Tennessee Believes: Growing Inclusive Higher Education for Students with Disabilities

by Angella Broussard, Innovation Project Manager, Division of Program Innovation/East Tennessee Regional Office, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Tennessee Believes is a grant program awarded by the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD). Its goal is to increase the number of inclusive higher education programs (IHE) in Tennessee. These programs serve and empower students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in classrooms, campus life, and in their communities.

In 2022, four schools were awarded grants. Thanks to the continued support of Governor Bill Lee, DIDD was able to award an additional five grants in 2023. These grants went to two- or four-year colleges and universities across the state committed to launching new programs or enhancing existing programs.

Inclusive higher education programs foster an environment that goes beyond mere representation of students with IDD on college and university campuses. These programs help to remove barriers and provide students with IDD an opportunity to achieve their desired outcomes in a manner similar to students without disabilities. IHE programs strive to provide equitable access, support, and prepare students to thrive in their communities.

There are thousands of young students with IDD in Tennessee who have dreams for their future. These students deserve the opportunity to expand their education, develop employable skills, increase their independence, and become integral members of their communities. Thanks to the TN Believes grant, students in IHE programs receive:
• comprehensive educational instruction,
• vocational and employment preparation,
• community integration,
• peer support,
• access to extracurricular activities,
• and the opportunity to audit courses or earn college credits.

Currently, more than 100 students have benefited from TN Believes-supported programs. More than 21 of these students will graduate from their respective programs this year. DIDD has awarded grants to the following IHE programs:

● Chattanooga State Community College
● Dyersburg State Community College
● East Tennessee State University
● Lipscomb University
● Tennessee State University
● Union University
● University of Memphis
● University of Tennessee Knoxville
● Vanderbilt University

To learn more about college options for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, please visit: tnihealliance.org.

A full range of learning opportunities

TN Believes funded programs help students with IDD gain a wide variety of educational experiences.
● During the spring semester at East Tennessee State University, students completed inclusive classes from disciplines such as Appalachian Studies, Biology, Communications, Theatre, Sports & Leisure Management, and Storytelling
● At Dyersburg State Community College, students learned horticulture skills by providing plant care through the full plant cycle with support from Biology faculty.
● The University of Memphis is planning to offer certificate programs in Digital Badging (computer data) Entry with Team Logic IT and Animal Caretaking/Stable Hand with Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy which will become U.S. Department of Labor approved certifications.

The educational opportunities do not stop there. TN Believes-funded programs have been able to offer opportunities for:
● mentorship,
● Internships,
● independent living skills development,
● leadership development,
● sewing classes,
● art appreciation,
● cooking labs,
● computer skills development,
● and so much more!

Direct from students and program leaders

Vanderbilt University
“SAIL is a[bout] leadership. You must be a leader and stand up for others. I like SAIL a lot because its lots of fun. I love the class! I went to Disability Day on the Hill and get SAIL hours and go to lots of events and I get a credential at the end. In SAIL, we support our friends, families, and community.” — Courtnie Taylor, Self-Advocacy in Leadership (SAIL) scholar, Class of 2025

University of Tennessee Knoxville
“I love the first class, the first time we turn on the burners. There is always a few ‘whoas’ and ‘wows.’ Many of the students [have not used] fire and knives in their regular day-to-day lives. I get to be a spark to them, to push them to do things they haven’t been able to do before. It’s hard not to share their excitement.” — Robert Allen, Executive Chef, UTK FUTURE Tennessee Believes Kitchen

Chattanooga State Community College
“Another student secured a spot in the Think College Public Speaking Skills Class during the summer. He also received an achievement award in his American Government class. His professor, Jonathan Gladden, stated ‘Luka was a joy to have in class. His enthusiasm was contagious. Even more impressive, he completed quizzes and assignments that the rest of the class had to do, and he excelled at them, even getting a 100 on one of the quizzes. His semester project was amazing. If this course had been taken for credit, Luka would have earned a high C or low B based on his work and effort.’” — Tina Gower, Program Coordinator

Union University
“In our students’ first year, they have an internship on campus. In their second year, they find a job in the community. Our students take two EDGE classes and audit two classes with their traditional undergraduate classmates. The EDGE program is almost fully residential, so the majority of our students live on campus with other college students.” — Jonathan Lafferty, Assistant Director, EDGE Program