UI wants to expand REACH program

IOWA CITY - University of Iowa officials want to expand a certificate program for students with intellectual, learning and cognitive disabilities.

The College of Education's Realizing Education and Career Hopes program (REACH) would add a third year option under a proposal that will go to the state Board of Regents next week. REACH, launched in 2008, is two-year, campus-based certificate program for young adults ages 18 to 26.

Students in the program study and live on campus. They work on interpersonal, work and independent living skills through the program.

Students would still complete the certificate program in two years. The third year option would offer extended career development, workplace experience and life skills, UI officials said. Many families in the program have urged officials to extend it for more education and training, officials said.

REACH enrolls a maximum of 50 students in a given year. Projected enrollment in the third year option in 2011-12 is two to six students, with an increase to a maximum of 10 in any given year. No new facilities, faculty or equipment would be needed to add the third year, officials said.

Students in REACH hail from Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Nevada, New York and Vermont.