Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) Program

The MAIPSE program at Fitchburg State partners with the north-central Worcester County Public School districts and the adult service disability agencies, such as Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and MassAbility.
Female student dancing and conducting the band playing at rock the block

The MAIPSE program is a state-funded grant program to provide dual enrollment opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), ages 18-22, in partnership districts in the north-central Worcester County, as well as adults with IDD that are 22+ years of age, that have exited school and are receiving special education services through adult services disability agencies such as DDS or MassAbility. The purpose of MAIPSE is to increase the students’ academic and career success by being included in our university’s community of learners. 

For a student living in a partner school district to be eligible for MAIPSE, they must fit the following criteria: 

  • Tier 1: be between the ages of 18-22, have not passed MCAS, have a severe intellectual disability and are receiving special education services., OR
  • Tier 2: be between the ages of 18-22, who have passed MCAS, have a diagnosis of a severe intellectual disability, and are receiving special education services until 22.

Whether tier 1 or 2, students must have the capacity to attend college level courses, learn to navigate the college campus, ability to adhere to the student code of conduct, and have a person-centered plan (PCP) that can be improved by the MAIPSE program. 

Students from Fitchburg and Lunenburg public schools visited campus and received some swag from Admissions.

MAICEI students on campus in Hammond Hall with swag

Each student’s day is individualized to meet their specifics and interests. The experiences through the MAIPSE program are aimed to provide students with the skills needed to meet their long-term education and employment goals. Many different skills are needed to promote these opportunities; this is why, at Fitchburg State, we break down the skill areas: academic, health/wellness, social/emotional, and employability as we are embracing a holistic approach to increase their overall quality of life.

The program plan is developed with the student, district liaison, MAIPSE coordinator, parent/support, and education coach, if applicable. The plan will identify activities that the student will do while on campus in the skill areas. The plan will also be individualized for each student to meet their needs, interests and life plan desires.

  1. Academic Course: The program aligns the courses based on the student’s long-term employment goals. The courses are selected to provide students with skills towards their ideal job. Fitchburg State tries to meet all student’s long-term goals, however if there is not established class that meets the goal, a list of skills is developed that the students needs to be successful. For example, to develop a career in culinary arts, one may need business skills, communication skills, art and design skills, and therefore classes may be identified and selected from various departments. MAIPSE works collaboratively across the Fitchburg State campus to find the best professors and curricula fit per the students’ needs and accommodations.
  2. Social/Emotional Health: Activities are provided to increase self-advocacy and self-determination skills. Students in the MAIPSE program spend time with college peers throughout their day during different activities. The MAIPSE students may choose to pair up with campus peer mentors and attend to all events offered on campus, both during the day and after hours.
  3. Health and Wellness: Students are given full access to the Recreation Center. They may participate in different workout classes, work 1:1 with trainers to develop a routine, or work out independently. They have access to all areas of the Center including the indoor track, weights room, swimming pool, etc.
  4. Employability: Vocational opportunities are identified for students based on interests and strengths. Students will be offered the opportunity to have volunteer jobs, non-paid and paid internships on and off campus. The goal is for students to obtain paid employment by their last semester in the MAIPSE program. 

Students from Fitchburg and Lunenburg Public Schools met with Emily Stark, Director of Disability Services and teachers that they will work with on campus.

MAICEI students with teachers in front of Sanders
MAICEI students with staff Emily Stark, Disability Services

Have questions? Get in touch.