Minnesota’s New Center Aims to Support Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in Earning College Degrees

In 2018, Jean Hauff set her sights on pursuing a career in mass media, but faced a major roadblock – the lack of inclusive higher education options for students with intellectual disabilities in Minnesota. Despite her determination to attend college like any other student, Hauff found that no Minnesota school met her criteria for on-campus housing, employment opportunities, and support services tailored to her needs.

Frustrated by the limited options available, Jean’s mother, Mary Hauff, along with other parents of individuals with intellectual disabilities, formed the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium in 2019. Their advocacy efforts paid off in 2023 when the Minnesota Legislature allocated $2 million over two years for inclusive higher education, ensuring equal access to higher education for students like Jean.

The funding aims to provide students with intellectual disabilities the same rights, privileges, and opportunities as nondisabled students, resulting in a meaningful credential upon completion of their studies. Most of the money will go towards colleges to enhance enrollment for students with intellectual disabilities, while $500,000 will support a technical assistance center operated by the consortium at the University of Minnesota.

With the passage of this bill, Minnesota joins other states in investing in inclusive higher education, paving the way for students like Jean to pursue their academic and career goals. The technical assistance center at the University of Minnesota will serve as a hub for expertise on best practices in postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities, ensuring that they receive the support they need to succeed in college and beyond.