DDA grant will create inclusive higher education program.

Today, Governor Larry Hogan announced the allocation of $250,000 to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) for a grant that will create an inclusive higher education program for students with developmental disabilities. The grant was awarded to Coopin State University.

“This grant further helps us meet our goal to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities—starting at a younger age—to provide much-needed tools and knowledge so they can live active, full lives and to ultimately become working and living members in the communities of their choice,” said Bernard Simons, Deputy Secretary Developmental Disabilities Administration.

Coppin State University, along with Think College, a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability, will plan, develop, and implement a higher education program that allows students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as defined under the federal Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) to:

  • Access inclusive academic courses
  • Obtain and sustain integrated competitive employment
  • Access internships and work-based learning experiences
  • Receive campus or community housing
  • Experience the same benefits and outcomes as their peer students without disabilities

The DDA worked in consultation with the Maryland Inclusive Higher Education Collaborative, whose members include: Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), Maryland State Department of Education-Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services (MSDE-SEEIS), Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD), and the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP). The collaborative was supported by a grant awarded to the University of Maryland by Think College.

For more information, click here to read the press release.

Maryland Department of Health
201 W. Preston St. | Baltimore MD, 21201
health.maryland.gov