ICE Partnership Program Opening Doors for Students with Disabilities

part·ner·ship (pärt'nər-shĭp')  A relationship between individuals or groups that is characterized by mutual cooperation and responsibility, as for the achievement of a specified goal Belchertown Public Schools – Federation for Children with Special Needs – Holyoke Community College – Institute for Community Inclusion – Monson Public Schools – South Hadley Public Schools – Westfield Public Schools – Willie Ross School for the Deaf

Overview  DESE funded grant  Developed to create equal access to postsecondary education for all students  Students with significant disabilities, ages 18-22, are offered dual enrollment/early admit opportunities

Benefits  Academic and advising support  Free tuition, fees, textbooks & materials, transportation expenses  1:1 Ed Coaches, provided by the sending high school  Social opportunities in age-appropriate settings

1 Create Student Vision & Goals 2 Develop Flexible Services & Supports 3 Assist Students to Access College & Employment 4 Evaluate Outcomes

Interagency Transition Team  Interagency teams work collaboratively to support individual students’ transitions  Representation includes: High school liaison Higher education liaison Educational consultants Educational coaches Student mentors Parent liaison Adult agencies Employment specialists  Monthly meetings, organized by partnership coordinator, address topics specific to student and program issues

Enrollment Requirements  Eligibility under the DESE’s enhanced eligibility criteria. Unable to achieve the Competency Determination necessary for high school graduation by passing the MCAS exam.  Completion of the HCC Early Admit application.  Submission of a completed Person Centered Plan (PCP).  Participation in an intake meeting with the Office for Students with Disabilities and Deaf Services (OSDDS).  Submission of the individual’s documentation of disability.  Assistive technology assessment, as needed.

Person Centered Plan  A results oriented process that empowers a student to dream  A process that is focused on engaging students in their own futures planning  Planning that is directed by the student and assisted by a neutral facilitator  Planning that results in an action plan

Supports at HCC  Office for Students with Disabilities/Deaf Services  CAPS Center for Academic Program Support  Career Services  Counseling Services  Student Activities  Bartley Athletic and Recreation Center

Course Offerings  Art  Business & Technology  Communications  Culinary Arts  Dance  English  Geology  Health & Fitness  Human Services  Martial Arts  Math  Music  Psychology  Sociology  Spanish  Theatre

Universal Course Design  Diversified instruction in order to effectively reach and actively engage all students, including those with disabilities  Provide alternative ways students can engage the learning process  Deliver course information in a customizable format without watering down the content  Remove barriers to information access

A thought, even a POSSIBILITY, can shatter and transform us. - Frederick Nietzche For more information on the ICE Partnership Program please contact: Maureen Conroy Ty Hanson or Carla Katz