Think College Kansas. Inclusive Postsecondary Education (PSE) What is Think College Kansas? Overview

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1 educational coaches, peer mentors, vocational rehabilitation services and technology. Autism Across the Lifespan Kathy Olson, PhD October 8, 2011 What is Think College Kansas? Planning Grant 36 Stakeholders 7 Self-Advocates and Family Members 9 Community College Programs 6 University Programs 5 Transition Programs 5 State Agencies 2 Community Service Providers 1 Other Commitment to developing a comprehensive vision of inclusive postsecondary education and disseminating information on PSE to the community. THINK COLLEGE KANSAS! In an inclusive post-secondary education [PSE] students with ID/D participate in academic classes and social activities on college campuses with students without disabilities and receive individualized supports and accommodations. it is the goal of this administration to ensure that every child has access to a complete and competitive education from the day they are born to the day they begin a career this country needs and values the talents of every American.?%+-'&+(*"GS)0);"N&&%+--"*$"*/+"@$'(*"T+--'$("$9"#$(1%+--K"2+S%5)%>"PQQU Think College Kansas Coordinates stakeholder meetings Facilitates ongoing workgroup activities Develops a state strategic action plan Conducts statewide information-sharing The Higher Education Opportunities Act PL (HEOA) of 2008 includes provisions for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities [ID/D] to be eligible for federal financial aid and creates model demonstration programs for the development and expansion of high quality, inclusive postsecondary education programs. Learn to support great expectations be mindful of your changing parental roles and expect to take risks!!"#$%&'() In college, I am learning to do harder work. Professors don t baby you like they do in high Student school. You are responsible for your own work. I like that! Surprisingly, we have a program that meets both the needs of the students and the needs of the academic unit. The funds are self-generating [and] allow us to support the academic programs related to special education. Higher Ed Administrator Adapting classes to meet the needs of students with cognitive disabilities took minimal support and enriched the class experience for everyone! Professor Educational options include credit/noncredit or continuing education courses in 2 and 4-year institutions and vocational-technical schools. Transition services are key to facilitating the movement from secondary to postsecondary education and often include dual enrollment in both programs. Access to PSE can be accomplished through alternative pathways where changes or waivers to the entrance criteria are made. Students now have access to Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity grants and Work Study to support the financial aspect of their education. Students secure official status [with school ID] and comply with the same code of conduct as all students. Students benefit from the supports offered by universal design instruction, academic accommodations, disability services, As each student develops the individual skills to succeed in college, we work to increase their reliance on existing college supports and decrease their reliance on us! Preliminary data suggest that participation in postsecondary education contributes Educational Coach to improved employment outcomes and increased wages. Kansas is responding to this postsecondary initiative through Think College Kansas, a nine-month strategic planning grant funded by the Association of University Centers on Developmental Disabilities, designed to:!"#$$%&'()*+")("'('*'),"-*).+/$,&+%"0++*'(1!"2)3','*)*+"$(1$'(1"4$%.1%$56")3*'7'*'+-!"8+7+,$6")"-*)*+"-*%)*+1'3")3*'$("6,)(!"#$(&53*")"-*)*+4'&+"'(9$%0)*'$(:-/)%'(1"+7+(* KANSAS 2$%"0$%+"'(9$%0)*'$("3$(*)3*;"" 8%<"=+(&>"?)%+(*:@$/(-$("A46)%+(*B.5<+&5C 8%<"D'3/)%&"?)%+(*:@$/(-$(""A&%EB.5<+&5C 8%<"F)*/>"G,-$("A.$,-$(B.5<+&5C * Sources for the information included above are: HI06)3*J"A=+'%K"2)',.)K"L'00$(-")(&"M$%&K" N5*50(O='(*+%"PQRQOPQRRC")(&"*/+"L/'(." #$,,+1+"=+S-'*+"A/**6;OO*/'(.3$,,+1+<(+*C Developed by: Drs. Wendy & Richard Parent-Johnson, University of Kansas, Overview What is inclusive postsecondary education? Why college for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD)? What support is there for postsecondary education? What opportunities are available? What is needed for success? What are the challenges? What can be done? Resources Inclusive Postsecondary Education (PSE) students with IDD are included in academic classes and social activities on college campuses with students without disabilities and receive individualized supports and accommodations Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabili4es 1

2 Why College/Postsecondary Education (PSE)? Stepping stone for independence, self-confidence, and community inclusion Opportunity to learn (should be lifelong) All students benefit from diverse student population Better options for employment Education correlates with higher earnings and greater access to benefits Advantages to the College Community Involvement and Diversity Positive Public Relations Enhanced Accreditation Reviews Partnerships between college and public schools encourage sharing of expertise Increased college enrollment and funds Increased ability to meet needs of diverse learners Students gain experience and opportunities 2007 the Postsecondary Education Research Center Universal Design for Learning a process of making course concepts accessible and skills attainable regardless of learning style, physical or sensory abilities Former High School Students with ID Reported enrollment in higher education within one year of leaving high school : 13% : 9% (data is preliminary not final) Employment for Kansans with IDD Most work in sheltered employment or day programs Kansas ranks 47 th in percent of people in supported employment vs sheltered work and day programs. 18% of those funded by SRS receive integrated employment services 28% of cases closed by VR became employed it is the goal of this administration to ensure that every child has access to a complete and competitive education from the day they are born to the day they begin a career this country needs and values the talents of every American. President Obama Address to the Joint Session of Congress, February 2009 Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabili4es 2

3 Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) Enacted August 14, 2008 Reauthorizes Higher Education Act of 1965 Includes provisions for students with IDD to be eligible for federal financial aid Creates model demonstration programs for the development and expansion of high quality, inclusive PSE programs. At the current time Kansas has NO Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for students with intellectual disabilities. Inclusive PSE College Options Degree programs Certificates/Continuing Education Regular classes for credit Non-Credit/Audit of regular classes Non-credit college experiences TPSID Blue = States are collaborating with Think College Traditional Enrollment Personal Interest and Continuing Education Becky Steve The courses are hard but at this level of course, they should be hard. If you want to go to college set your mind to it and do it. Kansas City Kansas Community College Independence Community College Business Cake Decorating and Sign Language Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabili4es 3

4 Personal Interest Continuing Education Sarah Get THRIVE 2-year residential college experience for SWIDD your foot in the door Keep trying. Don t drop out the first day or the second or the third. Builds skills for transition from home to independence Certificate program (not degree program) Some may go on to earn a degree University of Central Missouri - Warrensburg Fort Scott Community College Photography IDD Programs at Kansas Colleges CLEAR - Johnson County Community College GOALS - Independence Community College EXCELL- Kansas State University Other CLEAR Noncredit Certificate Hal I love it. I get to meet all kinds of people plus I like to learn. Johnson County Community College Music and Self-Advocacy Kansas State University EXCELL EXtending College Education for Lifelong Learning Expectations for College Students Students guide their educational experience Students are expected to follow the college s student code of conduct Students attend classes regularly Student must self-disclose disability to get accommodations Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabili4es 4

5 The PSE Must make reasonable accommodations as specified by the ADA. The PSE institution is not required to provide all supports needed and assumes that the student and their support network will provide educational coaching and support. Common College Accommodations Additional Exam Time Alternative Exam Formats Help with Learning Strategies or Study Skills Tutors Braille or Large Print Interpreters Additional Educational Supports Can Be Helpful Assistive Technology Social Coach Transportation Orientation / Time Management Educational Coach General Challenges to College Success Low expectations Lack of planning for college No High School Diploma/Poor Grades College entrance exams Lack of supports at PSE Kansas-Specific Challenges Lack of awareness Evidence based practices, information, and data are not available Low expectations Inadequate preparation in high school College readiness issues College entry requirements difficult Postsecondary supports not in place Shortage of resources Lack of training for teachers & faculty Students and Families Consider the Post-Secondary Education Option Plan early Expect your child to become independent, educated and self-supporting Teach skills for self-determination and independence Build college into plans for adult living, as appropriate Support the identification of college and vocational goals Make financial plans for college Plan for educational supports/coaching Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabili4es 5

6 Learn to support great expectations be mindful of your changing parental roles and expect to take risks! Secondary Programs Introduce students to PSE options Build college into transition plans Develop self-determination skills Encourage peer relationships and peer coaches Identify learning needs and supports Adult Support Systems College Faculty Recognize and support individual PSE goals Channel available resources into PSE support as needed Work with others in adult services Work with PSE programs Be aware of the benefits of including students with IDD in their classrooms Make reasonable accommodations for students with IDD Become familiar with the concepts of universal design in instruction and the benefit for all students Equity & Excellence in Higher Education College Administrators and Business Partners Include students with IDD in recruitment activities Recognize and embrace the diversity students with IDD bring Encourage faculty/employers to recognize the benefits of including students with IDD Encourage faculty to use universal design Welcome students with IDD and make enrollment waivers available when appropriate Develop a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Comments and Suggestions Thoughts? Ideas? Issues? Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabili4es 6

7 Resources Think College Kansas Think College Going to College Equity & Excellence in Higher Education For Additional Information Wendy Parent-Johnson Richard Parent-Johnson Kathleen Olson Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabili4es 7