Opening Doors to Higher Education

TCNJ to Develop Programs for Intellectually Disabled

Members of the School of Education at The College of New Jersey recently announced the receipt of nearly $50,000 in grant funding from the National Down Syndrome Society, which will allow the creation, in conjunction with Mercer County Community College, of a postsecondary education experience for students with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

The College’s team of grant investigators consists of professors Rick Blumberg, Rebecca Daley, and Jerry Petroff, with support from William Behre, dean of the School of Education.

The National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) Transition and Postsecondary Education Model Program for People with Intellectual Disabilities is generously funded by Steve and Laura Riggio of Bernardsville, whose daughter Melissa is 17 years old and has Down syndrome. Mr. Riggio is CEO of Barnes & Noble, Inc.

“With the documented success of inclusion in elementary and secondary education, it is now time to advance into the frontier of postsecondary education,” said Mr. Riggio, who also serves on the NDSS Board of Directors. “Both of the institutions selected to receive grants embrace our belief that people with intellectual disabilities deserve the opportunity to enrich their lives through higher education.”

Multiple research studies have shown that postsecondary education has a positive impact on employment and wages, social networks and self-determination skills in adults with intellectual disabilities. The program in New Jersey will develop best practices that can be replicated on college campuses across the country. NDSS is also working to make the program affordable by exploring available funding sources and advocating for federal financial aid to be available for these students.

“We are very pleased to be part of this partnership with Mercer County Community College in developing a model program for helping enhance the academic and social skills of individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities,” said R. Barbara Gitenstein, president of The College of New Jersey.

Both TCNJ and Mercer County Community College will be developing programs during the 2005-2006 school year. If the institutions meet all requirements during the planning year, additional funds will be available for the first and second operational years. The first class of students is expected to begin the program in fall 2006.

The grant is largely in its planning phase now, including the development of criteria for student selection, but grant investigators anticipate that the program will support 12-15 students. Preliminary program ideas include a student mentorship component, and the possibility of auditing courses. Although the College will not grant degrees, student learning will be evaluated and a certificate of completion or other form of recognition will be awarded to those who complete the program.