports the development and expansion of Inclusive College Programs (ICPs) at colleges and universities throughout California.
CCIC seeks to empower ICPs to ensure students with IDD can fully participate in academic courses, accessing scholarly knowledge and training specialized in each discipline, build independent living skills, gain meaningful employment experience, and fully engage in campus life, fostering meaningful social relationships with peers and having opportunities for inclusive living.
CCIC Vision
CCIC envisions a future where all students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in California, including those from diverse cultural, linguistic, and racial backgrounds and students with extensive support needs, have equitable access to a fully inclusive college experience. In this future, all students are empowered to thrive academically, socially, and professionally alongside their peers with and without disabilities in higher education and beyond.