Students with developmental or intellectual disabilities are now exploring college life through the Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI), SITE program. SITE (Skills for Independence, Transition and Employment) is a two-year, non-degree program supporting students as they:

• Audit college courses
• Interact with college peers
• Work, recreate, and socialize on campus
• Use public transportation
• Find community employment
• Use community resources and services
• Build self-determination, self-advocacy, and independent living skills

Thus far, Indianapolis Public School students have been taking advantage of SITE. IUPUI is planning to expand the program and offer it to transitioning students in surrounding counties beginning the second semester of the 2011-2012 school year.

SITE is a part of Indiana’s Think College initiative, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and supported through the Indiana Postsecondary Education Coalition of statewide advocacy organizations, which includes Indiana Institute and IUPUI, as well as Down Syndrome Indiana, The Arc of Indiana, the Autism Society of Indiana, About Special Kids, the Governor’s Planning Council for People with Disabilities, the National Down Syndrome Society, Riley Children's Hospital, vocational rehabilitation professionals, educators, parents and self-advocates. The coalition is working to promote postsecondary education (college) options for students with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

For more information, click here to visit SITE's website.