Training Initiative
Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Inclusive Post Secondary Education
Training Initiative: Breaking Barriers to Higher Education for IDD Students
Purpose of Training Initiative
The North Carolina Black Disabilities Network, with support from the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities, seeks to grow awareness and education about the need for inclusive post-secondary programs (IPSE) for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). North Carolina has three comprehensive transition and post-secondary programs, but none exist at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). This initiative aims to interrupt the cycle of poor access and opportunity to attend college by offering training and support to interested HBCU stakeholders who want to learn about IPSE programs and to assist them in creating opportunities for
IDD students. The second purpose of this initiative is to prepare HBCUs to apply for seed funds from the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) to start an IPSE program.
About the Training
Faculty, staff, and related personnel will learn about and discuss issues that I/DD students face regarding post-secondary educational opportunities. They will know what defines an IPSE program, the profile of students, model programs, accreditation standards, and resources for IPSE programs. Interested participants will also gain insight into the funding criteria for financial support from the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities.
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HBCU Participants
All 11 HBCUs were invited to participate in a campus training session in the (2024) spring semester.
The following six participated:
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Elizabeth City State University
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Fayetteville State University
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North Carolina A&T
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North Carolina Central University
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Shaw University
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Winston-Salem State University
Why HBCUs?
North Carolina has three comprehensive transition and post-secondary programs, but none exist at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). In North Carolina, four out of five students seeking higher education in the UNC system’s IPSE programs cannot do so. When their race is factored into the equation, Black disabled students and other racially underrepresented disabled groups are further marginalized. The impact can be felt in educational achievement, employment, and community living inequities. North Carolina HBCUs will have the opportunity to continue the legacy of closing a gap in access to higher education for another marginalized group.
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HBCU Landscape
NC Universities with
IPSE Programs
