College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

Western Kentucky University was awarded a $20,000 “Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Programs Planning Grant” through the Human Development Institution (HDI) at the University of Kentucky to address the need for postsecondary programs designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the region to gain academic, career, and technical instruction in higher education. The goal of such programs is to prepare individuals with intellectual disabilities for employment and independent living. HDI’s Executive Director, Dr. Kathy Sheppard-Jones says “The underrepresentation of students with intellectual disabilities in higher education is a longstanding and pervasive problem in Kentucky, and one that presents both an economic challenge and opportunity for our state. The Human Development Institute is pleased to partner with Western Kentucky University in this planning effort aimed at increasing higher education options, access, and success for Kentucky students with intellectual disabilities.”

This grant allows Dr. Christina Noel (School of Teacher Education) and Dr. Rheanna Plemons (School of Leadership and Professional Studies) to conduct a feasibility study with campus partners and community stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan for the University to consider the creation of a CTP Program at WKU. Plemons says, “Exploring the possibility of a Comprehensive Transition Program at WKU is a very exciting opportunity, because we are well positioned to address an immediate need to serve those with intellectual disabilities in our region.”

For more information about the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, please go to wku.edu/cebs.

Contact: christina.noel@wku.edu or rheanna.plemons@wku.edu