Transition and Access Program TAP

University Of Cincinnati A public research university with an enrollment of more than 42,000 students. 308 Programs of study 15 to 1 Student/faculty ratio. 117 Buildings, situated on 473 acres that make up one of "world's most beautiful campus." Among the top tier of the Best National Universities. ‒ US News and World Report, September 2012 Tuition and Fees ( ): Ohio Resident, undergraduate, per year: $10,784 Room & Board, per year: $ 10,170

Fast Facts About TAP A 4-year, non-degree option for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Students participate in regular college classes, engaging in professional internships, and enjoying an active social life with friends. Student have the opportunity to participate in four paid internships. Students have a choice to live on campus or commute.

Development of the UC In 2009, Project Launch began a transition program for Sycamore High School students with intellectual disabilities, ages 18-21, to attend the University of Cincinnati in order to receive academic instruction, work in paid and volunteer positions on campus and in nearby businesses, and attend University college courses for audit or credit. The success of Project Launch and a collaborative relationship between CECH and the Mayerson Foundation led to a yearlong exploration of successful longer term transition programs at other colleges and “best practices” in the field. The result was creation of a new post-secondary Transition and Access Program (TAP) for students with intellectual disabilities at UC which started in TAP started as a day program for 10 students in With grant support, in , both new (10 annually) and continuing TAP students will have the opportunity to move into an inclusive theme house and enjoy a full college experience that includes all the opportunities afforded to typical college students residing on the UC campus.

TAP Vision University of Cincinnati has a vision of a world in which young adults with intellectual disabilities have the option of electing postsecondary education as part of their planning for transition from high school to the adult world. UC will be a world leader in creating an authentic, inclusive living-learning experience that builds career skills, academic achievement, personal responsibility, interpersonal competence, and a promising future for young adults with intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities.

TAP Mission Transition and Access Program is a four-year, inclusive program for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. The program offers a non-degree option for students with intellectual disabilities who want to actively engage in the full college experience, including participation in regular college classes, living independently on campus, engaging in professional internships, and enjoying an active social life with friends. The purpose of the program is to provide the opportunity for all students who desire a postsecondary experience on a college campus to achieve success with appropriate supports.

TAP Eligibility Requirements Cognitive assessment with documented intellectual disability High school non-academic track diploma The ability to learn and participate in inclusive classroom and work settings Demonstrate interest and desire to pursue educational, employment and life experiences through post-secondary education Three letters of recommendation Basic academic skills (Third grade reading /math level preferred) Be willing to participate in research activities; Ability to function independently for a sustained period of time No significant behavioral or emotional problems that would impact school performance Have a willingness to complete all assignments with support

TAP Application Link to application

TAP Outcomes Empower individuals to have control over their own lives Provide individuals with the opportunity to select lives of their choosing. Help individuals to speak up and advocate on their own behalf. Ensure that students are equipped with the skills to be successfully employed. Provide individuals with the opportunity to gain skills to live independently with minimum supports. Increase individual’s knowledge base. Create lifelong learners to promote increase quality of life.

Academics TAP students attend classes five days each week in an undergraduate university environment. Learning takes place in a formal classroom with instruction designed to provide content, promote critical thinking skills, and challenge students at all levels in courses that are rigorous but manageable, with accommodations when necessary. In addition to traditional college courses (such as Basics of Blackboard Learning Technology, Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Psychology, Music Appreciation, Practical History, American Political Culture, Art, Creative Writing), TAP students are enrolled in program-specific courses. TAP program courses include Residential Housing I, Beginning Community Access, University Orientation, Basics of Banking, Current Events, Employment Exploration, Basic Communication Skills, and Preparation and Planning.

Academics Each student has a daily and weekly schedule maintained in cooperation with the director of the program, a graduate assistant, and staff. Student schedules are coordinated using technologies such as the ITouch, IPhone and IPad. TAP employs Pre/Post teachers-- hourly student workers who are assigned to work with the TAP students in connection with their traditional university courses. Each TAP student is enrolled in two traditional courses each semester. Pre/Post student workers collaborate with course instructors weekly to determine any needed assignment modifications and accommodations. This collaboration can occur through face to face meetings, telephone conversations or s. The TAP student meets with the Pre/Post teacher for 1 hour prior to each university class time to prepare for that day’s instruction. This work could include assignment completion and reviewing written materials for class as well as prompting for note taking and class participation. Pre/Post teachers will also spend 1 hour after each class reviewing class notes and assignment completion requirements with the TAP.

Academics

Internships TAP students will prepare for a career, not just a job. They will set goals, develop a deep understanding of their field of interest. Students will gain appropriate social skills that are necessary to be successful at work and in the work relationships. Students will participate in paid internships each year of the four year program beginning the second semester of their freshman year. Internships will take place on a weekly basis and be adjusted to fit individual course schedules

Residential Life TAP students have the opportunity to live in an educational theme house in an inclusive setting with TAP students and traditional UC students. The TAP residence staff will be a diverse team including graduate students and undergraduate residential assistants. The team members provide an activity curriculum and problem- solving and counseling support. Each TAP student has the opportunity to experience on-campus living in a college setting. They spend time in the local community, as well as take advantage of the many cultural and social activities that can be found in the City of Cincinnati. TAP students have access to all UC facilities, including the library, large fitness facility, and technology labs on campus.

Social Appropriate social skills are necessary for TAP students to be successful at school, work and in the relationships they develop. They practice and apply these skills in real-life situations in their, learning, living and working environments, interacting with peers, coworkers and supervisors on a daily basis. Planned activities that encourage social interaction are an important part of the TAP program. Students gain experience building friendships and become socially competent through their classroom instruction about relationships and real life activities. As students grow, they are encouraged to plan social activities on their own.

Contact Information Director of TAP Heidi Brett Mendez