An Inclusive Rural Post Secondary Education Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Post secondary education is a life long dream for many students with and without intellectual disabilities. This dream is particularly difficult to attain for students with intellectual disabilities living in rural and remote communities with little access to social, academic, or employment opportunities. This article describes the philosophy, program features, and emerging benefits to students attending one rural post secondary education program in Vermont. Examples of how students with intellectual disabilities engage in inclusive academic, social, and employment experiences in college are provided. Examples illustrative of students with intellectual disabilities living in rural Vermont are provided. Emerging data from an ongoing evaluation are shared. Implications and suggestions for replication for students, educators, parents, and higher education personnel from other rural areas are offered.