Deborah Zuver & Donna Carlson Yerby Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, UNC-CH North Carolina Postsecondary Education Alliance October 13,

Emerging College Experiences for Students with I/DD:

Supporting Success

Deborah Zuver & Donna Carlson Yerby

Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, UNC-CHNorth Carolina Postsecondary Education Alliance

October 13, 2011

Agenda→ Insert Text→ Insert Text

Welcome! Introductory activity Video: Think College Overview of Postsecondary Education PSE and AHEAD Video: It’s All About Employment

Introductory ActivityThink about students with

intellectual and/or developmental disabilities

On your card……What is a common assumption about options for postsecondary education?

Objectives:Be familiar with postsecondary

options in NC for students with I/DD

Identify expected outcomes for student success

Identify components of a successful program

Consider issues relevant to your role

Definitions:Postsecondary Education (PSE):

education after high schoolIntellectual/Developmental Disabilities

(I/DD): significant learning and cognitive

disabilities that affect a student’s opportunity to access

standard courses without educational supports

Services under IDEA Accommodations/alternative assessmentsAlternative to diploma

Postsecondary Education Options in NC Vocational trainingInternshipCommunity College

Compensatory Education in NCCertificate programsSpecialized programs

University UNC-GWCUASUUNC-CH

PSE models/optionsDual enrollment:

18-21 under IDEApartnership between school district

and CCSeparate program at Community College

or UniversityInclusive program at Community College

or UniversityVocational partnership/internshipVariations. . . .

What’s happening nationally?200+ programs45%- only students with I/DD26%- dual enrollment 29%- both groups

Variables: Inclusion/student integration Access to typical courses (53% typical

registration)Disability services

Higher Education Opportunity ActFinancial Aid

Pell grantsSupplemental GrantsWork-study Program

Model Demonstration Programs (27)North Carolina!

National Coordinating Center

NC Institute of Medicine Task ForceFACT:

Only 50% of students with I/DD post high school are competitively employed or enrolled in postsecondary educationCHARGE FOR NORTH CAROLINA:

-evaluate educational & vocational programs

-identify best practices-develop plan to provide more meaningful educational & vocational opportunities

NC Postsecondary Education AllianceMission: To expand options & opportunities for Postsecondary Education in NC

Educators, NCCDD, DPI, Vocational Rehabilitation, alliance representatives, legislators, families, student advocates

Break down boundaries; concerted effortCollaboration/open communication/problem-

solvingWebsite for information, resources

Programs in North CarolinaWCU: University Participant (TPSID*)UNC-G: Beyond Academics ASU: Newest program (TPSID* satellite)Alamance CC- Career CollegeCentral Piedmont CC - Comp Ed (TPSID* satellite)Cleveland CC - ConnexionsRandolph CC - Career College

* TPSID = Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (federally-funded)

Steps to Creating PSE Access Establish key stakeholder support-

we’ve got it!Establish interagency teamFacilitate family participationIdentify postsecondary & employment resources

Determine funding strategiesEvaluation as part of program

development

Components of effective programsPrinciples /values:Person-centered planningSupport self-determinationInclusive social opportunities

Structure:Course access w/accommodationsIndividualized support (coach, assistant,

volunteer)Work-based learning Ongoing Evaluation

Work-based learning? Interest inventories and assessmentsCommunity partnerships for employmentCourse selection related to employment goalsOn-campus jobs; work-study opportunitiesSpecialized curriculum leading to certificateInternships and job-based instructionTransition: job coachPostsecondary Education = Employment!

Integrating Evaluation and Program Development

Evaluate the impact of the program on students, families, faculty, and campus life

Evaluate the effectiveness of the program

Our findings:Personal development of students Faculty and campus support for inclusionIncreased and improved employment

opportunities

From (typical) students:“Everyone deserves a chance to learn and to

have a job. High school doesn’t do that. I want to see this grow.”

“I’ve learned not to make assumptions about what they can or cannot do. It’s changed this campus.”

“As much as they learn, we also learn. If we could translate that into the community, the world would be a better place.”

ThinkCollege and AHEADAHEAD White Paper on Students with Intellectual Disabilities and Campus Disability Services - 7/2011Coauthors: Jean Ashmore, AHEAD & Cate Weir, Think College, UMASS

Guidance for members on how to support and facilitate full participation of students with I/DD

Issues addressed: Eligibility for servicesAccommodationsCurricular modification (none)Residence halls and campus life

Resourceswww.cidd.unc.edu/psea/- NC Postsecondary Education

Alliancewww.transitiontocollege.net - Post-Secondary Education

Research Center (PERC). Info on options and trends; funded by OSEP.

www.ThinkCollege.net – Institute for Community Inclusion; Database, TA, newsletter; funded by NIDRR, ADD, OSEP.

www.nsttac.org -- The National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center builds capacity for transition outcomes; directed by the Special Education Program at UNC-Charlotte in partnership with Special Education Programs at Western Michigan State and ASU. Funded by OSEP.

Thank you!→ Insert Text→ Insert TextDonna YerbyDirector, Special Education; Assistant Director of [email protected]

Deb ZuverDirector, Self-Advocacy [email protected]

Co-facilitators, NC Postsecondary Education Alliance