Jeremy Ford: From Hoops to Hope

Education should be a doorway open to everyone who wants to walk through it. That's the guiding philosophy behind Dr. Jeremy Ford's  work at Boise State University, where he's creating pathways to college for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have traditionally been excluded from higher education.As a former school psychologist who found his way to academia, Ford brings a unique perspective to his role in the College of Education. "I was spending time working in schools and I didn't know all the things I needed to know to help the students and families I was working with," he explains. This drive to learn more and create bigger impact led him to develop multiple innovative programs that are transforming lives and changing what's possible in Idaho.Ford's work inclcudes the PEERS program (Providing Exceptional Education and Raising Standards), a two-year college experience where students with intellectual disabilities earn a certificate in community and career readiness. Unlike segregated programs, PEERS students take standard university foundation courses alongside typical students and select electives based on their interests. "For some students, the PEERS program will be their college experience. For others, it's a stepping stone to an associate's or bachelor's degree," Ford notes.What makes Ford's approach distinctive is his commitment to authentic inclusion. Students in PEERS aren't isolated—they're integrated into campus life, building relationships with fellow students who serve as allies and mentors. As Ford proudly shares, "A colleague observing a class couldn't identify which students were in the PEERS program. These are just individuals with some learning differences who you run into all the time in our communities."Beyond PEERS, Ford's Prep Academy gives high school students with disabilities a taste of college life through summer immersion experiences, while his ASSIST lab engages undergraduates and graduates from diverse disciplines in research supporting students with disabilities. The impact ripples outward, influencing how K-12 schools prepare students and changing what families believe is possible.Discover how one professor's vision is building bridges between communities, challenging assumptions about who belongs in higher education, and creating spaces where all students can discover their potential. This isn't just about access—it's about belonging.