The Department of Education announced awards for two federal programs that help to create opportunities in higher education for students with intellectual disabilities. There were 28 grants for a total of $10.9 million. $10.564 million wil go to 27 two- and four-year institutions in 23 states under the model comprehensive Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID). The remaining $330,000 will go to the University of Massachusetts - Boston to support the TPSID grantees and other programs around the country.

The 27 TPISD grants will be used to focus on academics and instruction, social activities, employment experiences through work-based learning and internships, and independent living. Students will be provided with indivdualized supports and grantees will be responsible for evaluating the programs to determine what is working and what is not. The Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachuetts-Boston will be responsible for developing evaluation systems, standards and best practices around program components.

The grants are expected to be funded for five years, although the award amount announced is only for 2010-2011.

For a list of TPISD grantees, please see the Department of Education press release.