Where do you start when a student says they’re interested in college? A campus visit is often the best first step. For high school students with intellectual disabilities, simply walking onto a campus can spark curiosity, build confidence, and help them begin to see themselves as part of college life. A good place to start is by contacting an inclusive college program. These programs can open the door by inviting families to visit, offering tours and information sessions, and giving students a glimpse of campus life.

They play a key role in helping families and schools plan visits that are welcoming, intentional, and meaningful. In this 45-minute webinar, we’ll share tools and resources to help plan visits — from what to see on campus and activities to prioritize, to ways to prepare students for college expectations. After a short presentation, we’ll open the floor for live Q&A.

Presented by Ashley Luce & Rachel Estremera from the Massachusetts Center for Inclusive Higher Education and Transition.

Takeaways:

• Families will learn why reaching out to an inclusive college program is a great first step, and how a campus visit can help students start picturing themselves in college. • Educators will get ideas for supporting students before, during, and after a visit so the experience ties into transition planning.
• Inclusive higher education programs will see practical ways to open the door for families by offering tours, highlighting key campus locations, and sharing resources that help students feel ready and welcome.