This fall, West Chester University will welcome its first two students with intellectual disabilities as part of its new RAM (Real Achievement Matters) initiative, writes Susan Snyder for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

With the move, WCU joins a growing number of colleges with similar offerings. This year, 270 colleges, including 13 in Pennsylvania, will include students with intellectual disabilities.

The programs vary across different schools. Some allow students to live on campus, and while most do not award degrees, many offer certificates.

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As part of their study, students attend regular university classes, sit with other students, and participate in internships. They also receive support from peer mentors and university advisors and fully experience college life.

“We want to provide them with the opportunities that everyone else has, with support,” said Monica Lepore, an adapted physical education professor and co-director of the RAM initiative.

To kick off the program, WCU received a $60,000 grant from the DREAM Partnership.

Read more about the RAM initiative in the Philadelphia Inquirer here, and check out previous VISTA Today coverage of West Chester University here.

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