The Community of Inclusive Scholars Program at Salem State University is designed to support post-secondary access for adults with severe intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism. We are part of a network of colleges and universities under the Massachusetts Inclusive Post Secondary Education (MAIPSE) umbrella. Funding for the MAIPSE program is through the MA Department of Higher Education.
Opening its doors in the spring of 2017, our first students enrolled with a current IEP through a partnership (CIS Partnership) with local school districts. In 2022 MAIPSE was expanded to include students 22+ and older who had not passed MCAS and were no longer eligible for special education in their districts (CIS Horizons). These new regulations now provide for agency funding and private pay.
Scroll through the tabs below to see a description of the Community of Inclusive Scholars initiative and the options available under Partnership and Horizons, community life and internship opportunities.
In Fall 2022, our first cohort of CIS students moved into on-campus housing. Students became fully immersed in SSU's college life by living in the dorms. Residence life is not just about living on campus; it's about personal growth. It allows students to become more involved in campus clubs, activities, events, and organizations. It provides a unique opportunity to learn independent living skills in a safe and supported environment, empowering them for their future. Eligible CIS students live on campus full-time in the Salem State University residence halls alongside their peers.
Students who have completed at least one successful year of CIS/SSU day experience may be invited to apply for CIS/SSU Residence Life. Student should have a solid SSU attendance record from the previous year
Applicant should be able to:
Function independently-use of technology, navigating campus, following their own schedule
Demonstrate self-advocacy skills-understanding of when and who to seek support from and knowledge of one's disability
Functional daily living skills-personal care, grooming, laundry
Able to independently self-administer medications
Able to manage personal belongings-ID, phone, wallet, money
Exhibit acceptable social behavior and possess emotional stability and maturity verified by CIS staff and family
Utilize technology at a basic level-cell phone, laptop
Demonstrate the desire to continue working toward independence
Be motivated and demonstrate willingness to build upon daily independent living skills
Students reside in a two-person room with a roommate in an on-campus residence hall
Residence life students enroll in three courses and have an internship
Residence life students continue to have access to a coach, but support is faded
Students are required to meet with the community life coordinator over the summer
Residence life students have a peer mentor
Students meet weekly with the community life coordinator
Students are not alone in this journey, as they are supported by a CIS Residence Assistant, peer mentors, and CIS staff, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment.
Applications are available in December, and acceptances are sent out in March.
James is a first-year student who works at the Gasset Fitness Center
"Some of my responsibilities include laundry, vacuuming, moping, cleaning equipments and meeting and greeting people. I love my job and get to meet a lot of new people."
