About

The ACCESS Program and Specialized College Services are an integral part of MIoD, positively impacting the lives of college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ACCESS is dedicated to ensuring students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) receive a quality postsecondary education through experiences in academics, career development, and independent living. MIoD also offers Specialized College Services such as Autism Liaisons program, offering services and support to degree seeking students on the Autism Spectrum to facilitate their success at Mississippi State. 

The ACCESS Program

The Mississippi State University ACCESS Program is a 4-year, residential, inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) program dedicated to ensuring students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) receive a quality education through experiences in academics, career development, and independent living. Students in the ACCESS Program have the goal of becoming gainfully employed and living as independently as possible in their communities. Established in 2010, ACCESS became the first post-secondary program in the state of Mississippi providing students with intellectual or developmental disabilities the opportunity to fully engage in the college experience. Upon completion of the ACCESS Program, students will graduate with a Mississippi State University Certification of Completion with an Area of Focus.

The ACCESS Program also offers employment and volunteer opportunities to students on campus who'd like to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. College Coaches are undergraduate students who work an average of 15–20 hours per week. Their responsibilities include supporting students in the classroom, assisting with outside activities, and helping individuals develop skills for independent living. Outside activities may involve organizing social or wellness events and coaching students in daily life skills. Peer mentors are undergraduate student volunteers who spend at least one hour per week with an assigned student. Each mentor takes on a specific role, which may include: academic mentor, meal/cooking mentor, life skills mentor, wellness/exercising mentor and social mentor.

For more information about the ACCESS Program and how to get involved, please visit the website linked below.

Autism Liaison Program

MIoD also offers other Specialized College Services, including the Autism Liaison Program. The Autism Liaison Services at Mississippi State University were developed through the Autism & Developmental Disabilities Clinic (ADDC). Autism Liaisons offer services and support to degree seeking students on the Autism Spectrum to facilitate their success at Mississippi State. With a focus on building skills in self-advocacy, socialization, and employment, our team can meet a wide range of individual student needs.

For more information about the Autism Liaison Program and how to get involved, visit the website linked below.