Deborah Zuver & Donna Carlson Yerby Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, UNC-CH North Carolina Postsecondary Education Alliance October 13, 2011

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

Introductory Activity Think 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 school Intellectual/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 assessments  Alternative to diploma

Postsecondary Education Options in NC Vocational training Internship Community College Compensatory Education in NC Certificate programs Specialized programs University UNC-G WCU ASU UNC-CH

PSE models/options Dual enrollment: under IDEA partnership between school district and CC Separate program at Community College or University Inclusive program at Community College or University Vocational partnership/internship Variations....

What’s happening nationally? 200+ programs 45%- only students with I/DD 26%- dual enrollment 29%- both groups Variables: Inclusion/student integration Access to typical courses (53% typical registration) Disability services

Higher Education Opportunity Act Financial Aid Pell grants Supplemental Grants Work-study Program Model Demonstration Programs (27) North Carolina! National Coordinating Center

NC Institute of Medicine Task Force FACT: Only 50% of students with I/DD post high school are competitively employed or enrolled in postsecondary education CHARGE FOR NORTH CAROLINA: -evaluate educational & vocational programs -identify best practices -develop plan to provide more meaningful educational & vocational opportunities

NC Postsecondary Education Alliance Mission: To expand options & opportunities for Postsecondary Education in NC Educators, NCCDD, DPI, Vocational Rehabilitation, alliance representatives, legislators, families, student advocates Break down boundaries; concerted effort Collaboration/open communication/problem-solving Website for information, resources

Programs in North Carolina WCU: University Participant (TPSID*) UNC-G: Beyond Academics ASU: Newest program (TPSID* satellite) Alamance CC- Career College Central Piedmont CC - Comp Ed (TPSID* satellite) Cleveland CC - Connexions Randolph 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 team Facilitate family participation Identify postsecondary & employment resources Determine funding strategies Evaluation as part of program development

Components of effective programs Principles /values: Person-centered planning Support self-determination Inclusive social opportunities Structure: Course access w/accommodations Individualized support (coach, assistant, volunteer) Work-based learning Ongoing Evaluation

Work-based learning? Interest inventories and assessments Community partnerships for employment Course selection related to employment goals On-campus jobs; work-study opportunities Specialized curriculum leading to certificate Internships and job-based instruction Transition: job coach Postsecondary 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 inclusion Increased 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 AHEAD AHEAD White Paper on Students with Intellectual Disabilities and Campus Disability Services - 7/2011 Coauthors: 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 services Accommodations Curricular modification (none) Residence halls and campus life

Resources NC Postsecondary Education Alliance Post-Secondary Education Research Center (PERC). Info on options and trends; funded by OSEP. – Institute for Community Inclusion; Database, TA, newsletter; funded by NIDRR, ADD, OSEP 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 Donna Yerby Director, Special Education; Assistant Director of Services Deb Zuver Director, Self-Advocacy Initiatives Co-facilitators, NC Postsecondary Education Alliance