CLEVELAND — Cleveland State University created the Reciprocal Inclusive Student Experience Program (RISE) two years ago, in an effort to give individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities the opportunity to study, work and even live on campus, and it’s already having an impact.

What You Need To Know

  • Cleveland State University created the Reciprocal Inclusive Student Experience Program (RISE) two years ago

  • The program aims to give individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities the opportunity to study, work and even live on campus, and it’s already having an impact

  • The program is designed to allow students with disabilities to continue their education after high school by earning two-year to four-year certificates
  • One member of the program’s founding class is 29-year-old Jamie Whitford, who said he’s enjoying his time on campus

“If our program has proved anything, it’s these students could achieve at a high level and can gain that independence,” said Michael Morrow, the program’s director. “And it’s really, you know, taking risks and being able being okay with being able to fail.”

The program is designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, allowing them to continue their education after high school by earning two-year to four-year certificates. One member of the program’s founding class is 29-year-old Jamie Whitford.

Whitford, who has Down syndrome, is in his second year at CSU, taking classes like career development, psychology and the history of rock music.

In his first year in the program, Whitford lived on campus with other RISE students who became close friends, having beers at trivia each week and sometimes staying up until the early morning to hang out together. 

“We played video games,” he said. “Like Mario.”

This year, Whitford commutes to school with rideshares, thanks to a scholarship from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. And once on campus, he’s busy. 

Between classes, Whitford said he almost always stops at the campus Chick-fil-A or Barrio for lunch and brings it to the student LGBTQ+ club to eat, saying hi to his many friends on campus along the way.

He said he’s even been able to secure some dates, using his signature pickup line.

“Saying that I like your shoes,” he said.

Morrow said he’s noticed the impact being on campus has on Whitford.

“Jamie’s really blossomed into an independent young man that, maybe without this opportunity, we don’t know if he would have ever found that about himself,” he said.

Morrow believes it’s important to give those with intellectual or developmental disabilities the opportunity to have more independence, even if it feels scary. 

“They really just fit right into campus,” he said. “And that’s really what it’s all about, is just having that sense of community and really feeling like they belong on campus here.”

There are currently 13 students enrolled in the RISE program at CSU, but Morrow said they are able to accommodate many more.

Whitford said he’s going to stay in school as long as he can, so he can reach his ultimate goal.

“To get a good job,” he said.

But for now, he’s enjoying the college life

For more information on the program, click here.