INSPIRE Appalachia was funded by the US Department of Education Office of Special
Education Programs to train graduate scholars in speech language pathology (SLP),
Physical Therapy (PT), and Occupational Therapy (OT) in an interdisciplinary approach
to use Evidence Based Practices for students with high intensity support needs (SwHISN;
e.g., multiple disabilities, significant cognitive disabilities, significant physical
disabilities, significant autism, significant sensory disabilities) in order to fill
major shortages of personnel qualified to serve this population.
INSPIRE Appalachia uses a unique model where the selected graduate scholars receive seminars and clinical experiences, on top of their program of study, from faculty in diverse fields (nutrition, pediatrics, early childhood, and physical and occupational therapy) who are experts in their discipline on working with SwHISNs. SLP, PT, and OT graduates of the INSPIRE Appalachia project become highly trained professionals prepared to implement evidence-based practices, using an interdisciplinary team model to best serve students with the most complex needs.
Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2025. Please view the needed materials checklist and FAQs before beginning your application. Applications for are due June 30, 2025. Note- you must already be accepted to your graduate program of study at ETSU in order to apply for INSPIRE Appalachia.
For more information about the application process or questions about the program, please contact Dr. Pamela Mims (mimspj@etsu.edu).
INSPIRE Appalachia Application
Meet the INSPIRE Appalachia Team:
Interested in applying?
- Admission is competitive.
- Must apply to a graduate program in speech-language pathology, Occupational Therapy,
or Physical Therapy for Fall 2025 to be considered to participate in INSPRIE Appalachia.
- Selected students receive notable tuition reimbursement as well as funds to cover
books and travel. In return, the student commits to working in the field serving students
with high intensity support needs after graduation for a period of two years for every
year of funding received.
- FAQs can be found here.