This Spring & Fall we are offering a variety of open houses to learn more about the
R.A.M. Initiative.
The R.A.M. Initiative application NOW OPEN for the 2025-2026 academic year. Apply
by January 2nd.
Find more information in our Announcements section
Readiness, Academics, Mentorship
(R.A.M.) Initiative
Inclusive Post-Secondary Education for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities at West Chester University of PA
The R.A.M. Initiative is a program at West Chester University, bringing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), ages 18-24, to campus in very small numbers, to participate in a two-year inclusive post-secondary education experience. In the inclusive R.A.M. program students learn and interact with all students, faculty, staff, and administrators on campus, not in segregated environments. The students audit classes and have a non-traditional application/admissions process. Students in the R.A.M. Initiative are full-time students, have full privileges of the university, and are eligible for Pell Grants and Federal Financial Work Study programs (if financially eligible by filling out a FASFA form).
Who
Students with IDD are those who “have significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behaviors which covers many everyday social and practical skills” (AAIDD, 2017). These students come to the college experience without a traditional academic diploma, nor standardized test scores. We focus on students whose ages are between 18 and 24 as of the first day of the Fall semester of classes that they begin the program. These students have completed at least 4 years of high school and have been in Special Education and have had an Individualized Education Program during their school years.
Vision
Provide inclusive post-secondary education to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to acquire skills leading to a more independent life.
Goals
- Develop students who are empowered, employable and have career aspirations
- Develop students who are self-learners and life-long learners
- Develop students who are socially effective, healthy, and happy
- Develop students who have social communication skills and have a high participation level in their community
Why should WCU?
The university has a history of supporting marginalized and underrepresented groups. As stated in our university mission we are a vibrant community that values its members, and we can offer a campus climate of acceptance. WCU is the flagship institution of the PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). This pattern of excellence will continue and is applied to the recruitment, training, and retention of high-quality peer mentors for students who participate in R.A.M. Initiative. We have vibrant professional preparation programs in special education, social work, psychology, communication disorders, and adapted physical activity, whose students regularly participate in community-based engagement programs with individuals who have IDD. We draw upon high quality peer mentors, supportive faculty, and staff to enrich our program.
Why
- Individuals with IDD have better employment outcomes when they attend post-secondary educational experiences.
- Inclusive opportunities with similar age peers provide a positive quality of life experience and ‘finding’ oneself, just like all other students coming to college.
- Daily living skills are practiced in real life settings.
- Self-worth is increased while students gain knowledge to hone their career interests.
R.A.M. Initiative Announcements
