Applying to Our College Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Admissions Overview
AHRC New York City’s Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program at the City University of New York offers a comprehensive program of study for motivated young adults with intellectual disabilities. Applicants typically have a history of receiving extensive special education supports as indicated on their Individualized Education Program (IEP) during their school years. These applicants may have earned a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC) or Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential and are ineligible to apply to a typical college program.
Our applicants seek admission to a post-secondary education certificate program. Admitted students will receive person-centered supports and engage in a fully inclusive college experience. Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible to earn a CUNY Unlimited Credential in Academic and Career Studies and receive their personal portfolio upon graduation.
Eligibility:
Individuals aged 21 or older with intellectual disabilities who reside in New York City can apply for admission to the Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program at the participating CUNY campus in their borough of residence. To be eligible, applicants must qualify for services from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), be enrolled in the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver, and have a Care Manager from a Care Coordination Organization.
The Fall 2025 Admissions Guide is now available for students, families, professionals, transition coordinators, and other interested parties. This guide offers comprehensive information on the application and admissions process, along with valuable insights. You can view and download the Admissions Guide as a PDF here.
How to Apply
The application period for Fall 2025 Admission is now open. To be considered for admission to AHRC New York City’s Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program in partnership with the CUNY Unlimited credential program, please submit Part 1 and Part 2 application materials, along with any supplemental materials, by December 1, 2024.
Submit the following documents (Part 1) to the CUNY Central Office of Student Inclusion Initiatives:
- CUNY Unlimited Student Application
- Proof of Citizenship
- Proof of High School Diploma or Credential (or Proof of High School Enrollment if you are still in school)
Submit the following documents (Part 2) to AHRC New York City’s Referral and Information Center:
- Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Psychological Evaluations (at least one type)
- Psychosocial Evaluation
- Two Recommendations
- Medical History Self-Report
- Individualized Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information (HIPAA-2)
- Cover Sheet
Refer to the Application Checklist for further details, including instructions and detailed descriptions for each required document. You can view and download the Application Checklist for Fall 2024 Admission here.
Please send all Part 1 application materials by email to unlimited@cuny.edu. For Part 2 supplemental application materials, you can send them via email to referrals@ahrcnyc.org or by postal mail to:
AHRC New York City
Referral and Information Center
Attn: Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program
83 Maiden Lane, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Information Sessions
Learn about Fall 2025 Admissions at our upcoming sessions:
- September 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM
- October 10, 2024 at 6:00 PM
- November 14, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Click here to register for one of our information sessions.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the application or admissions process, please reach out to us:
Bronx or Brooklyn Residents
Kensaku Matsuda, Program Director
Phone: (646) 242-5112
Email: Kensaku.Matsuda@ahrcnyc.org
Manhattan or Staten Island Residents
Jessica Giorgio, Program Director
Phone: (646) 599-1877
Email: Jessica.Giorgio@ahrcnyc.org
Queens Residents
Gianni Berry, Program Director
Phone: (347) 370-2237
Email: Gianni.Berry@ahrcnyc.org