WSU ROAR Overview
A program that makes a real difference
Make no mistake about it, WSU ROAR makes a huge difference
in the lives of all who are involved in the program.
WSU ROAR (Responsibility Opportunity Advocacy and Respect) is a residential, inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Program Description
Washington State University Responsibility Opportunity Advocacy and Respect (WSU ROAR) is a two-year inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) located in the WSU College of Education. WSU ROAR provides individualized programs of study in education, vocation, social skills, and independent living through person-centered planning. WSU ROAR is an employment focused program, and we work to provide individualized services that are consistent with each student’s preferences, interests, strengths and needs so that they can prepare for and engage in competitive integrated employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency after program completion. WSU ROAR students live communally on the Pullman, WA campus, attend individualized programming, and complete WSU audit courses with same-aged peers. WSU ROAR welcomes young adults with I/DD to be part of the Cougar family experience. Upon completion of the program, WSU ROAR students earn a college recognized certificate of completion. WSU ROAR is a U.S. Department of Education Transition Program for Students with Intellectual and Developmental (TPSID) program and an approved Comprehensive Transition Program (U.S. Department of Education).
WSU ROAR Essential Elements
WSU ROAR has five essential elements that guide the services and experiences that students receive while enrolled in our program. These essential elements include:
- Person Centered Planning
- WSU Audit Courses
- WSU ROAR Courses
- Employment Services
- Facilitated Inclusive Campus and Community Experiences
Bottom line, young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities get to fully be part of the Cougar family experience. Another way to say it: they get to be Cougs!
Contact us at coe.roar@wsu.edu or 509-335-4078.
Replay: Information Session
Vision
The vision of WSU ROAR is to empower students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions… ANSWERED!
NOTE: WSU ROAR students are now qualified to receive full-time Pell Grant status, FSEOG, and Federal Work-Study if they’re under a qualifying Expected Family Contribution (EFC).