The TOPS Program at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center offers individuals ages 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities a unique opportunity to engage in academic coursework at Ohio State and gain meaningful work experiences while developing independent living skills and participating in campus and community organizations, social activities, and events. https://go.osu.edu/tops

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The University of Cincinnati's Transition and Access Program (TAP) is a college certificate program for young adults with disabilities which provides meaningful employment opportunities and inclusive residential living.

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - College is an option for students with developmental disabilities. The University of Cincinnati was recognized nationally for its program. A Yahoo article ranks it among the top 20 companies that employ people with Down syndrome. Matt Maine is taking one of his favorite classes: Health and Fitness Basketball. The former Princeton High School student is now a junior at UC. He’s balancing studies and working two jobs: one at Kroger and another landscaping. Like a traditional student, he’s busy and doesn’t see his family that much. “Maybe only holidays,” said Maine. Maine is a student in the Transition and Access Program, or TAP. He takes UC courses and specialized ones only for TAP students. UC is one of the first and only places in the nation to offer students with intellectual disabilities a four-year college experience. TAP students get internships and earn 96 credit hours towards a certificate. A job and independent living are the two main goals. Program director Jan Goings says TAP started in 2012. Twenty-three students have graduated and 30 are in it right now. “They’re either doing their laundry just like any other university student. They're members of student organizations, and we are also really supporting them academically,“ Goings said. A TAP student has a team of three people to lean on. A life, job and academic coach is assigned. Most of the time, this person is a traditional student at UC. Goings said, “I think that ripple effect, not just our number of students, but really engaging with the broader university community, does create a really powerful, inclusive experience.” Students, staff and faculty learn diversity and about people with developmental disabilities. A TAP student also lives in the residence halls and, most importantly, earns a certificate recognized by UC.