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MA Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE)

NECC Home  /  Academics  /  Academic Supports  /  Center for Accessibility Resources & Services  /  MA Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE)

MAIPSE Overview

The Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE), formerly called the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI), funded by the Commonwealth since 2007, provides opportunities for people with severe disabilities who are 18 to 22, to participate in an inclusive college experience.

ELIGIBILITY

Students must be from partnering school districts with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism and meet the following criteria;

    Students must be 18–19 years old and must be eligible for special education services as documented through an Individualized Education Program (IEP);
    Or
    Students must be 20–21 years old, and must be eligible for special education with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) because of significant functional disabilities or transition needs;
    Or
    Students must be over the age of 18, must have exited high school transition services, and must wish to continue learning in an inclusive college environment with their non-disabled peers.
    Students eligible for adult services may have the opportunity to receive funding from adult service agencies.

    MAIPSE is supported by a state-funded grant awarded to Northern Essex Community College in 2015. Our current partners are;

    1. Andover High School
    2. Haverhill High School
    3. Lawrence High School
    4. North Andover High School

    MAIPSE Students Have the Opportunity to:

    • Take credit and non-credit courses alongside their college peers
    • Develop self-determination and self-advocacy skills
    • Improve academic, social, and functional skills
    • Participate in career planning, vocational skill-building activities, and community-based integrated competitive employment opportunities

    MAIPSE Students Receive

    Educational Coach and Peer Mentor Information

    Educational Coach and Peer Mentor Information

    The terms “peer mentors” and “educational coaches” are often used interchangeably. In fact, there are very slight differences between these two types of supports provided to students with intellectual or developmental disabilities attending college.

    Things that peer mentors and educational coaches have in common:

    • Both assist with the inclusion of students in campus life.
    • Both work one-to-one with a MAIPSE student and offer them support and guidance.
    • Both provide more intensive, wrap-around supports that are not offered by the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services.
    • Both provide more intense support in the beginning but might fade to less support as the semester progresses.

    Ways in which peer mentors and educational coaches might differ:

    • Peer Mentors are just that, peers. They are fellow students who attend classes at NECC and are often around the same age as the person with a disability.  Some Peer Mentors are paid and some are volunteers.
    • Peer Mentors will assist students in aspects of college life that are outside the classroom such as social development, health and wellness and study skills.
    • Educational Coaches are not enrolled in the college, may be older than the student and are almost always paid.
    • Educational Coaches help students in making the transition to college life, assist in the classroom and in completing their assignments outside of class. They teach students how to advocate for themselves and provide natural supports, as minimally as possible.

    Interested in Participating in MAIPSE?

    If you are interested in participating in MAIPSE, please contact your high school Guidance Counselor or Transition Specialist to discuss your eligibility. Once approved by your transition team, a meeting will be arranged to meet with the MAIPSE coordinator at NECC.

    Contact Us

    Theresa Yurewicz

    Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) Coordinator
    Behrakis Student Services Center, SC-110
    Telephone: 978-556-3646
    Email: tyurewicz@necc.mass.edu

    Susan Martin

    Director, Center for Accessibility Resources & Services
    Behrakis Student Services Center, SC-111 B
    Telephone: 978-556-3647
    Email: smartin@necc.mass.edu

    For more information about the Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) please refer to the Mass Department of Higher Ed website.

     

    Think College

    Think College provides resources, technical assistance and training related to college options for students with intellectual disability, and manages the only national listing of college programs for students with intellectual disability in the United States.

     

     

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