Learn More About Us!
WSU ROAR – Responsibility, Opportunity, Advocacy, and Respect – is a two-year inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Housed in the WSU College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences, our program provides an inclusive college experience in a supportive and empowering environment.
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.
As an employment-focused program, ROAR emphasizes each student’s unique preferences, interests, strengths, and needs. Our goal is to prepare students for competetive, integrated employment and long-term independence.
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.
Our Vision
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.
Our Mission
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. WSU ROAR 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.
Is WSU ROAR the Right Fit?
WSU ROAR may be a great fit if you or your young adult is:
- A student with an intellectual or developmental disability who isn’t eligible for traditional college programs, even with accommodations
- Seeking greater independence in academics, employment, and daily living
- Able and willing to live in campus housing with other ROAR students
- Comfortable attending college classes that last 50 to 90 minutes
- Willing to complete assignments and ask for support when needed
- Interested in work-based learning or part-time employment
- Able to manage personal care and navigate campus with minimum support
- Demonstrating socially responsible behavior in group settings
The Pillars of WSU ROAR
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.
Students audit traditional WSU classes that match their career or personal interests. These classes focus on skill-building without the pressure of grades.
Students take specialized classes through ROAR in areas like independent living, career planning, and digital literacy. These classes are designed to support their transition into and after college.
WSU ROAR offers personalized job coaching, internships, and resume help to prepare students for competitive, integrated employment.
Students are encouraged to fully participate in WSU life: clubs, events, recreation, dorm living, and more, all to build connections and belonging.
Every part of the WSU ROAR experience is guided by the student’s unique goals, dreams, strengths, and support needs. We work together with students to build a path that is meaningful to them.
Sample Schedule for ROAR Students
This is a sample schedule that a ROAR student might follow. ROAR classes take place Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, and all ROAR students gather for a seminar on Friday. ROAR students enroll in two audit courses per semester and typically meet with their academic coach between classes. ROAR students also take part in work-based learning experiences, either as paid employment or internships. An employment coach supports with this experience.
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00am | Digital Literacy Class | Independent Living Class | Digital Literacy Class | Independent Living Class | ROAR Seminar |
| 10:00am | Career Planning Class | Skill Building | Career Planning Class | Academic Support | |
| 11:00am | WSU Audit Class 2 | WSU Audit Class 2 | |||
| 12:00pm | WSU Audit Class 1 | WSU Audit Class 1 | WSU Audit Class 1 | ||
| 1:00pm | Academic Coach Support | Employment Coach Support | Academic Coach Support | Employment Coach Support | Academic Coach Support |
| 2:00pm | Work-Based Learning Experience | Work-Based Learning Experience | |||
| 3:00pm | |||||
| 4:00pm | |||||
| 5:00pm |