Campus News

NKU Partners with UK to Offer CTP for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2015) — The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute (HDI) welcomes its partner Northern Kentucky University (NKU) as the latest postsecondary institution in Kentucky to offer a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) for students with intellectual disabilities.

Approved by the U.S. Department of Education, NKU joins Murray State University, Bluegrass Community and Technical College and Spalding University in offering a CTP. CTPs provide services in academic enrichment; socialization; independent living skills, including self-advocacy skills; and integrated work experiences and career skills that lead to gainful employment.

The UK HDI's Supported Higher Education Project (SHEP) assists institutions in implementing CTPs and partners with participating schools to support students with intellectual disabilities as they enroll in courses and fully participate in the opportunities offered by a college experience. Additionally, SHEP provides professional development and technical assistance for faculty and staff.

“With the approval of NKU’s Comprehensive Transition Program, Kentucky now has four CTPs and two other partner institutions that offer a broad range of choices for students that meet their individual interests,” said Barry Whaley, SHEP director at UK.  “Our research reflects that students who participate in inclusive higher education have better life outcomes in terms of work, involvement in their communities, and healthy lifestyles.”

The approval of NKU's CTP allows SHEP students to apply for federal financial aid and receive Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship funds. For this program, students with intellectual disabilities are defined as those who have cognitive disabilities and benefited from a free and appropriate secondary education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

NKU began admitting students with intellectual disabilities in the fall of 2007.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer the possibility of accessing state and federal resources through financial aid to eligible students," said Melissa Jones, NKU faculty member and project coordinator. "It has been a long time coming, but little by little we are breaking down the barriers to building inclusive campus communities.” 

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Harder, 859-323-2396, whitney.harder@uky.edu