The Path to Independence (P2I) program marked a historic milestone on May 17, as it celebrated the graduation of its 10th cohort of students during a heartfelt ceremony on the 69老湿机福利 campus. The 2025 graduating class adds eight more names to the growing list of alumni, bringing the total number of P2I graduates to over 50 since the program’s launch.
Housed within the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities in the College of Education & Human Development, P2I is a two-year inclusive postsecondary education program that offers students with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience college life while building skills for employment, independence and personal growth.
“This year’s graduating class marks a major milestone for the Path to Independence program — our 10th class of graduates,” said Nicole Wadden, P2I director. “With this cohort, we proudly celebrate having over 50 students complete the program. We are deeply grateful for the continued support from the University, the College of Education & Human Development and the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities. I am especially thankful to our founding director, Mary Bryant, whose vision and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities made the Path to Independence program a reality.”
Throughout the program, students enroll in university courses alongside their peers, participate in independent living classes focused on topics such as nutrition and culinary skills, relationships and sexuality, financial literacy and self-advocacy, and engage in work-based learning experiences both on and off campus.
Graduate Marissa Witherspoon reflected on her experience with pride. “My favorite part about college was learning how to navigate campus, meeting new people, being in class and learning new skills and learning about my environment that is around me,” she said. “One of my biggest accomplishments is graduating and getting hands-on experience with learning job skills and getting a job at PBS and passing all of my classes.”
Graduate Simran Thandi emphasized the value gaining practical work experience in the program. “My biggest accomplishment is doing my work at Keva Juice. I worked in Keva Juice— I make smoothies, doing dishes and getting tips.”
For some students, P2I serves as a stepping stone to further academic achievement. Graduate Fabian Gomez announced that he will be continuing his studies at the 69老湿机福利. “I got accepted into the 69老湿机福利, for my bachelor’s in early education, so I’ll start in the fall, and I’m looking forward to it!” Gomez said. Gomez becomes the second P2I graduate to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
In their convocation speeches, many students highlighted the importance of full participation in campus life. Attending football games, basketball games and university events was frequently cited as a favorite aspect of college. “Having the opportunity to fully immerse in the college setting is so important to our students and often is an overlooked aspect of the college experience,” Wadden said. “We appreciate the opportunity for our students to be fully included in the college experience.”
Parents were also invited to share remarks during the ceremony. “It was meaningful to hear from families during graduation,” Randall Owen, Ph.D., director of the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities said. “Parents highlighted their children’s growth in confidence, independence and community involvement over the course of the program. Their reflections reinforced the importance of inclusive education in supporting student development and long-term success.”
Inclusive postsecondary education like P2I has been shown to significantly improve employment outcomes, increase community involvement and enhance overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities. As the 2025 graduates embark on their next chapter, the Path to Independence program continues to demonstrate the lasting impact of inclusive education and the boundless potential of its students.
