August 2, 2024

VCU ACE-IT In College leads the way in Virginia as the first inclusive higher education program to achieve accreditation

by Lucian Friel

Janai, ACE-IT Alumni, 2020 and Ashley, Alumni, 2019 met up in the VCU Cabell Library in between classes. Janai and Ashley attended ACE-IT to work towards their respective careers in education and business administration. (Photo by Kevin Morley, VCU University Marketing)

RICHMOND, Va.- Virginia Commonwealth University’s ACE-IT in College recently became the first accredited college program for students with intellectual disability (ID) in Virginia and the third program nationally.

            ACE-IT in College is a two-year VCU School of Education certificate program for students with intellectual disability. Enrolled students take VCU classes and participate in campus activities and work experiences that align with career goals and interests. The accreditation was conducted by the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council (IHEAC), which is an independent accrediting agency for college and university programs that serve students with ID. The IHEAC aims to promote standards-based quality programming for students with ID who attend colleges and universities.

            “The Council is delighted to award accreditation to the ACE-IT program,” said Stephanie Smith Lee, IHEAC Board President. “The employment outcomes of this outstanding program are commendable. Graduates are obtaining jobs in local businesses and federal agencies.”

Accreditation involves a comprehensive evaluation process, including a self-study and a two-day site visit. The self-study requires programs to meet ten rigorous standards, such as student achievement, curriculum quality, and program development. These standards ensure that programs provide high-quality, inclusive education for students with intellectual disability. The process is thorough and designed to assess all aspects of the program, ensuring it meets the needs of students and adheres to best practices in inclusive education. For more details, visit IHEAC's website.

(Left to Right) Joshua, Aedan, Seth, and Tyler, incoming first-year ACE-IT students, posed for a quick photo to show off their VCU Cards during a summer Bridge-In event with ACE-IT. (Photo by Hannah Ramsey)

            The ACE-IT program coordinator Jan Shea discussed the significance of becoming fully accredited.

“Going through accreditation through IHEAC amplified and energized the importance of our work,” Shea explained. “Hearing our alumni and current students share why college matters to them revealed a powerful truth: inclusive college options are vital. Accreditation solidified our work, proving that college is a pathway to competitive integrated employment for adults with intellectual disability. This is about equity and access; it's about ensuring everyone has the chance to thrive."

The accreditation marks another major success in the program’s history. Thirty-eight students have graduated and earned their certificate of completion for ACE-IT. The program has a 90 percent post-graduation employment rate compared to the national employment average of 36.7% of people with disabilities. 

“We are so happy that the ACE-IT program and everyone associated with it came into our lives. [Their] contributions go well beyond the success of each student in his/her respective community. It is amazing to watch the impact the graduates are having on the world at large,” said Lucy McCown, a parent of a 2018 ACE-IT alumni.

Over 70 individuals, including McCown, participated in the accreditation site visit with representation from 23 VCU units, departments, or centers; 2 school divisions, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, other community partners, alumni, alumni families, past and current job coaches, and current students and family members. 

“I think what speaks to the ripple effect of ACE-IT is the overwhelming response we received while we were planning our site visit,” Shea explained. “When we reached out to our partners, alumni, and community members they responded with resounding yeses - they rearranged calendars and made it a point to show up.”

ACE-IT graduates in 2022 gather with staff before the Spring VCU School of Education Commencement Ceremony. Graduates Hatim, Sarah, and Spencer received their Certificate of Completion from VCU on May 14, 2022. (Photo Courtesy of VCU School of Education)

With the historic accreditation now official, the Director of ACE-IT Jaclyn Camden looks towards the future of the program saying, “We are thrilled about the future of ACE-IT in College. This achievement not only recognizes our commitment to inclusivity, excellence, and employment outcomes but also sets a strong foundation for continued growth and success. We are excited to continue delivering a high-quality program while further enhancing students' experiences and amplifying their contributions at VCU."

For more information on ACE-IT in College, visit [aceitincollege.org].