Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb (IDEAL)
Empowering students with disabilities to become adults with opportunities.
Through innovative and creative solutions, we seek to meet the needs of all of our students to prepare them for lives filled with confidence, knowledge and faith. IDEAL is a two-year certificate program uniquely designed for students with intellectual disabilities who want to receive the full Lipscomb experience to prepare for their future. IDEAL encourages and supports students enrolled in the program to experience all that our university has to offer, right alongside their peers. This includes taking classes, going to sporting and cultural events, completing internships, eating in the cafeteria, attending chapel and much more within the Lipscomb community.
Develop friendships, expand and deepen your knowledge, strengthen your skills through workplace training and receive increased independent opportunities that will prepare you for your next steps in life — personally, spiritually and professionally.
After completing the 2-year certificate, students have the opportunity to apply for the IDEAL Advanced Program in which students expand and apply their knowledge and skills for a third and fourth year. In the Advanced Program, students take classes, work in paid employment, and live off campus in preparation for living and working independently after graduation.
The IDEAL program has been developed based on the Think College Standards and in consultation with other successful post-secondary programs. Learn more about the IDEAL Program or follow the link below to learn about our application process.
Program Details
IDEAL is a unique two-year program created by Lipscomb’s College of Education to offer a college experience for students with intellectual disabilities (ID). Learn more about the program, its requirements and the benefits and opportunities it offers.
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Campus Tours
If you would like to set up a tour of campus, we encourage families to go through the admissions department. We have found this to be most inclusive, and they give the best tours! Once you schedule your tour, be sure to mention you would like to meet with the IDEAL Program.
Schedule a Visit
IDEAL Summer Academy
IDEAL Summer Academy is a week-long residential experience for students with intellectual disabilities who are rising seniors in high school to age 24 interested in learning about college and exploring whether post-secondary education is right for them
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IDEAL Peer Mentors
Peer mentors are current Lipscomb students who volunteer to support IDEAL students in their day-to-day activities.
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