MSU ACCESS is a 4-year, residential post-secondary college program dedicated to ensuring students with ID/DD receive a quality postsecondary education through inclusive experiences in academics, socialization, career development, and independent living. ACCESS students have a goal of becoming gainfully employed and living as independently as possible in their communities. Upon completion of ACCESS, students will graduate with a Mississippi State University Certification of Completion with an Area of Focus.
With the establishment of ACCESS in 2010, MSU placed itself among a select group of institutions nationally that are working to overcome one of the last remaining hurdles in education and civil rights – the transition of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) into post-secondary institutions. ACCESS is the only post-secondary program in the state of Mississippi that allows students with intellectual or developmental disabilities the opportunity to truly have the full, inclusive college experience!
Mission
ACCESS is dedicated to ensuring students with intellectual disabilities (ID) and/or developmental disabilities receive a quality postsecondary education through inclusive experiences in academics, socialization, career development, and independent living.
Four Components of ACCESS
ACCESS strives to provide the full college experience to students with ID/DD while focusing on four main components that help ensure successful futures:
- Academics
- Career development
- Independent living
- Socialization
