Each year, the TASH Conference brings together a diverse community of stakeholders who gain information, learn about resources, and connect with others across the country to strengthen the disability field. This year’s conference theme, “Be Creative - Innovative Solutions for an Inclusive Life,” reminds us to think outside the box during times of uncertainty. Creativity, innovation, and determination can pave the way for meaningful and inclusive lives for people with disabilities.
In the field of inclusive higher education, "being creative" is a necessity. In a time in which higher education funding is decreasing at the state and federal level, institutions must be creative in order to provide programs that meet the needs of every individual, including those with disabilities. The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 has led to considerable growth in higher education programs supporting students with intellectual disability. The availability of federal financial aid and a model demonstration program (Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities, or TPSID) have led to the development of innovative opportunities for individuals with intellectual disability to be included in higher education. Data from Think College, the National Coordinating Center for the TPSID program, show that more than 3,000 students have accessed higher education through the TPSID model demonstration program and there are 270 inclusive higher education programs serving students with intellectual disability in the U.S. as of May 2018. One such program, The University of Missouri - “St. Louis" Succeed program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, needed to "Be Creative" in order to establish a fully inclusive residence hall for their students to live, learn, and grow into independent adults. As inclusive higher education programs across the U.S. continue to add residence hall living to their postsecondary programs, they must find creative and innovative ways in ensure that supports allow for students to lead a meaningful and inclusive life on campus. This presentation will provide a national overview of inclusive higher education in the U.S., explore the range of approaches to and supports provided for campus housing, and highlight UMSL's process of developing inclusive campus housing. The session will be useful to students and families looking to understand the range of approaches to campus living and the necessary supports to ensure inclusivity, and will provide practical strategies and tips for practitioners in inclusive higher education seeking to offer inclusive campus housing.
