Think College Affinity Groups

Affinity Group: A group of people who come together based on areas of common interest and need.

Think College hosts Affinity Groups on topics related to higher education for students with intellectual disability (ID).  Meetings are primarily online, and new members are always welcome! Affinity groups offer the opportunity for in-depth focus on a single topic in collaboration with others. Each group gives members a forum for exchanging knowledge, and for problem-solving based on people's experiences. These groups can break down networking, communication, and organizational barriers, and extend each member’s range of contacts and knowledge.

Highlights of affinity groups include:

• Learning more about the group topic,

• Connecting with others and exploring possible collaborations, and

• Sharing tools and resources.

Sign Up for an Affinity Group

After signing up for a group, you will be added to the group lead’s email list. You can expect to receive at least quarterly emails updates with upcoming meeting dates, Zoom meeting registration links, and agenda. Occasionally group facilitators may send out related resources. 

Sign Up Now!

Current Affinity Groups

Think College has 12 Affinity Groups meeting quarterly focused on a specific topic, but all in support and development of inclusive postsecondary education for students with intellectual disability (ID). Come join us!

Each link in this section will take you to the individual affinity group page where you can learn more about what they are up to. Pages also include group contact information, meeting registration links, and related resources.

• Career and Technical Education (CTE): for professionals involved in inclusive postsecondary programs at CTE institutions or those who would like to become more involved in expanding CTE opportunities for students with ID.
   
• College-based Transition Services: for professionals whose work involves supporting transition-aged students with ID and who are or who would like to include college in their transition services.
   
• Community College: for existing and potential inclusive postsecondary education programs and partners to provide peer to peer learning and support around community colleges and inclusive postsecondary education.
   
• Early Career Researchers: for those who have completed their graduate studies within the last five years, hold an academic position, and/or are interested in research topics related to improving practices in inclusive higher education for students with ID.
   
• Employment Partnerships: for professionals who want to learn about successful systems-level employment partnership collaborations between institutions of higher education, Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, developmental disability agencies and employers who support students with ID.
   
• Graduate Student: for current or prospective graduate students interested in inclusive higher education. Discussions may include conferences, networking, courses, research practices, mentors/advisors, job search, job materials, and thesis or dissertation work.
   
• Inclusive Campus Life: for those currently involved with or interested in enabling students with ID to fully engage in their campus communities, with particular relevance to college or university staff.
   
• Research on Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disability: for those currently involved or wish to be involved in inclusive higher education research, with particular relevance for those working directly in inclusive higher education or related disciplines.
   
• State Alliances: for anyone working on any type of formal or informal state-level connection, proposing systems change through alliances and consortia, or those who are curious about how these alliances can work. Discussions include how and why statewide alliances are important, how to maintain them, and more.
   
• Student Credentials: for those interested in developing or learning about “meaningful credentials” for students with ID, with particular relevance to postsecondary education faculty & staff.
   
• Technology & UDL: for those interested in using technology and universal design for learning to support students of all abilities in higher education settings.
   
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disability: for people associated with VR, staff of higher education programs for students with ID, and staff of allied organizations working directly toward building or enhancing partnerships between VR and higher education programs.

Student Group

The Emerging Advocates Student Group is designed for students with disabilities to talk with others, share ideas, and learn together about advocacy. The group is hosted by Liz Weintraub from AUCD. Sign up for the Emerging Advocates student group.