Greetings all of you interested in the potential that college programs for students with intellectual disabilities can provide!

This time, rather than hearing from IPSE Program leaders (or as I call them ROCK STARS!), you are hearing from Julie Lackey, Director of the Oklahoma IPSE Alliance and Coordinator/Co-Chair of the Red River Higher Education Alliance.

Who am I to write this month’s blog, you may ask?  Well, I will tell you that this work is a calling.  I am a parent of an amazing – now young adult – with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as a professional in the arena of IPSE.  I was impressed about 15 years ago that our son and so many other individuals like him MUST have the option of attending college with appropriate supports, in their home state, if that was what they wanted to do.  There was nothing in OK at that time, so we formed a non-profit, and long story short, through the power of prayer, were blessed to provide the program outline, consulting and over 3 years of funding for 2 of the 3 CTP-designated IPSE programs in our state. That all began almost 15 years ago in Oklahoma.

It has frankly been amazing to see the growth and change not only in our state, but also in Texas.  The way that lives have been changed and will be changed because of the work done by those at IPSE programs is astonishing.  I could tell multiple stories about such changes, including our son, but I am leaving that to the experts – the program leaders.

What I want to encourage those reading this is that program leaders need other voices to talk up the importance of IPSE.  Continually keeping IPSE in front of decision-making folks in our states is critical.  Who are those people?  They include legislators, VR (vocational rehabilitation counselors and staff), advocacy organizations (such as those for Down Syndrome, Autism), department heads or other contacts you may have at home universities, business leaders (who could be future employers), and similar.  If you are reading this and not an IPSE leader, I am talking about YOU!

Some ideas for being an IPSE advocate:

Legislators: 

1)Look up your state Senator and Representative and schedule a coffee with them.  It may sound scary, but I promise, it isn’t. Their job is to talk to those in their Districts and hear what is on their mind. It does not have to be long; just a 20-minute coffee – in person – is very effective.  The point is simply that IPSE programs matter.  Be ready with a story about a student or just simple facts about what IPSE programs are. (Your favorite IPSE program will be happy to give you 3 points to talk about!)  Do not assume they already know about the programs; they probably do not. Do this before any legislation comes up that could impact IPSE programs.  It is simple education and very effective.  If you have a handout from an IPSE program, even better to leave with them.  Then meet every year, in the summer, with an update before the legislative session begins.  If you are a professional working at a place that does not allow legislative involvement while working, do it on your lunch hour or before work.  Legislative members LOVE to hear from their constituents, especially when it is not a highly charged issue.  Then, when something is going on legislatively that will affect IPSE programs. They are educated, and they will be receptive when you do need to talk about something challenging.

EVERYONE ELSE!

2) Forward information about IPSE programs to those in your circle.  That could be a LinkedIn or Facebook post, it could be a news story, it could be an update that shows up on an IPSE program website.  Forward that to family and friends so they become more informed. Forward it to professionals that you know that may have a touchpoint with higher education or students with disabilities; if you know a vocational rehabilitation counselor, forward it to them!

3) In casual conversation, mention IPSE in some context.  We had a Board Member who brought up IPSE in any meaningful conversation.  A conversation on a flight, conversation before/after workouts, conversation when you gather with a group.  You never know what a simple conversation can do, and who it may connect with. We have gathered donors, supporters, and so many others who have had a hand in supporting IPSE from these conversations!

IPSE programs can truly change lives.  Let’s pitch in to help the larger public know their importance for students, families, and our communities!