Technical Assistance

The Think College National Coordinating Center provides technical assistance services related to postsecondary education options for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) to college and program staff, K-12 educators, families, students and others.  At this time, most services are available at no cost.

Send us a question or request.  We have 16 consultants with expertise in inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) for students with intellectual disability who are available to assist professionals, families and students on a wide range of issues related to inclusive postsecondary education.  Email our Help Desk and we will assign the provider with the best level of expertise related to your questions.  If you want to speak to a specific provider from the list below, please let us know in your request.

Our Technical Assistance Providers 

Cate Weir, M.Ed.

Focus areas: Program development and improvement, finding the right college, Comprehensive Transition Program application, program accreditation standards, funding options, strategic planning 

Kathleen Becht, Ph.D.

Focus areas: Program development and improvement, credential development, family support, literacy, academic access, state level coordination

Clare Papay, Ph.D.

Focus areas: Comprehensive Transition Program applications, program development, research and data collection

Debra Hart, M.S.

Focus areas: National policy, strategic planning, program development, grant writing

Meg Grigal, Ph.D.

Focus areas: National policy, program development, research, employment supports and outcomes 

Lori Cooney, M.Ed.

Focus areas: Universal Design for Learning, technology supports

Maria Paiewonsky, Ed.D.

Focus areas: College-based transition services (CBTS), college/school district partnerships, transition, Participatory Action Research

Russell Thelin, MS, LVRC, CRC

Focus areas: Vocational rehabilitation, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Neil McNeil, MA.

Focus areas: Rehabilitation Counseling.

Kelly Kelley, Ph.D.
Western Carolina University

Focus areas: Program development and improvement, campus living, college academic access, peer mentors, admissions processes

Denise Rozell, J.D.
Association of University Centers on Disabilities

Focus areas: State and Federal policy and legislation, advocacy

Brian Freedman, Ph.D
University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies

Focus areas: Program development, sustainability, mental health, family engagement, autism, campus access, admissions processes

Julie Lackey
LeadLearnLive

Focus areas: grassroots efforts/non-profit development, early stage program development activities (needs assessment, developing relationships, etc), memoranda of understanding, program operations funding, statewide collaboration, family support

Lisa Pluff, MA
Director, Office of Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Education, UNC Greensboro

Focus areas: partnerships with non-profits, Medicaid funding, IHE approved credentials, program operations