The University of Kansas has received a five-year, $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Higher Education to develop the university’s transition program for students with intellectual disabilities.
The KU Transition to Postsecondary Program (KU TPE) first launched on the Lawrence campus in 2015 to provide such students with the experience to pursue higher education and find meaningful employment. The program will now be expanded to two neighboring institutions, increasing opportunities for learners across the state.
background: According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, about one in five people with disabilities graduate from college, compared with 38% of people without disabilities.
Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) grants provide funding to colleges and universities to create or expand programs for students who meet criteria.
Other universities, including Utah Valley University, have received similar grants from the Department of Education to launch educational programs for people with intellectual disabilities. The 2025 recipients include Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, Washington State University, Texas A&M University at San Antonio, Georgian Court University in New Jersey, Indiana University in Pennsylvania, the University of Memphis and Curry College in Massachusetts.
How it works: Students enrolled in KU TPE will complete a two-year undergraduate certificate with the goal of finding a competitive job upon graduation that meets their personal and professional goals, according to a university news release.
“Students come in as mature, certified Jayhawks,” Dana Lattin, director of KU’s TPE studies program, said in a university news release. “The courses they take are aligned with their professional and personal interests just like those in any other program of study.”
TPE students complete 24 credits (approximately 6 credits per semester), including 9 credits in career and life planning, 3 credits in communication courses, 3 credits in health and wellness courses, and 9 credits in elective courses. In addition, students are encouraged to find jobs and paid internships while enrolled to help them succeed after graduation.
Researchers say part of the program’s effectiveness stems from students’ integration into campus life. TPE participants participate in campus resources and activities (including clubs, organizations, and events) just like their peers enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs.
Data shows that 74% of graduates are employed in their communities after completing their certificate; by comparison, only 6% of people with disabilities in Kansas are in competitive jobs.
Scaling up: Campus leaders plan to use the funding to increase programmatic support for KU TPE participants, including adding certificate programs, enhancing peer support and establishing additional professional development elements, according to a project summary submitted to ED.
The university will also establish a consortium with Wichita State Polytechnic Institute and Benedictine College of Kansas to develop additional transition programs for students with disabilities. The goal is to increase enrollment for up to 48 students across the state.
The KU research team is also seeking additional state funding to ensure the sustainability of these projects.
“Seventy-five percent of individuals with intellectual disabilities who attend college are competitively employed, many of whom are working full-time, which will help demonstrate the value of Kansas’ continued support of these programs,” Latin said.
Get more content like this delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here.
