An inclusion campaign dedicated to creating pathways to one million employment and leadership opportunities for people with autism, intellectual and/or developmental differences.
Project HIGHER is an innovative program that assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ages 18-25) in El Paso County to complete a level-one certificate at EPCC and find employment in their area of study.
Lone Star College-Montgomery, Conroe, Texas- LifePATH
Lone Star College LifePATH is a four-year comprehensive model of post-secondary educational opportunities for students who have disabilities that affect executive functioning. LifePATH focuses on academic readiness, social expectations, and career exploration.
Lone Star College- Tomball, Tomball, Texas- LifePATH
Lone Star College LifePATH is a four-year comprehensive model of post-secondary educational opportunities for students who have disabilities that affect executive functioning. LifePATH focuses on academic readiness, social expectations, and career exploration.
University of North Texas, Denton, Texas- UNTWise Applied Learning Lab
Transition Services and Summer Camps: https://wise.unt.edu/
UNT Elevar (Empower, Learn, Excel, enVision, Advance, Rise) is a four-year inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities (ID). Following the definition of the program’s name, ELEVAR [lift, soar, rise, in Spanish], the program’s vision is to empower young adults with ID who wish to continue postsecondary education (PSE) to become self-determined, independent, and healthy adults readied for integrated competitive employment. Most importantly, the UNT ELEVAR program welcomes young adults with I/DD to be part of the Mean Green family experience. UNT ELEVAR will seek the Comprehensive Transition Program accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education.
University of North Texas, Denton, Texas- UNT ENGAGE
ENGAGE serves neurodivergent students enrolled at UNT with reaching their academic and vocational goals through person-centered planning and individualized services. Students participate in assessment and planning meetings to identify personal, academic, and vocational goals.
UT Austin, Austin, Texas- E4 Texas, Texas Center for Disability Services
E4Texas is for people who are 18 years and older and have graduated from high school, or have a GED, and want to be a Personal Care Attendant. This program has training for food handler’s certificates.
UT Informal Classes offers continuing education classes that are designed for students with intellectual disabilities. Time in each class includes meeting with other UT students! Students may also be supported to participate in over 100 additional continuing education courses.
Palo Alto College, San Antonio, Texas- Project Access
http://www.alamo.edu/pac/dss
Cindy Morgan, Senior Coordinator for Disability Support Services: Cgibbs3@alamo.edu– (210)486-3020
Project Access is a unique program offered to individuals with documented intellectual disabilities. It is designed to support students to access postsecondary education in order to develop skills for gainful employment.
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas- LEAP Summer Program
The Leadership, Employability, and Advocacy Project (LEAP) will select 30 youth, aged 14-22 at each event, from qualified applicants across the State of Texas. To be selected, applicants must be between the ages of 14-22 at the time of the event, be entering 8th-12th grade during the school year, and must not have graduated/left high school or a district post-secondary program. Students in post-secondary programs such as 18+ are also strongly encouraged to apply!
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas- Aggie ACHIEVE
Aggie ACHIEVE (Academic Courses in Higher Inclusive Education and Vocational Experiences) is a four-year inclusive higher education program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to expand their interests and prepare for inclusive employment in the community.
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas- PATHS
The PATHS Certificate Program (Postsecondary Access and Training in Human Services) leads to a successful career as a Direct Support Professional General (DSP-G), a Direct Support Para-Paraprofessional (DSP-P) or a Child Care Professional (CCP).
Texas A&M University, San Antonio, Texas- Tu Casa
http://paths.tamu.edu
Mariya Davis: mdavis@tamusa.edu- (210)784-2517
The TU CASA model is designed to provide students with intellectual disabilities a true university experience while gaining the skills and knowledge needed to transition to independent adult lives. TU CASA addresses the critical needs in the community by establishing a sustainable program that: (a) provides 18 months of fully inclusive PSE opportunities with access to typical and specialized A&M-SA services and supports; (b) offers a meaningful credential upon completion that addresses academic, employment, and independent living domains; (c) utilizes a person-centered approach to meet unique student needs and enhance their quality of life; (d) employs comprehensive program evaluation; and (e) includes a plan for replication on regional and state levels.
West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas- Where the Learning Continues (WTLC)
Where the Learning Continues (WTLC) at West Texas A&M University is a higher education experience committed to empowering stuents with intellectual disabilities by strengthening their academic knowledge, social skills, and unique abilities in a way that nurtures confidence and inspire independence.
The First Choice Program on Southeast Campus empowers you with the tools you need to confront challenges as you transition from dependency to independent living. We also provide specialized training and education if you want to enhance your livelihood without taking standard college courses.
Austin Community College, Austin, Texas- ACC STEPS
ACC STEPS is a two-year program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities interested in gaining skills to enter the workforce or continue to develop their education.
Arlington Baptist University, Arlington, Texas- Green Oaks Life Prep
Three-year intensive training program focused on independent living skills, skill-based training in horticulture and culinary arts/hospitality industries and applied learning through internships.
Mary Vlahovich: STRIVE@alvincollege.edu- (281)756-5714
STRIVE is a two-year college program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program provides vocational training with the end goal of the student obtaining a job. This is not an accredited college degree program.
Houston Community College, Houston, Texas- VAST Academy
VAST Academy provides post-secondary transition programs and comprehensive support services which lead to meaningful credentials, employment and independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on three campuses of Houston Community College. Opportunities indluce vocational certificates, pre-college and freshman success “bridge” courses, career readiness credentials, internships and employment assistance offered through an inclusive, relevant, and affordable avenue.
Dallas College, El Centro Campus, Dallas, Texas- The Moving On/Next Step Program
This program is specifically designed for students with learning disabilities. Courses are intended to prepare students for the workplace by teaching them interpersonal skills and basic work-related academic and computer skills, along with essential career awareness and job search skills needed for independence. Classes span from two to four semesters, based on individual needs and scheduling requirements. Student eligibility is determined by an interview/assessment conducted by the program coordinator. To ensure individual success and educational effectiveness, enrollment is limited to 14 students per class.
Dallas College, Richland Campus, Dallas, Texas- Richardson ISD Transition Partnership
Richland has a partnership with Richardson ISD. Students with IDD have the option to transition to college, while still recieving support from the school district. Students attend classes on Tuesday and Thursday on the college campus. Students take 2-3 classes and recieve tutoring. Additionally, the TRI program is available, which was designed for students with TBI. Students with IDD are allowed to take some of these coures too.
Lee College, Baytown, Texas- Life Skills for Intellectually Disabled Students
Designed for the developmentally disabled adult to enrich and enhance adult life, this course provides students with a wide variety of skills, including functional skills in computer technology, basic math and reading, and leisure time activities. Students must be 21 years of age or older and NOT enrolled in public school. Beginners and/or returning students are welcome. Pre-registration with Lee College Center for Workforce and Community Development is required before attending class.
Navarro College, Corsicana, Texas- The Elevate Program
The Elevate Program serves students with cognitive and learning disabilities, ages 18-21, who are enrolled in local K-12 schools. They spend half a day attending classes at Navarro College and half a day on a job site. During their time on campus at Navarro College, students take courses that focus on improving work-related reading and communication skills. Additionally, students are enrolled in a physical activity course. Upon completion of all courses, a Continuing Education Certificate of Completion for Marketable Skills will be awarded.
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas- Connections for Academic Success and Employment (CASE Program)
The CASE Program assists students with autism and other developmental disabilities to navigate college, to empower them to reach their postsecondary academic goals, and to find competitive employment after graduation. The CASE Program offers an innovative college support program for students diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities pursuing an academic degree at Texas Tech University or South Plains College in West Texas. With the support of the Burkhart Center for Autism Education Research, CASE provides research-based, customized supports for students to facilitate their successful transition to college and the entrance into competitive employment after graduation.
Sooner Works is a transition program at the University of Oklahoma for students with an intellectual disability. It provides an integrated postsecondary educational and employment experience.
Highline College, Kent, Washington- ACHIEVE Program
ACHIEVE is a comprehensive post-secondary transition program that includes credit and non-credit classes, intensive advising, involvement in campus life, community-based internships, and assistance with job placement.
Association of University Centers of Disabilities – A network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities