LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL;

College Program for Students with Disabilities

Peter Stover, MSWEastern New Mexico University-Roswell

Challenges Facing Individuals with Disabilities Education

IDEA- Success Based ADA and Section 504- Accessibility Based

Employment Competitive Expectations are high Fast skill development expected

Barriers to College Success Diminished support system Inadequate self-advocacy skills Inadequate accommodations High academic demands Inadequate life skills Inadequate social skills

Difference Between K12 and College

IDEA ADA/Section 504

K12 College

Success Access

Entitlement Eligibility

Types of Accommodations

Assistive Technology Textbooks on CD Sign Language Interpreter Reader, Scribes, Note-takers Out of class testing Extended test time

Employment and Disabilities Unemployment Rate: 3 times more than general

population (Employment and Disability Institute, 2003)

2 out of 10 people with disabilities (20%) say their jobs involve only a small amount or almost none of their full talents and abilities (National Organization on Disability, 2000)

33% of adults with disabilities live in households with total income of <$15,000 compared to only 12% of those without disabilities (2004 US Population Census)

College experience increases marketability Employers are more likely to hire someone with

work experience

Barriers to Employment Success Occupation does not match interests Getting along with co-workers Job application and interview skills

inadequate Not understanding employer expectations Transportation issues Time management difficulties Difficulty getting an effective job coach

College Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Venture Program, Bellevue Community College

Intended for high-functioning individuals with learning, cognitive and intellectual disabilities. The rigorous four-year program leads to an Associate in Occupational and Life Skills degree

No dorms Threshold Program, Lesley University

Two-year, Certificate of Completion, 6 college credits Dorms available Students with diverse learning needs, low average IQ

College Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Transition to Independent Living, Taft

University Emphasis on learning independent living skills Developmentally disabled adults 2-year waiting list

Occupational Training Program, Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Emphasis on vocational training independent

living skills

Vocational and Life Skills Training Teaches job readiness skills Real-life opportunities to make mistakes in a

learning environment Specialized vocational training Work experience Builds independence

The Occupational Training Program at ENMU-Roswell

Three-Semester Program

Vocational training Life Skills training Certificate of

Occupational Training

ENMU-Roswell Special Services Department

Mission Statement The mission of the Special Services Department is to

assist with the integration of students with disabilities into the university community and to accommodate those students with the appropriate services necessary to allow full participation in all programs.

Functions of the Department: Occupational Training Program Academic Accommodations Vocational Evaluations

Program Statistics: Disability Distribution

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Program Statistics: Graduation Rates 2002 = 28 graduates 2003 = 35 graduates 2004 = 37 graduates 2005 = 50 graduates 2006= 52 graduates 2007= 56 graduates 2008= 66 graduates

Program Statistics: State AnalysisOTHER-LA,CA,NC,OK,MO,&KS

Program Statistics: Employment Placement Rates 2001: at 9 months -78 % employed 2002: at 12 months -86 % employed 2003: at 12 months -73 % employed 2004: at 6 months -70 % employed 2006: at 6 months -81 % employed or Higher

education 2007: at 6 months- - 76 % employed or Higher

education

Entrance Requirements

1. Vocational evaluation1. ENMU-R Valpar

2. Outside evaluation accepeted

2. Documentation of Disability1. Most recent IEP with testing (within last 3-5 years)

2. Physical disability –Medial report

3. Interview with staff

4. Minimum of 18 years of age

Entrance Requirements

Skill RequirementsSelf-Medicate

independently administer daily medication

Time management

wake to alarm clock

follow schedule

Personal management

Personal hygiene

laundry

Demonstrate effective communication skills

Demonstrate appropriate social behavior

Vocational Programs

Auto Body Auto Mechanics Child Care Food Service Floral Design Nursing Assistant

Vocational Programs Office Skills Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Maintenance Sanitation, Building Maintenance, Grounds keeping Veterinarian Assistant Welding Special Topics

Animal Care Stocking and Merchandising Meat Cutting

Vocational Programs

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Course Requirements

Vocational Program Course Vocational Practicum Job Skills Basic Skills for Job Seekers Recognizing Conflict Conflict Management Independent Living Course I & II Independent Living Lab I,II, &III Adaptive P.E. CPR First Aid

Program Checklist forFood Service

Fall SemesterFood Service Program IFood Service Program I LabIndependent Living IIndependent Living I LabJob Skills Adaptive Physical EducationRecognizing Conflict

Spring SemesterFood Service Program IIFood Service Program II LabIndependent Living IIIndependent Living II LabBasic Skills for Job SeekersAdaptive Physical EducationConflict Management

Summer SessionFood Service Program IIIFood Service Program III LabIndependent Living Lab III

Standard First AidCommunity CPRAdaptive Physical Education

Typical ScheduleMonday 8-12 Practicum

1-2 Job Skills2-3 Independent Living Course

Tuesday 8-12 Practicum1-3 Program Course3-4 Adaptive P.E.4-5 Recognizing Conflict

Wednesday 8-12 Practicum1-2 Job Skills2-3 Independent Living Course

Thursday 8-12 Practicum1-3 Program Course 3-4 Adaptive P.E.4-5 Recognizing Conflict 5-6 Tutoring

Friday 8-12 Practicum2-3 Art, Theatre, or Sign Language

Dorm Room Checks 1 times weekly.Independent Living Lab activities scheduled at nights and on weekends.

Completion of Program

Strict attendance policy 75% mastery in occupational program class

and practicum 60% level mastery of all other courses Students must complete all courses at the

mastery levels to receive certificates

Student Housing 90% of students in program

live in residence halls

Resident Halls Supervision and Supports 24-hour Staffing: Dorm Director and Resident

Assistants Nightly Curfew Weekly room inspections Hall sign-out form No opposite sex visitation

Student Housing New resident halls and Activity Center opened Fall

2007 Amenities

Laundry facilities Free basic cable Wireless internet Activity Center: computer lab, game room, media room

Rooms available year around Weekly social activities available on and off campus Dorm and apartment style suites

Health Services

Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Assists with medication refills and scheduling

physician appointments Student responsible for:

Obtaining prescription Managing medication Finding local physician

Additional Student Services Counseling Tutoring Grade and attendance monitoring Behavior intervention Small class sizes Independent living support Optional courses: Driver’s Education

Tuition and Fees

Students pay Special Services program fee Students pay for uniforms, tools, books,

supplies, and transportation costs Out of State:

$4000-$5000 for Fall and Spring semesters $2500 for SummerTotal Program Costs for Out-of-State Students:

$16,000-$18,000

Financial Options

Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (DARS) Financial Aid and Student Loans Private Pay- Payment installment options

Social Life

Living with students with similar abilities Many opportunities for social interaction in

resident housing Movie night, dorm competitions, hiking trips,

water parks, etc. Special Olympics Ski Club

Key Points

Successful college experience

without the high academic demands High placement rates Supportive environment to learn independent

living skills away from home On-the-job experience Positive social environment

Resources

www.thinkcollege.com

www.heath.gwu.edu- George Washington Heath Resource Center

www.ahead.org- Association of Higher Education and Disability

Questions?