IMAGINE COLLEGE

Inclusion  Educating youngsters with disabilities alongside their typically-developing peers sets the foundation for a lifetime of inclusion  In the case of learning difficulties, the question is never “How well or how badly the child learns but why does the child learn badly?” and “Which is the best method for him?”  Inclusive education is a child`s right, not a privilege

A look back On April 17, 1907, an all-time daily high of 11,747 immigrants received is reached; that year, Ellis Island experiences its highest number of immigrants received in a single year, with 1,004,756 arrivals.  A federal law is passed excluding persons with physical and mental disabilities, as well as children arriving without adults.

1930`s  Germany used disabled children as targets for extermination. This mass killing was the dry run for the Holocaust  Over 200,000 children and adults with a disability were killed by the Germans in the 30`s  Neuro-tribes, by Steve Silberman

Legislative History  1975 – EAHCA (Education for All Handicapped Children Act) allowed equal access to public education  1990 – IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) broadened the definition of disabilities  1997 – IDEA amended to include developmentally delayed children ages 3-9  2004 – IDEA amended to IDEIA implemented a 3 year IEP on a trial basis  2009 – ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) included $12.2 billion in additional funding

K-12 Education Today  Most children who have a developmental disability are in segregated school programs  Many are in self contained classes  Inclusion is seldom available  Many Academic classes are not offered

Why Inclusion  Prepare kids for independent lives  Employment opportunities  Make friends  Get ready for college  Hans Asperger quote “children can develop in ways you can not predict as long as they get proper instruction”

Why attend college? Students with intellectual disabilities who attend even one year of postsecondary education are twice as likely to be employed and earn 73% more than those who do not.

Why should students with intellectual disabilities attend college? What do traditional college students want?  Freedom! Independence!  Expanded knowledge  Late night pizza  Enhanced speaking and writing skills  Life long friendships  Career training  Increased earning potential

Why should students with intellectual disabilities attend college? What do college students with disabilities want?  Freedom! Independence!  Expanded knowledge  Late night pizza  Enhanced speaking and writing skills  Life long friendships  Career Training  Increased earning potential  Experience college life

The Good news  Five colleges in South Carolina have programs for these young adults:  USC  Clemson—  Coastal Carolina-  Winthrop  College of Charleston –

The Bad News  Many K-12 professionals and parents don`t know about these programs.  There has been little or no preparation for these young people. They are not ready for college.  Tuition is high; Families did not plan

Curriculum  Philosophy  Theater  Computer  Physical Education  Art  Education  Time management  Internships  Use Person-Centered Planning to identify appropriate courses

Goals and Outcomes  Continue Learning  Learn to Be independent  Be gainfully Employed  Develop Social Skills  Experience College  Increased maturity

Conversation with Graduate  High School Experience  College Experience  Living Independent

Federal Guidance “As our country continues to move forward on the critical task of expanding success to high-quality early learning programs for children, we must do everything we can to ensure that children with disabilities are part of that.” US Secretary of Education