Program Overview

Introduction to WSU ROAR

WSU ROAR – Responsibility, Opportunity, Advocacy, and Respect – is a two-year inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The program is housed in the WSU College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences and provides an inclusive college experience in a supportive and empowering environment.

Program Overview

WSU ROAR students live on campus in Pullman, attend individualized programming, and audit WSU courses alongside same-aged peers. Through a person-centered planning approach, students build skills in academics, employment, independent living, and social engagement. The program emphasizes each student’s unique preferences, interests, strengths, and needs, with the goal of preparing students for competitive, integrated employment and long-term independence.

Program Details

Upon completing the program, students earn a federally recognized Comprehensive Transition Program certificate and leave with valuable experiences, strong connections, and a deep sense of belonging in their communities. WSU ROAR is proud to be an Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) program and a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) certified by the U.S. Department of Education.

Program Structure

• WSU ROAR students take part in a well-rounded college experience that includes ROAR-specific courses focused on life skills, career development, and self-advocacy.
• They also audit WSU courses alongside their peers based on their personal interests or career goals.
• Through employment services and campus partnerships, students gain real-world experience and job readiness skills.
• All of this happens within an inclusive campus community, where ROAR students live, learn, and grow as part of the Cougar family.

Sample Schedule

A sample schedule for ROAR students includes:

• ROAR classes from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
• A seminar on Friday
• Enrollment in two audit courses per semester
• Meetings with an academic coach between classes
• Participation in work-based learning experiences, either as paid employment or internships, supported by an employment coach

Time Table

Eligibility and Admission

WSU ROAR may be a great fit for students who:

• Have an intellectual and developmental disability and are not eligible for traditional college programs, even with accommodations
• Seek greater independence in academics, employment, and daily living
• Are eager to live in campus housing with other ROAR students
• Are comfortable attending college classes that last 50 to 90 minutes
• Are willing to complete assignments and ask for support when needed
• Are interested in work-based learning or part-time employment
• Can manage personal care and navigate their community with minimum support
• Demonstrate socially responsible behavior in group settings

Vision and Mission

The vision of WSU ROAR is to empower students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to become self-determined, independent adults, achieving outcomes such as being employed in the fields about which they are passionate and seeking a rewarding and purposeful life.

The mission of WSU ROAR is to provide a fully inclusive and residential comprehensive transition program to young adult students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program strives to empower students to reach their personal and professional goals through program-specific coursework, person-centered planning, WSU audit courses, career development, and facilitated campus and community experiences. WSU ROAR also seeks to develop, implement, and test evidence-based practices in post-secondary education through collaborative research, teaching, and service. Finally, WSU ROAR provides transformational educational experiences for students with and without disabilities, enacting the institutional land-grant mission of access, engagement, and service to society.