1. College Changes Everything July 11, 2013 Maximizing Post-Secondary Opportunities for Students with a Disability or Impairment

2. Facilitator State Representative Linda Chapa La Via Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 83rd District since 2003. Committee assignments: Accountability & Administrative Review Committee Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee Appropriations-Higher Education Committee Biotechnology Committee Business & Occupational Licenses Committee Consumer Protection Committee Elementary & Secondary Education Committee - Chairperson Veterans' Affairs Committee - Chairperson

3. Presenters Kathleen Kerness ~ Thresholds Barbara Kite ~ PACE Program at National Louis University Marci Koblenz ~ Center for Companies That Care Antoinette Taylor ~ Exceptional Needs Consultant

4. Individuals With Disabilities Education Act…IDEA IDEA is the federal law that guides all Special Education services for students birth to adulthood Law usually ends when a young adult reaches age or upon graduation from High School. Originally PL 94-142…. Passed in 1975

5. Individuals With Disabilities Education Act… IDEA Re-authorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments (IDEA) into law (P.L. 105-17) on Wednesday, June 4, 1997. And The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) passed into Law 2004

6. Main Components of IDEA  Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE) All students are entitled to receive a good education under the law  Zero Reject No student can be excluded from school because they have a disability  Evaluation All testing must be fair and given in the native language of the student  Protective Safe Guards There is a judicial process in place if parents or students feel they are not being treated fairly

7. Individual Education Program (IEP) Each student receiving special education services under IDEIA must have a plan outlining the goals of their education.

8. Post-Secondary Planning Transition Plan part of the IEP Each student over 14 must have a transition plan which is an outline of what the student is expected to do after high school. It includes education, vocational prep, Independent Living preparation.  Summary of Performance The summary of the student’s IEP goals, present level of academic achievement and functional performance and progress towards transition goals. It is completed the last year of high school due to graduation or aging out.

9. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act A national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. Under the law, individuals with Disabilities are defined as… …persons with a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities Major life activities include but is not limited to: Caring for one’s self, walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, performing manual tasks, and learn ing

10. Americans with Disabilities Act - 1990 Enacted by US congress in 1990 The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability ADA definition: “ a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activity” Areas covered include but is not limited to: ▫Employment ▫Education at all levels including Higher Ed ▫Telecommunications

11. Americans with Disabilities Act Amended Act (ADAAA) Amended 9-25-2008 took affect January 2009 Revises the definition of “disability” to more broadly encompass impairments that substantially limit a major life activity. Changes also clarify coverage of impairments that are episodic or in remission that substantially limit a major life activity when active, such as epilepsy or post traumatic stress disorder.

12. 504 Plan Students with a documented impairment such as ADHD, Epilepsy, Diabetes or Asthma may have a 504 Plan that describes accommodations and modifications needed for the student to have equal access and success at school or during any school related activity. It can created for a permanent or temporary condition such as broken arm or surgery.

13. Higher Ed Transition High School IDEA (IEP) Not an Adult Given Support per the Individualized Education Program. College ADA (No IEP) Independent! Self-Identification/Self Advocacy required to receive accommodations and modifications.

14. The Laws: IDEA vs ADA In High School: ▫IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) ▫This law enables you to receive free and appropriate education through high school ▫Includes providing : accommodations, educational services, therapies and curriculum modifications. In College: ▫Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. ▫These laws require that you be provided with reasonable accommodations if you disclose your disability to the institution. ▫Not required to provide special educational services, therapies or curriculum modifications that fundamentally alter the nature of the program or class.

15. Resources and Referrals Center for Companies That Care Pace (National Louis University) From Paper to Practice Thresholds

16. The Situation © Center for Companies That Care NFP 2013 Dept of Education; National Center for Special Education Research 2011

17. Why aren’t Students with Disabilities Graduating? Schools not providing the support needed by students ▫Lack of awareness? ▫Lack of resources? Students don’t ask for support ▫Don’t know what to do? ▫Don’t define themselves as disabled? ▫Stigma is greater than perceived value? Support mandated by law isn’t sufficient

18. College Graduation Requires a Strategic Choice Actions Required by Law Actions Promoting Graduation PassiveActive Self-AdvocacyVillage Support for LearningWrap-around Support for Whole Person Think about supports provided for college athletes!

19. What’s Needed Better transition services in high school Disclosure requirement in college Identify each student’s unique needs Include college accommodations in Transition Plan Practice Strategy addressing whole college experience Academic Social and Extracurricular Financial Living Working Commuters Personal Success! Comprehensive awareness training for everyone who needs to know Disability Services Professors Resource Services Career Services Residential Housing Staff Campus Employment Include all available resources Peers Parents Education and Social Work Students Expand Definition of Self- Advocacy Team Advocacy Offer FERPA waive r

20. What We Do Transition Services Consulting and Counseling Resources Workshops, Professional Training, Facilitation Life Experiences Who We Work With High Schools Colleges and Universities Employers Individuals and Families Resources For You, Today Transitions to College Workshop Agenda FERPA Waiver PEERS Social Skills Intervention AIM High How Disabilities Appear in College Accommodations to Consider

21. PACE Program @ National Louis University 5202 Old Orchard Rd. Skokie, Illinois 60077 Barb Kite, Asst. Director 224-233-2672 Bkite@nl.edu www.nl.edu/pace (picture of building or campus) 21

22. PACE Program @ National Louis University PACE @ National Louis University is celebrating our 27 th year The PACE Program is a two year program, that follows the academic calendar (no summers). After graduation a PACE graduate may enroll in the PACE Transition Program We currently have 30 students enrolled in the two year program and another 30 out in the community, living at different levels of independence. Our goal is to enroll 25 new students to start each fall. 22

23. PACE Program @ National Louis University Campus Visits Tours Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Tour lasts about 1 ½ hours Call Barb Kite 224-233-2672 to arrange an appointment Examples of Courses 1.Problem Solving 2. Money Management 3. Social Skills 4. Vocational Instruction 5. Assertiveness Training 6. Electives: Art, Media & Literature, and Greek Myths in Action 23

24. PACE Program @ National Louis University FOUR INTEGRATED AREAS OF INSTRUCTION ACADEMICS - Concepts presented in the classroom are practiced immediately in the lives of the students LIFE SKILLS - Schedules, budgeting, organization, health, exercise and nutrition are taught individually and to the group CAREER PREPARATION - Hands-on 3 days a week – 1500 hours in internship work – development of skills, a resume, preparation for real employment SOCIALIZATION / COMMUNITY - “Fun” is taught at PACE. The group is important. Navigating the campus and then the larger community are taught in progression PROBLEM SOLVING - Is a theme that runs through the whole program. The strategies used with the students are also taught to them. The more they learn to own their problems and to solve them the more capable they will be to live on their own 6

25. PACE Program @ National Louis University The PACE Program is a leader in the provision of integrated post-secondary services to young adults with multiple learning disabilities. The PACE Program empowers our students with the skills necessary to become independent adults living and working in the larger community. Through instruction and support in all aspects of the students’ lives, the PACE Program strives to create an environment in which “work is accomplished, play is learned, love is felt and life is enjoyed.” 25

26. Antoinette P. Taylor Exceptional Needs Consultant Professional Development/ Lectures/Seminars Approved Illinois State Board of Education Professional Development Provider www.atexceptional.com Committee involvement Autism Speaks Chicago ~ Board of Directors (State Policy Chair) Disability Rights Consortium Member Governor Pat Quinn’s P-20 Council (Family Youth Community Engagement Committee and Post-Secondary and Workforce Readiness Steering Committee) U.S. Dept. of Ed. (Office of Special Education Programs) - Results Driven Accountability Initiative Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities (CCP&P – Technical Advisor) President Emil Jones, Jr. 1st & 2 nd Autism Community Seminar Coordinator

27. High Schools High School College Counseling Departments and Special Education Departments work closely with each other to inform each others practice. Share transition plans with College Counselors. Hold Summary Of Performance meeting together Know who students are talking to. BEWARE of for-profit schools. Teach Accreditation to students

28. Higher Ed. Move awareness of Accommodations and Modifications beyond the walls of the ADA Department at your school. On-going Professional Development for faculty and staff. Intentional and Explicit information during recruiting, orientation and on Web-site. Include information about services on EVERY syllabus and in EVERY office on Campus

29. Students and Families Make speaking to Advisors at Colleges a priority when you are doing your college search to determine match and fit. Keep a record of all conversations. TO BE COVERED BY THE LAW (ADAAA) YOU MUST BE ON RECORD WITH THE SPECIALIZED SERVICE/DISABILITY OFFICE AT THE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY. Self- Identification is KEY to success.

30. Thresholds Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centers Oldest and largest mental health agency in Illinois Serves people with persistent and severe mental health issues ▫Members must have an Axis 1 diagnosis – schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar, depression, PTSD ▫Many members also have a diagnosis on Axis 2 & 3 25 innovative programs ▫Youth & Families; Veterans Project; Peer Success; Homeless Outreach; Justice Program; Deaf Program

31. Thresholds Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centers – Young Adult Programming Established in 1974 Serve youth ages 16-21 with a severe and persistent mental health diagnosis ▫Many of the youth have some type of trauma background in addition to their primary diagnosis Youth in the program are involved in DCFS or ICG (Individual Care Grant)

32. Thresholds Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centers – Young Adult Programming General Challenges for this Population Post-Secondary Challenges for this Population Lack of coping skills Poor education ▫Lots of movement between schools ADLs not at same level as peers Unstable support systems – family, friends, community Education skills not at college level ▫Challenging course load ▫Poor study skills ▫Not use to homework Financial Challenges Less support vs. HS Lack of or poor organization skills Fear of asking for help

33. Thresholds Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centers – Young Adult Programming Supported Education Services ▫Adapt IPS (Individual Placement & Support) Model that is used for employment to fit education needs ▫Get involved in whole college process  Finding a school to graduating and everything in between ▫Assist with more than just college  GED/HS Diploma; tutor connection; vocational schools; adult education; financial aid & scholarships

34. Panel Discussion/ Q & A Facilitated by : State Representative Linda Chapa La Via

35. Additional Resources DePaul – PluS  Assist students w/ specific LD  ADHD  Academic Success  At the expense of the student. Southern Illinois – Achieve  Academic Support  LD/ADHD  1-4 years  Must apply to Achieve and SIU  At the expense of the student. University of Arizona– SALT  Individualized educational planning  Monitoring  Assistance from tutors  At the expense of the student. Denver University- LEP  Fee for service  LD/ADHD  Part of University Disability services  At the expense of the student. 4 year Colleges with special support

36. Colleges that support students with a Specific Learning Disability Beacon, Leesburg Florida  Offers academic degree programs to students with LD  RBT: $37,000  3 majors: computer science systems, Human services, Liberal Studies  Financial aid available Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL  Liberal Arts  RBT: $43,500  15:1 student teacher ratio  Tutor center: time management, organization, study skills  Assistive technology Mitchell, New London, CT  A comprehensive program for students with LD/ADHD  Certificate & associate degree  Financial aid available  15 class size  ¼ student body LD  Learning Resource Center  $40,000 Landmark, VT  2 years/ Associate degree  Pell grants and other scholarships  $57,655  Accredited  LD college: Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism Spectrum, specific LD

37. Post Secondary Programming PACE @ NLU University of Iowa- REACH  2 years  Certificate program  Resident $25,000  Non-resident $40,000  Some scholarship money available Elmhurst College – ELSA  Non degree  4 year program  Developmentally disabled  Improve reading and math skills  In year 2 may audit undergrad courses with permission  $14,000/ term $28,000  PT $750/ hour Lesley College – Threshold  Non-degree  Campus based  For students with diverse learning disabilities and other special needs  2 years  “study” careers  Certificate of Completion and 6 college credits  RBT: $45,000/ year

38. Programs sitting on College campuses Horizon – Alabama  Non-degree  Transition program  Personal, social, and career independence  Students with specific LD and other handicapping conditions Chapel Haven West- Arizona  Autism Spectrum/ Mild Developmentally Disabled  30 students maximum OPTIONS- Carbondale, IL  Stay as long as needed  Certificate  Apartments  $60,000

39. Autism Speaks Resources and Books http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits Request a hard copy by calling 1-888-288-4762 Ask for the hard copy of the Asperger’s Tool Kit, Transition Tool Kit, School Tool Kit and IEP Tool Kit.

40. Approved ISBE and Dept. of Ed Transition Resources National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center http://www.nsttac.org/

41. Official ISBE Transition Modules and Resources Transition Outreach Training for Adult Living (TOTAL) Project http://www.isbe.net/spec-ed/html/transition_video.htm

42. Boston University Student Self Assessment – provides a list of challenges that a student may face, many mental health related issues, and different accommodations that you can get/use if you chose to disclose to your professor or not ▫http://cpr.bu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Higher- Education-Support-Toolkit.pdfhttp://cpr.bu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Higher- Education-Support-Toolkit.pdf  Pages 9-16 Learning Style Identifier Quiz – identify learning style to help increase learning in college and find effective study habits ▫http://www.2learn.org/learningstyles.htmlhttp://www.2learn.org/learningstyles.html Thresholds ▫http://www.thresholds.org/http://www.thresholds.org/