VCU’s inclusive ACE IT in College earns a first in Virginia accreditation – and just the third in U.S.

By Lucian Friel

Virginia Commonwealth University's ACE-IT in College has become the first accredited college program in Virginia - and third nationally - for students with intellectual disability.

ACE-IT is a two-year certificate program offered through the VCU School of Education and its Rehabilitation Research and Training Center. Students with ID take VCU classes and participate in campus activities and work experiences that align with career goals and interests.

The accreditation was conducted recently by the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council, an independent agency that assesses university initiatives and promotes standards-based quality programming for students with ID.

"The employment outcomes of this outstanding program are commendable," Stephanie Smith Lee, council board president, said of ACE-IT. "Graduates are obtaining jobs in local businesses and federal agencies."

The accreditation marks another milestone for the VCU program, which dates to 2011. Thirty-eight students have graduated and earned their certificate of completion from ACE-IT. The program has a 90% post-graduation employment rate, compared with the national employment average of 36.7% for people with disabilities.

Accreditation involved a comprehensive evaluation, including a self-study and a two-day site visit. The self-study requires programs to meet 10 rigorous standards in areas such as student achievement, curriculum quality and program development.

(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)

"Going through accreditation through IHEAC amplified and energized the importance of our work. Hearing our alumni and current students share why college matters to them revealed a powerful truth: Inclusive college options are vital," said Jan Shea, ACE-IT program coordinator. "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."

More than 70 individuals participated in the accreditation site visit. They included representatives from two dozen VCU units, departments and centers, as well as two school divisions, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, other community partners, alumni and their families, past and current job coaches, and current students and family members.

VCU students serve as education coaches in supporting ACE-IT in College students throughout the program. Sarah worked with education coach Camille Spencer during her time with ACE-IT in 2017. (Brian McNeill, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

"We are so happy that the ACE-IT program and everyone associated with it came into our lives," said Lucy McCown, a parent of a 2018 ACE-IT alum and a participant in the site visit. "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."

Shea noted that in planning the site visit, the response was overwhelming.

"When we reached out to our partners, alumni and community members, they responded with resounding yeses," she said. "They rearranged calendars and made it a point to show up."

With the historic accreditation in place, ACE-IT Director Jaclyn Camden is looking toward expanding the program's impact.

"This achievement not only recognizes our commitment to inclusivity, excellence and employment outcomes but also sets a strong foundation for continued growth and success," she said. "We are excited to continue delivering a high-quality program while further enhancing students' experiences and amplifying their contributions at VCU."

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