UI REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) is nested in the UI College of Education and is a comprehensive transition program for college-age students with intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities. UI REACH offers an integrated college experience in a caring and structured environment.
Academics, career and transition, social growth, and campus life are areas of focus. UI REACH is a four-year program with early graduation options.
As a UI REACH Student, YOU become an Iowa Hawkeye and will enjoy a Big Ten college experience!
On-campus residence halls, cultural and social events, student organizations, and Big Ten sporting events help you develop new relationships as you explore our campus and Iowa City. Your UI REACH courses help you learn academic skill building, career preparation, independent living, and self-advocacy. You can also take classes that support your interests alongside University of Iowa undergraduates.
Learn more about our program offerings, student experiences, and outcomes.
Explore career options, learn skills to prepare for internships/employment, complete job shadowing, and enjoy internship and paid work experiences matched to your strengths and interests.
After graduation, you will have access to consultative services to help aid in employment, career development, and independent living.
92 %
OF UI REACH STUDENTS ARE EMPLOYED A YEAR AFTER GRADUATION.
60 %
Nearly 60% of UI REACH alumni live in their own residence outside of their parent’s home.
100 %
of UI REACH alumni who are employed earn above minimum wage.
Hear directly from other parents how UI REACH impacted their families.
“I never dreamed that our son would be able to go to college until we learned about UI REACH. We thought he would always live with us. Now he has the skills to live on his own, go to work, and be happy.”
– Michael Lee, Parent Class of 2014
News
Regan Trexel honored as recipient of 2024 Iowa Direct Support Professional of the Year
University of Iowa graduate student Regan Trexel has been named the Iowa Direct Support Professional of the Year by ANCOR, the leading voice in Washington for community-based disability services providers, due to her role at UI REACH as the lead social engagement peer mentor.
Athletics and UI REACH a slam dunk for students with disabilities
Through the UI REACH program, Cooper Reaves, from Center Point, Iowa, is living out his passion for sports as the student manager for the Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball team.
Graduating student brings international experiences into the classroom
Hannah Baysinger’s journey to teaching brought her across different continents, to different cultures, and gave her non-traditional classroom experiences, including serving as an academic associate with UI REACH where she supported students in developing both academic and social skills including time management, routine building, and navigating independent living.
2024 Tour Dates
Virtual tours run from 4-6PM and include:
- Program overview
- Current Student/Parent panel Q&A
Dates
- March 4, 2024
- April 8, 2024
- May 13, 2024
- June 3, 2024
- July 15, 2024
Large group in-person tours run 9:30am-3:30pm and include:
- Program overview
- Campus walking tour
- Optional lunch in the dining center
- Student/Parent panel Q&A
Dates
- March 25, 2024
- April 22, 2024
- June 11, 2024
- July 22, 2024
Families may also request alternative dates and times by completing the information/registration form.