A new University of Kansas program that begins next fall will give a handful of students with intellectual disabilities a chance to take classes at the school for the first time.

The KU Transition to Postsecondary Education for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities program is being funded through a $1.5 million, five year federal grant. The Lawrence Journal-World reports the experience will look much like it does in K-12 education, where youths with disabilities such as Down Syndrome or autism are mainstreamed.

Special education associate professor Mary Morningstar says the students will be fully integrated in all aspects of university life. She expects five to eight participants in the first year.

The ultimate goal is for participants to exit the program with paid jobs.