As a student at Portland State University (PSU) and a parent of an adult child with disabilities, I am acutely aware of the challenges in finding accessible higher education opportunities for individuals like my child. While most colleges offer disability support departments, few provide the level of individualized support needed by students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. In Oregon, there is only ONE such program - PSU's Career & Community Studies program.

As of November 2023, this unique program has had to stop allowing admissions beginning Fall 2024 due to budget cuts. If PSU does not provide the funding needed to keep the CCS program operating, my child and countless other children like mine who have been planning for their futures at PSU will lose the one in-state educational opportunity they had available. This loss would be devastating as some simply don't have the option to attend out-of-state programs.

My child has been dreaming of attending Portland State University, just like their mom, for a long time. They have come with me to campus and engaged with the community, telling anyone who will listen that they are going to go here someday soon. Going to college was their goal, a goal that so many young people have and should have the opportunity to pursue and have access to achieve. For my child, and many like them, PSU's CCS program is the only viable option to see their dream of college become a reality. 

The Career & Community Studies program stands out because it offers a comprehensive four-year college experience that includes academic instruction, career development, community internships, and social activities. It provides students with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in ways that other programs simply cannot match.

It's not just about statistics; it's about real people who deserve equal opportunities in higher education. However, if we were to talk numbers - according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), less than 10% of U.S colleges offer programs like PSU's Career & Community Studies which cater specifically to students with intellectual disabilities.

According to PSU's budgeting FAQs, "making college possible to individuals who would otherwise not be able to afford it is a key part of the university's mission and values." How about we simply ensure college is possible for all individuals who have the desire to attend? 

We urge Portland State University officials as well as state policymakers to reconsider any plans that would jeopardize this invaluable program. We call upon them not only as concerned citizens but also as parents whose children’s futures are directly impacted by these decisions.

Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving equal educational opportunities for all Oregonians regardless of their abilities or needs.