2/6/2018. Changing Perspectives & Raising Expectations: Inclusive Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities.

Transcription

1 Changing Perspectives & Raising Expectations: Inclusive Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Texas Transition Conference February 21 st and February 22 nd, 2018 Lauren Bethune Dix, PhD Agenda Brief overview of the Inclusive Higher Education movement Tennessee Inclusive Higher Education Alliance and the 5 TN programs Specifics on the Next Steps at Vanderbilt program Ways Educators can Prepare Students for College Transition TN Website Q/A I m Thinking College! Video 1

2 A shift in expectations is growing Inclusive higher education (IHE) is increasingly becoming an option for students with intellectual disability (ID; Grigal & Hart, 2012 ). Postsecondary education offers the promise of pursuing a valued social role (that of college student), enhanced social networks, and, most significantly, increased employment options. Sheppard Jones K, Kleinert HL, Druckemiller W, Ray MK. Students with intellectual disabilities in higher education: Adult service providers perspectives. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Apr; 53(2): doi: / Evidence of changing expectations: Passage of Higher Education Opportunity Act 2008 HEOA allows for students with intellectual disabilities to be eligible for the first time for Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and the Federal Work Study Program. HEOA also authorizes a model demonstration program for the development and expansion of high quality, inclusive model comprehensive transition and postsecondary education programs to meet the rising interest and demand for this type of educational experience among students with ID and their families. Evidence of changing expectations by ALL stakeholders Nationally over 268 programs across the nation Think College National Coordinating Center for the development of model inclusive higher education programs, 2

3 How can these post high school programs impact public education? Increase graduation rates Greatly improve school district reporting of Indicator 14 Preparing students for college will increase culture of high expectations (i.e., more inclusive opportunities, diversity, student well being, teacher satisfaction, and more) Tennessee Inclusive Higher Education Alliance 1. Lipscomb University IDEAL, * Nashville, TN 2. University of Memphis TigerLife Memphis, TN 3. University of Tennessee FUTURE* Knoxville, TN 4. Union University EDGE Jackson, TN 2 4 1, Vanderbilt University Next Steps Nashville, TN *Programs which are currently two-years and expanding to four in upcoming years College Programming: Core Components and Pillar Career Development Academics University Life I Independent Living Social Skills 3

4 IDEAL Inclusive Higher Education Program edu/education/i deal program Individual Programs of Study Academics 1 2 University courses each semester Independent Academics Learning Agreements developed with student input to lay out course expectations We were part of the larger learning community Note sharers and tutors provide supports Typically not able to earn course credit Skills of Independence Coursework Courses taught by program staff and grad students Worked for mastery of content, differentiated instruction We earned grades Social skills developed as we learned to work with our peer mentors and classmates TigerLIFE Inclusive Higher Education Program du/tigerlife 4

5 Social Supports Social supports consist of pairing university students with and without disabilities in peer mentor relationships. Establish one on one relationships Help provide typical college social experience Facilities natural inclusion of our students in campus community Matched based on expertise, desires, and individual class schedules Typical Peer Mentor Roles Daily Planners Academic Tutors Lunch Partners Exercise Partners Chapel/Worship Circle of Support allows peer mentors to work together to promote all around student growth throughout the semester. Career Development Getting ready for future employment is major focus of our time at college Coursework Self discovery opportunities, i.e., job shadowing, interest inventories Internships on & off campus Job coaches Tons of guided reflection Social skills developed ****************************** Nationally 16% of adults with ID have paid employment. Our statewide average for the graduates is 75% FUTURE Inclusive Higher Education Program 5

6 Independent Living Skills The entire campus was our classroom: Learned to follow individual college schedule, no bells Developed time management skills Learned many computer and phone skills Learned to navigate campus independently Learned to ask for help, to self advocate Learned to deal with problems in an adult way Learned to make my own social plans Living in dorms is the bomb for learning to live on our own EDGE Inclusive Higher Education Program ation/edge University Life We are full time college students that could be involved in many activities. Join Student Organizations on campus Attend sporting events, concerts, and more Some of us have even joined Greek life Many chances to practice our social skills 6

7 Next Steps at Vanderbilt Inclusive Higher Education Program erbilt.edu/departmen ts/nextsteps/index.ph p Sample Student Schedule Residential PLANS Residential experience = integral part of the Vanderbilt education Other reasons: Improvement in life skills Increased awareness of personal goals Enhanced vocational goals Increased maturity Currently working on expanding to include on campus residential options Will provide individualized training and portfolio of options for students preparing for independent living off campus 7

8 Academic Overview Individual Program of Study 1 2 VU courses each semester Skills of Independence Coursework (CCS) Taught by staff and graduate students Work for mastery of content; differentiated instruction Earn grades/high expectations Social skill development Career and Community Studies: Courses First Year Health and Wellness Foundations of Career Development Tech and Career Readiness Setting the Right Course Financial Literacy Interpersonal Studies Second Year Food Preparation and Safety Sexual Awareness Self Determination Capstone Project Steps Towards Employment Living on your Own Preparation for the Workforce In the 3 rd and 4 th years, students will design their own CCS Independent Study Vanderbilt Electives Enroll in up to TWO VU electives per semester Support from Independent Learning Agreements between student, professor, and program staff Self Driven Part of a classroom community Considered a full time VU student Not earning course credit; but valuable experience American Popular Music Astronomy The Solar System American Government Songwriting Elements of Basic Costume Design and Makeup Psychology African Music History of World Cinema Transition to Adulthood Introduction to Counseling 8

9 Eligibility & Application Process Eligibility We serve students with intellectual disabilities who have successfully completed high school, and have received a high school diploma (e.g., special education diploma, occupational diploma, standard diploma). Students would have received or been eligible for services under IDEA. Application Process Complete the online application Submit supplemental documents (personal statement, transcript reference, psych evaluation, IEP etc.) Pay a $50, non refundable application fee Participate in a personal interview Phase two of the application process candidates are also invited back for a Preview Day on campus Academic Supports Available Ambassadores (Academic Tutors and Daily Planners) Note Taker from DS Modified assignments (modified as little as possible) Academic Tutoring Lab Various VU academic services available Career Development 9

10 Career Development Career Exploration Job and Soft Skill Development Career Education Employment Resources Goal: Students will learn the skills necessary to live more independently and have meaningful, gainful employment upon graduation Exploration: Job shadowing Benefit to Students: Location Exposure to a variety of career clusters Susan Gray School through observation and reflection Bill Wilkerson Center Gain a real life understanding of work site Children s Hospital environments and expectations before Vanderbilt Police Dept. beginning more intensive work Holiday Inn experiences Munchie Mart Benefit to Employers: Owen Business School TN Bank and Trust Diversity initiative State Capitol Minimal commitment of time or effort Old School Farms State Capitol Meet potential interns Plant Operations Address any fears, concerns, or necessary accommodations VU Parking Nissan North America Science Dept. Labs Career Cluster Education and Training Human Services Health Science Law, Public Safety, and Security Hospitality and Tourism 16 Marketing, Sales, and Service Business Career Management Finance Government Clusters and Public Administration Agriculture and Natural Resources Government and Public Administration Architecture and Construction Transportation and Distribution Manufacturing Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Exploration and Skill building: Internships Benefit to Students: Person Centered Work based learning experiences in a field of expressed interest Gain transferable job skills Practice soft skills Benefit to Employers: Diversity initiative Reliable, dependable, eager employees Support through job coaches Contribute to a successful, efficient work place Higher customer satisfaction 10

11 Career Education Envision Your Career A language free video career interest inventory that uses pictures to depict careers. Assessments Job Research Employment Skills Computer/Typing Skills Reading Free Vocational Inventory:2 (R FVII:2) A non reading vocational preference inventory presenting pictorial activities of individuals engaging in tasks. JobTIPS Do2Learn website: Social skills assessment and interests quiz O*Net website: Free occupational search based on skills, education level, interest, job type. Campus Life Executive Board Lead Ambassadores Circle of support Daily Planners Tutors Lunch Partners Workout Partners Experience Ambassadores Ambassadore Roles 11

12 Ambassadore Requirements Minimum of 2 hours/week Attend minimum of 2 Ambassadore social events/semester Attend circle meetings Attend circle event Participate in feedback and social skills surveys Campus Life Opportunities First year orientation & Visions Groups Best Buddies Service projects Intramurals Athletic events Concerts 600+ Student organizations And more! Eligibility/Admissions Process Students with a strong desire to go to college, to learn to be as independent as possible, and can function well behaviorally on an open university campus yrs. Lipscomb, Union, and Vanderbilt at UTK and University of Memphis Have an intellectual disability, can have cooccurring disabilities as well, had an IEP Special Education/Occupational/Gen Ed diploma Active Voc. Rehab client or in the process of becoming an active client Additional information on program websites 12

13 Application Process Application Process Interview followed by an invitation for a Preview Day visit required at most programs Lipscomb University (IDEAL) and Vanderbilt (Next Steps at Vanderbilt) offer week long summer institutes for interested students to learn more about college experiences/expectations ages 17 to 24 Tuition Assistance for Inclusive Higher Education Vanderbilt University*: $17,140/year UT Knoxville*: $17,600/year Union and Lipscomb Universities*: $15,500/year University of Memphis *$4,950 $9,900/year STEP UP Scholarship: $3,500/year if enrolled in PSE within 16 months of completing high school Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA): Federal grants available for eligible CTP program* participants who have demonstrated financial need (estimated up to $5,000/year) Program Scholarship Funds: Awards given per semester to students who demonstrate financial need (as available) Vocational Rehabilitation: funding for Transitional Learning Services for VR clients of $4,800 for four semesters, TN VR is rising as a national leader in collaborating with making college more affordable to students Vanderbilt University Faculty and Staff Dependent Tuition Assistance faculty and staff may also be eligible for the Dependent Tuition Assistance benefit. This benefit may also be applied to a dependent s tuition at other Comprehensive Transition Programs (CTP) throughout the country 529 College Savings Plan: Families can set up an account for their child with I/DD or utilize funds saved for another child *All tuition costs are subject to change Think back to when you were transitioning from high school to college What did you want to know? What made the transition easy/hard? How was college different from high school? 13

14 What do you currently do in your classroom to Prepare Your Students For the future? How do you prepare for transitioning out of high school? How do you prepare specifically for higher education? What skills do you teach? What You Can do to Prepare Your students? Familiarize students with the concept of college Provide opportunities to explore local colleges Provide information to parents (e.g., program attributes, financial aid) Keep documentation that will be needed for admissions Write letters of recommendation Provide opportunities for independence Time management Organization & planning Prioritizing Self advocacy Problem solving Safety skills Conflict resolution and social skills Being a good student Self management Using technology Communication skills Stress management Skills to be Taught 14

15 Attend quarterly alliance meetings How live or via to Adobe get Connect involved: Request that an alliance member do an in service training for your school system about inclusive higher education for students with ID Contact one of our five programs and make arrangements for middle and high school groups to have a college tour led by our college students Share information with students and family members about college opportunities Invite a college program to send a representative to your school systems transition fair Want to Get Involved?? The mission of the Tennessee Inclusive Higher Education Alliance is to increase the postsecondary educational opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities on two and four-year college campuses and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology. Transition Tennessee Website Pathways to Postsecondary Education Diploma Pathways Q/A on more specific questions with several TN Inclusive Higher Education Programs Teacher Tips College Readiness Checklist for Inclusive Higher Education/Community Colleges/Technical Schools Questions to Ask when Applying 15

16 Thank You! Program Director: Contact Information Emma Burgin, Tammy Day, Jennifer Graves, Misty Vetter Parsley, Maurice Williams, 16