UMass Boston

Meg Grigal, Senior Research Fellow, Institute on Community Inclusion

Mary Grigal

Department:
Institute Community Inclusion
Title:
Senior Research Fellow
Director, Think College Principal Investigator Think College Inclusive Higher Education Network Think College National Coordinating Center IPSE Team Lead/Senior Research Fellow Institute for Community Inclusion, UMass Boston
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Biography

Meg Grigal, Ph.D. is a senior research fellow at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston where she directs Think College, a center focused on research, policy and practice on inclusive higher education for people with intellectual disability.

Area of Expertise

Areas of expertise include: topics: inclusive higher education, inclusive postsecondary education, Intellectual disability, special education, transition from school to adulthood, employment for people with disabilities. Skill sets: grant development, project management, public awareness, research to practice. 

Professional Publications & Contributions

SELECTED BOOKS AND CHAPTERS

Grigal, M., Paiewonsky, M., Bukaty, C. A., & Cain, I. (2025). Postsecondary Education for students with Intellectual Disability. in K.A. Shogren, L. A. Scott, E.E. Dean and B. Linnenkamp (Eds.), Handbook of Research Based Practices for Educating Students with Intellectual Disability.(2nd Ed., pp. 476-500). New York: Routledge.

Madaus, J.W., Sinclair, T.E., Grigal, M., Lombardi, A.W., & Keenan, W. (2024). Transition to postsecondary education. In J. Kauffman, D. Hallahan, & P. C. Pullen (Eds.), Handbook of Special Education, (3rd Ed., pp. 788-805) New York: Routledge

Grigal, M., Papay, C. & Bonati, M. L. (2023). Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disability: Expanding Research, Policy, and Practice in J. Madaus and L. D. Dukes III (Eds). Handbook on Higher Education and Disability Edward Elgar Publishing. United Kingdom.

Grigal, M., Papay, C., & Paiewonsky, M. (2019). Supporting the Transition to Postsecondary Education for Students with Disabilities in K. Shogren and M. Wehmeyer (Eds). Handbook of Adolescent Transition Education for Youth with Disabilities, 2nd Ed. Routledge. New York, NY.

Grigal, M., Hart, D., & Papay, C. (2019). Inclusive Higher Education for People with Intellectual Disability in The United States in O’Brien, P., Bonati, M. L., Gadow, F., & Slee, R. (Eds.).People with intellectual disability experiencing university life: Theoretical underpinnings, evidence and lived experience. Rotterdam, Netherlands: Sense Publishers

Grigal, M. & Bass, J. (2018). College Pathways for Students with Disabilities in M. Grigal, J. Madaus, Dukes, L, & Hart, D. (Eds.). ‘Navigating the Transition from High School to College for Students with Disabilities. Taylor and Francis. Milton Park, United Kingdom.

Grigal, M., & Papay, C. (2018). Expectations for College in M. Grigal, J. Madaus, Dukes, L, & Hart, D. (Eds.). ‘Navigating the Transition from High School to College for Students with Disabilities. Taylor and Francis. Milton Park, United Kingdom.

Grigal., M., Madaus, J., Dukes, L., & Hart, D. (2018). ‘Navigating the Transition from High School to College for Students with Disabilities. Taylor and Francis. Milton Park, United Kingdom.

Freedman, B., Eisenman, L. T., Grigal, M., & Hart, D. (2017). Intellectual Disability in the University: Expanding the Conversation about Diversity and Disclosure in Meerschaum S. L., Eisenman, L. T., Jones, J. M. (Eds.) Negotiating Disability: Disclosure and Higher Education. University of Michigan Press

Grigal, M., Paiewonsky, M., Hart, D. (2017). Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disability. In Wheeler, M. L., & Shogren, K. A. (Eds.) Handbook of Research-Based Practices for Educating Students with Disability. New York: Routledge.

Grigal, M., Hart, D., & Weir, C. (2014). Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities. In M. Agran, F. Brown, C. Hughes, C. Quirk & D. Ryndak (Eds.), Equity and Full Participation for Individuals with Severe Disabilities(pp. 275 -298).Baltimore: Brookes Publishing.

Grigal, M., & Deschamps, A. (2012). Transition Education for Adolescents with Intellectual Disability. in M. L. Wehmeyer & K. W. Webb (Eds). Handbook of Adolescent Transition Education for Youth with Disabilities (398-416). New York: Routledge.

Grigal, M., Hart, D., & Paiewonsky, M (2010). Postsecondary Education: The Next Frontier for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, in M. Grigal & D. Hart (Eds). THINK College: Postsecondary Education Options for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (1-28). Brookes Publishing: Baltimore, Maryland.

Hart, D. & Grigal., M. (2010). The Spectrum of Options-Current Practices in M. Grigal & D. Hart (Eds). THINK College: Postsecondary Education Options for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (49-86). Brookes Publishing: Baltimore, Maryland.

Dwyre, A., Grigal., M., & Fialka, J. (2010). Student and Family Perspectives in M. Grigal & D. Hart (Eds). THINK College: Postsecondary Education Options for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (189-228). Brookes Publishing: Baltimore, Maryland.

Grigal, M., & Hart, D. (2010). Critical Components for Planning and Implementing Dual Enrollment and other Postsecondary Education Experiences in M. Grigal & D. Hart (Eds). THINK College: Postsecondary Education Options for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (229-258). Brookes Publishing: Baltimore, Maryland

Grigal, M. & Hart, D. (2010). THINK College: Postsecondary Education Options for Students with Intellectual Disabilities. Brookes Publishing: Baltimore, Maryland

SELECTED JOURNAL ARTICLES

Grigal, M., Papay, C., Bukaty, C., Choiseul‐Praslin, B., Weir, C., & VanHorn Stinnett, C. (2024). Demonstrating Progress and Potential: Lessons Learned From Federally Funded Inclusive Postsecondary Education in the United States. British Journal of Learning Disabilities 1-15.

Grigal, M., Soldovieri, S. J., Myers, B., Papay, C., & Bukaty, C. A. (2024). Benefits of postsecondary education experiences for adults with intellectual and developmental disability. In International Review of Research in Developmental Disabilities (Vol. 66, pp. 1-31). Academic Press.

Grigal, M. (2024). A Legacy of Leadership and Vision: Honoring the Impact of Debra Hart on the Field of Inclusive Postsecondary Education. Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education, 5(2).

Papay, C., Grigal, M., & Choiseul-Praslin, B. (2023). Employment Preparation Experiences of Youth With Intellectual Disability and Autism Who Attend College-Based Transition Programs. Inclusion, 11(2), 118-134.

Grigal, M., Papay, C., Migliore, A., Choiseul-Praslin, B., & Chen, J. (2023). Preparation for postsecondary education of transition aged youth with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder in the United States: An Analysis of data from the national longitudinal transition study 2012. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 17446295231220093.

Grigal, M., & Paiewonsky, M. (2023). A Delphi Study to Confirm Essential Components and Activities of Inclusive College-Based Transition Services. Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education, 5 (1).

Papay, C., Grigal, M., & Choiseul-Praslin, B.D. (2023). Employment Preparation Experiences of Youth with Intellectual Disability and Autism who Attend College-Based Transition Programs, Inclusion, 11(2), 118-134.

Grigal, M., Dukes, L.L., III, Walker, Z., (2021). Advancing Access to Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disability in the United States. Disabilities, 1, 438–449.

Schillaci, R., Parker, C., Grigal, M. & Paiewonsky, M. (2021). College-based transition services’ impact on self-determination for youth with intellectual disabilities. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Taylor, A., Domin, D., Papay, C., & Grigal, M. (2021). “More dynamic, more engaged”: Faculty perspectives on instructing students with intellectual disability in inclusive courses. Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education, 3(1).

Sulewski, J. S., Grigal, M., Hart, D., Thelin, R. Domin, D., & Blackburn, N. (2021). Case Studies of Effective Partnerships between Institutions of Higher Education Enrolling Students with Intellectual Disability and/or Autism and Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies, Journal of Rehabilitation, 87, 73-84.

Grigal, M., Papay, C., Weir, C., Hart, D., & McClellan, M. (2021). Characteristics of Higher Education Programs Enrolling Students with Intellectual Disability in the United States. Inclusion, Advance online publication.

Domin, D., Taylor, A. B., Haines, K. A., Papay, C. K., & Grigal, M. (2020). “It’s Not Just About a Paycheck”: Perspectives on Preparation for Employment of Students with Intellectual Disability in Higher Education, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 58, 328-347.

Papay, C. & Grigal, M. (2019). A Review of the Literature on Postsecondary Education for Students with

Intellectual Disability 2010-2016: Examining the Influence of Federal Funding and Alignment with Research in Disability and Postsecondary Education, Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability

Grigal, M., Papay, C., Smith, F., Hart, D., & Verback, R. (2018). Experiences that Predict Employment for Students

with Intellectual Disability in Federally Funded Higher Education Programs. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 42, 17-28.

Papay, C. Grigal, M. Hart, D. Quan, N. Smith, F. (2018) Predictors of Inclusive Course Enrollments in Higher Education by Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Grigal, M., Cooney, L., & Hart, D. (2018). Promoting College and Career Readiness with Middle School Youth with Disabilities. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 42, 64-7.

Papay, C. Grigal, M. Hart, D. Quan, N. Smith, F. (2018) Predictors of Inclusive Course Enrollments in Higher Education by Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 56, 458–470.

Grigal, M., & Papay, C. (2018). The Promise of Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disability. In B. Hughes, C. Johnson & B. Taga (Eds.), New Directions in Adult and Continuing Education (Vol. 2018). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Shogren, K. A., Wehmeyer, M. L., Shaw, L. A., Grigal, M., Hart, D., Smith, F. A., & Khamsi, S. (2017) Predictors of self-determination in postsecondary education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities,53,146-159

Kellems, R. O., Grigal, M., Unger, D., A., Simmons, T. J., Bauder, D. & Williams, C. (2015). Technology and Transition in the 21st Century, Teaching Exceptional Children, 47, 336–343.

Madaus, J.W., Grigal, M., & Hughes, C. (2014). Promoting Access to Postsecondary Education for Low Income Students with disabilities. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 37, 50-59.

Grigal, M., Migliore, A., & Hart, D. (2014). A State Comparison of Vocational Rehabilitation Support of Youth with Intellectual disabilities’ participation in postsecondary education. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 40, 185–194.

Grigal, M., Hart, D., & Weir, C. (2013). Postsecondary Education for People with Intellectual Disability: Current Issues and Critical Challenges. Inclusion, 1, 50–63.

SELECTED RESEARCH REPORTS

Grigal, M. (2024). Inclusive Postsecondary Education in the United States: Current Options, Vocational Rehabilitation Engagement, and Emerging Needs. Federal briefing document prepared for the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Commissioner of the Rehabilitative Services Administration. March.

Grigal, M., Hart, D., Papay, C., Bukaty, C., Choiseul-Praslin, B., & Lazo, R. (2023) Executive Summary of the Annual Report of the Cohort 3 TPSID Model Demonstration Projects (Year 2, 2021–2022). Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion.

Grigal, M., Hart, D., Papay, C., Bukaty, C., Choiseul-Praslin, B., & Lazo, R. (2023). Annual Report of the Cohort 3 TPSID Model Demonstration Projects (Year 2, 2021–2022). University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion.

Grigal, M., Hart, D., Papay, C., Bukaty, C., Choiseul-Praslin, B., & Lazo, R. (2023) Highlights of the Annual Report of the Cohort 3 TPSID Model Demonstration Projects (Year 2, 2021–2022). Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion.

Grigal, M. (2023). Inclusive Higher Education in the United States: Current Options, Partnerships, and Needs. Federal briefing document prepared for the Administration for Community Living, US Department of Health and Human Services.

Choiseul-Praslin, B., Papay, C., Grigal, M., Migliore, A., & Chen, J. (2022). Paid employment of transition-age youth with intellectual disability and autism compared with other youth. Think College Fast Facts, Issue No. 32. Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion.

Grigal, M., Hart, D., Papay, C., Choiseul-Praslin, B., & Lazo, R. (2022). Annual Report of the Cohort 3 TPSID Model Demonstration Projects (Year 1, 2020–2021). Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion.

Papay, C., Grigal, M., & Migliore, A. (2022). Matching in-school predictors of post-school success to variables in the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012. Think College Report. Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion.

Papay, C., Grigal, M., Migliore, M., Chen, J., Choiseul-Praslin, B. & Smith, F. (2022). Think College Reports: Comparing access to in-school predictors of post-school success for students with intellectual disability in conventional and college-based transition services. Boston, MA: Institute for Community Inclusion.

Choiseul-Praslin, B., Papay, C., & Grigal, M. (2022). Think College Reports: Profile of Students Attending Cohort 2 TPSID Programs: Enrollment and Completion by Gender, Race, and Ethnicity. Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion.

Grigal, M., & Weir, C. (2022). Summary of College Based Transition Services in the United States. Federal briefing document prepared for the Office of Special Education Programs, US Department of Education.

Choiseul-Praslin, B., Papay, C., Grigal, M., Migliore, A., & Chen, J. (2022). Parent Expectations for Youth with Intellectual Disability and Autism Compared with Other Youth. Think College Fast Facts, Issue 33. Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion.

Choiseul-Praslin, B., Papay, C., Grigal, M., Migliore, A., & Chen, J. (2022). Paid employment of transition-age youth with intellectual disability and autism compared with other youth. Think College Fast Facts, Issue No. 32. Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion.

Grigal, M., Johnson, D., Miller-Raines, S., Myers, B., Stewart, J. (2022). Impact: Feature Issue on Postsecondary Education and Students with Intellectual, Developmental and Other Disabilities. 35 (1) Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota: Minneapolis, MN.

Papay, C., Grigal, M., & Migliore, A. (2022). Matching in-school predictors of post-school success to variables in the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012. Think College Report. Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion.

SELECTED INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL PRESENTATIONS

Grigal, M. (2024). Nurturing Inclusive Higher Education in Europe – Critical Insights from the Think College Experience. Invited Keynote presentation at the European State of the Art Conference on Inclusive Higher Education: Inclusion in Action. December. Cork, Ireland.

Plaute, W., Grigal, M., & Shevlin, M. (2024). JoinIN Symposium: Next Steps for a Successful Future in Global Inclusive Higher Education. Presentation at the European State of the Art Conference on Inclusive Higher Education: Inclusion in Action. December. Cork, Ireland.

Grigal, M., Papay, C., & Myers, B. (2024). Building Professional Knowledge about Inclusive Higher Education: Critical Factors of Success. Presentation at the European State of the Art Conference on Inclusive Higher Education: Inclusion in Action. December. Cork, Ireland.

Papay, C. & Grigal, M. (2024). Demonstrating Progress and Potential: Lessons Learned from Federally Funded Inclusive Postsecondary Education in the United States. Poster presentation at the European State of the Art Conference on Inclusive Higher Education: Inclusion in Action. December. Cork, Ireland.

Grigal, M., (2024). Inclusive Postsecondary Education: Building Better Futures for Students with Intellectual Disability. Online Presentation at the National Pingtung University’s Pathways to Sustainable Development: Local Practices and Interdisciplinary Collaboration conference. Pingtung City, Taiwan. November.

Papay, C., Grigal, M., & Bukaty, C. (2024). Using National Data to Improve Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disability. Presentation at the State-of-the-Art Conference on Inclusive Higher Education. Chappel Hill NC. October.

Choiseul-Praslin, B., & Grigal, M., (2024). College for Students with Intellectual Disability: Insights from the Think College National Coordinating Center. Presentation at the Division on Career Development and Transition Conference. Chantilly, Virginia. October.

Grigal, M., Fruendt, M., Remley, D., & Hoard, R. (2024). Building College Pathways to Employment: A Panel on Collaboration between Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies and Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs. Online Presentation at the National Rehabilitation Association Conference. August.

Papay, C. & Grigal, M. Breaking New Ground: Research Shaping the Future of Inclusive Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disability in the United States. Symposium at the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD 17th World Congress. Chicago, Illinois. August.

Papay, C & Grigal., M. Using Data from the Transition and Postsecondary Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) Model Demonstration Program to Understand and Enhance Inclusive Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disability. Presentation at the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD 17th World Congress. Chicago, Illinois. August.

O’Donovan, M., Corby, D. Buchner, T., Evans, D., Camedda, D., Wedgwood, N., Plaute, W. Hosshan, H., Azizah, N., Andriana, E., Rillotta, F., & Grigal, M. (2024). Inclusive Higher Education for People with intellectual disabilities - A Global Approach. Presentation at the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD 17th World Congress. Chicago, Illinois. August.

Grigal, M. (2024). Think College: Expanding and Improving Inclusive Postsecondary Education. Invited virtual presentation to the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & related Disabilities (LEND program) Fellows. Boston Children's Hospital/Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston. April.

Grigal, M., Thelin, R., McNeil, N., Lee, S. & Rozell, D. (2024) Inclusive Postsecondary Education: Current Options and Engagement with VR. Invited virtual Presentation to the Assistant Secretary of OSERS and Commission of RSA. March.

Grigal, M., Papay, C., Dahm, D., & Miller-Raines, S. (2024). Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disability - National Technical Assistance & Dissemination (PPSID-NTAD) Center Program Highlights. Invited virtual presentation to the Office of Postsecondary Education. February.

Grigal. M. (2024). Think Higher Think College. Presentation at the AUCD Conference. Washington DC. February.

Grigal, M. (2024). Think College Think DC! Presentation at Georgetown University. Washington DC. February.

Grigal, M. (2024). Think College: Expanding and Improving Inclusive Postsecondary Education. Invited presentation at the ADA Center Directors Project Directors’ Meeting. Washington, DC. January.

Alston, S. & Grigal, M. STEM Opportunities for students with Intellectual and Developmental Disability in Higher Education. Invited virtual presentation to U.S. Department of Education Program Officers. January.

Grigal, M., & D’Agati, D. (2023). Avoiding Employment Soup: Using what works instead of what is available. Presentation at the State-of-the-Art Conference on Inclusive Higher Education. Colorado Springs Colorado. October.

Grigal, M., Papay, C., & Bukaty, C. (2023). Inclusive Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disability: What we Know from the Most Recent Data. Presentation at the State-of-the-Art Conference on Inclusive Higher Education. Colorado Springs Colorado. October.

Papay, C. & Grigal, M. (2023). Using National Data to Understand and Prepare Students with Intellectual Disability for Inclusive Higher Education. Presentation at the 24th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, and Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, FL. January.

Grigal, M. & Hart, D. (2022). A National Overview of Inclusive Postsecondary Education in the United States. Keynote Presentation at the European State-Of-The-Art Congress on Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programme for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. Salzburg, Austria. November.

Grigal, M. & Papay, C. (2022). More than a Decade of Data: What we Know about Inclusive Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disability from TPSIDs. Presentation to the State-of-the-Art Conference on Inclusive Higher Education. Syracuse, NY. November.

Grigal, M., & Papay, C. (2022). Are Research-Based Predictors of Postschool Outcomes Evident in College-Based Transition Programs? Presentation at the Division on Career Development and Transition Conference. May.

Grigal, M., & Papay, C. (2022). Using National Data to Understand and Prepare Students with Intellectual Disability for Inclusive Higher Education. Presentation at the Division on Career Development and Transition Conference. May.

Additional Information

At Think College, Meg serves as a principal investigator on two federally funded technical assistance centers, Think College National Coordinating Center and the Inclusive Higher Education Network. Meg has published broadly and her work has led to the expansion of higher education options for students with intellectual disabilities throughout the United States and internationally.