Florida IPSE Institutions

This document lists programs in Florida that  meet the definition of inclusive postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities, as defined in the TPSID initiative of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA, 2008).

This document compares the Florida’s inclusive postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disability.

Florida International University’s Project EMBRACE Panther LIFE’s current curricula for students with disabilities is guided by the principles of individualized and person-centered, functional or practical to maximize independence, adaptive or adjustable to meet each student’s needs, and ecologically relevant or based on the student’s environments and major activities (Wehman & Kregel, 1997).

V.E.R.T.I.C.A.L (Vocational and Employment Readiness Training in Comprehensive Adult Learning) provides students enrolled in vocational workforce certificate programs with the support and employment skills training needed to succeed in the competitive workforce and lead a productive life.

The Arc Jacksonville On Campus Transition (OCT) at UNF was created to provide young adults with intellectual disabilities with vital missing services and supports that will assist them in successfully transitioning into adulthood and to live a productive life within the community.

Project 10 STING RAY (Students Transitioning Into the Next Generation, Recognizing Alternatives  for Youth) is a partnership of the Pinellas County School District, Project 10, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, the Florida Department of Education, and the Florida Governor’s Commission on Disabilities. It offers young adults with intellectual disabilities, ages 18 to 22, an opportunity to experience life on a college campus while developing self-determination, independent living, and employability skills.

Inclusive Education Services (IES) at the University of Central Florida offers students with intellectual disabilities an inclusive, comprehensive non-degree seeking academic experience with a vocational focus.

The Course Instructor Packet for Florida International University’s Project Panther LIFE: Panther Learning is for Everyone contains an assortment of documents including a program abstract, introductory letter, student accommodations, and additional forms needed by faculty.

The Letter of Introduction for Florida International University’s Project Panther LIFE: Panther Learning is for Everyone contains a brief explanation of the program, the course and section number with the Panther LIFE student, and follow up contact information for faculty.

Sample Letter of Introduction to Professors

This Hartwick Symposium session captures how the ACCESS Program at Lynn University has integrated with the campus and supported each ACCESS student on their own personal journey to attain maximum potential as workers, learners and people. 

Universal Design for Learning for Postsecondary Education (UDL) is a new online module developed through a team effort led by Mickie Hayes, Director of the Florida Consortium on Postsecondary Education and Intellectual Disabilities.

On July 22, 2011, the Florida Department of Education issued a Memorandum that addresses House Bill 7151. Effective July 1, 2011, House Bill 7151 expands access to postsecondary education for individuals with intellectual disabilities by allowing reasonable substitutions for entry, admission to a program of study, and graduation requirements.

IRSC’s Project STAGE program offers a sequence of courses to provide specialized career education for students with Intellectual Disabilities who require accommodations to the Career and Technical Education (ECT) program to meet individual interest, abilities, and learning needs. The goal is competitive employment in the student’s chosen occupation.