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Texas Consortium for Post Secondary Opportunities for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 2014
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PSO/IDD Project started Fall 2012
Post Secondary Opportunities for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Project PSO/IDD Project started Fall 2012 Austin Community College STEPS program Austin Independent School District Special Education Advisory Committee Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas Texas Center for Disability Studies at the University of Texas at Austin
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PSO/IDD Project Mission
The mission of the Post Secondary Opportunities for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Project is to build a collaboration between organizations that have or support post secondary opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to raise awareness of existing programs available in Central Texas and build support for their expansion and the creation of new programs that lead to life-long learning and meaningful, gainful employment.
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PSO/IDD Project Goals Raise awareness of post secondary opportunities in the community. Raise awareness of programs across the country for students with IDD’s. Learn interest level from community in post secondary opportunities. Identify subject areas that are of interest to the community. Identify potential obstacles to attending post secondary programs. Develop support for existing programs and their expansion and the creation of new programs. Develop community partnerships with organizations.
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Community Forum – Austin, Texas
The primary purpose of the community forum was to achieve some of the PSO/IDD Project goals by sharing information with the community on available post secondary opportunities and to collect data on interest level from community on continuing education after high school for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Community Forum General overview of post secondary opportunities
DSACT adult program presentation ACC STEPS program presentation Focus groups
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Support from the 83rd Texas Legislature 2013
Senate and House of Representatives Proclamations of Support for Post Secondary Opportunities for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Sponsors: Senator Judith Zaffirini Representative Elliot Naishtat
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National Down Syndrome Society Grant
The National Down Syndrome Society awarded the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas a grant of $10,000 to support the mission and goals of the PSO/IDD Project.
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PSO/IDD Project Presentations
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Department of Aging and Disability Services Texas Education Agency – Texas Special Education Continuing Advisory Committee Texas Education Agency Education Service Centers Texas Education Agency Education Service Center Region XIII 18+ Network
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Texas Consortium for Post Secondary Opportunities for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Austin Community College STEPS program Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas Houston Community College VAST Academy Texas Center for Disability Studies at the University of Texas at Austin Texas Tech Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research
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Texas Consortium Mission
The mission of the Texas Consortium for Post Secondary Opportunities for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is to collaborate with organizations that have programs or are interested in creating programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to promote post secondary opportunities throughout Texas that lead to life-long learning and meaningful, gainful employment.
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Texas Consortium 2014 Goals
Present at conferences across the state. Organize community forums and educator events in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth area, Houston, and San Antonio. Seek funding opportunities for the expansion of existing programs and the creation of new programs in all regions of Texas. Advocate for legislation at the Texas Legislature that will create funding opportunities for programs across the state.
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Contact information Gerard Jimenez Board of Directors Program Director & Government Affairs Director Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas Co-Chair Texas Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition Austin Independent School District Special Education Advisory Committee Texas Center for Disability Studies at the University of Texas at Austin
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College Opportnuities Jon Pierce-Shimomura, Ph.D.
For Adults with IDD Jon Pierce-Shimomura, Ph.D. Assistant Professor University of Texas at Austin (UT) Director of Adult Education Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT) Gerard Jimenez Board of Directors Program Director Government Affairs Director Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT) Thank you for inviting us to describe our new education program for adults with intellectual disability. We’re very excited to tell people about this since it appears to be the first of its kind. For those who don’t know me, I became interested in DS once my first-born son was born with this condition 12 years ago. DSACT
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Inclusion for people with IDD
People with Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental (IDD) are part of our society but were commonly excluded from educational, job and social opportunities. Inclusion is now common for K-12 education IDEA: guarantees Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Inclusion is not yet common for postsecondary education ADA: must self advocate, only prevents discrimination due to disability Inclusion is still uncommon for employment opportunities for adults with ID, partly due to a lack of postsecondary education
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University of Texas Informal Classes Aimed at Adults with IDD
Door opened here
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Informal Classes at UT Social Time Interactive class
We founded and led innovative a 6-week evening courses for adults with DS on our campus. Each semester, twelve-15 adults with DS were recruited to learn alongside 5 UT students topics appropriate for college level. Once a week, the students socialized at a campus café before engaging in an interactive discussion on a topic and finally performing hands-on research lessons in my teaching lab. Cutting edge topics were included to engage students with and without DS. Students with DS gave oral presentations on their research at the conclusion of each semester to family members and guests. Thanks to DSACT, Gerard Jimenez, Allison Griffith, Josh Russell, Laura Ferguson, Kylie Huckleberry, Sarah Nordquist, Rose Stewart, Liz Cronin and dozens of UT undergraduate students
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Hands-on Learning and Fun!!
Informal Classes at UT Hands-on Learning and Fun!! We covered a whole range of topics appropriate for college-level from how our senses work at the molecular level to even classes on culture where I taught them how to make sushi and write Japanese vowels. This semester, we’re offering a remedial class on practical math as well as a reverse-inclusion class on drug discovery where students learn about the medicines they take and help my lab with original research on drug screening. Topics: Our senses Alcohol & drugs on the brain Parkinson’s disease Amazing animals Drug discovery Math for everyday living Japanese language & culture Spanish food & culture
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Logistics for UT Informal Classes
Once per week for six consecutive weeks 5:30-8:00pm Respite for families 27th St. Guadalupe St Whitis Ave University Ave Wichita St Speedway 27th St Parking Garage Speedway Parking Garage Dean Keeton To I-35 X Littlefield café patio meeting place Entrance to seminar rooms and teaching lab Drop off parking
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Growth of UT Informal Classes Aimed at Adults with IDD
Students served per year UT Informal classes With the support of our Dept Neurosci and DSACT, we have grown our class series to serve up to 200 students per year. Starting this year, we formed our official relation with UT Informal Classes to provide at least 4 reverse-inclusion classes per semester. Thanks to DSACT, we offer full scholarships for those with DS and others with financial hardship. Similar programs, like one at UCLA, cost over $30k per year!! We have also instituted year-round weekly book clubs to encourage reading ability at convenient neighborhood coffeeshops starting in 2011 for adults with DS. Year DSACT
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Employment Opportunities for Adults with IDD
Cory Gentry Lab Assistant Class I 20 hours per week Neuroscience laboratory University of Texas at Austin
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Goals Achieved for UT Informal Classes
Foster high expectations: Self-image as UT student Expand expectations of student in eyes of family and friends Build self-confidence: Hesitant, but soon tried hands-on activities and participated in discussion -- obviously enjoying taste of college life Provide important time away from family and vice versa Socialization: Practice appropriate conversation and body language with peers with and without IDD -- key for employability Provide critical time for UT students in medical or education fields to truly get to know people with IDD Broader goals: Life-long education on college campus Maintain affordability ($120) and thus sustainability
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Near Future for UT Informal Classes
Integration with career development: Identify employment strengths and desired jobs Vocational and remedial classes on math, reading, writing and social interaction Offer numerous courses to allow true self-determination Additional opportunities for inclusive campus membership with typical UT students: Inclusion program for existing Informal Classes at UT Interaction with social groups: Best Buddies, Texas Lassos, Dean’s Scholars, etc… Audit formal UT classes Sustainability for expansion: School district funding as part of transition program Qualify program for use of Federal Student Aid Fund raising In the near future, we are aiming to expand and improve our program following the nationally accepted criteria derived by Think College Standards for Inclusive Higher Education.
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Skills, Training and Education for Personal Success
STEPS Program Skills, Training and Education for Personal Success
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The STEPS Program Unique program for adults whose abilities may prevent participation in traditional adult education The STEPS Program fosters student success by preparing students for job readiness through a specialized curriculum
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About Our Program Up to 2 year program
Focus on supporting student success and job readiness Lesson plans are personalized based on each student's needs Upon completion, students go onto take adult education courses, certification courses, sit for the COMPASS test or become gainfully employed
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Our Classes Technology Skills Clerical Skills Retail Skills
Academic Skills Workforce Development Social Skills for Life and Work Business Mathematics Our Classes
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Technology Skills Students gain skills in internet use,
Microsoft 2010 Applications and basic research skills. Students are taught at their own pace, layering additional information each semester.
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Clerical Skills Students learn appropriate business etiquette in addition to typing skills, use of office equipment, building a resume and cover letter and learning to interview. Each Wednesday students participate in Dress for Success!
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Retail Skills Retail skills develops customer service skills, use of a cash register and money management Students learn appropriate workplace behavior and how to deal with stressful situations in a healthy way.
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Academic Skills Students learn reading, writing and math skills, starting at each student's individual level Curriculum focus' heavily on reading comprehension and functional mathematics Majority of students increase academic skills one grade level each semester
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Social Skills for Life and Work
During this class students receive hands on experience practicing appropriate workplace social skills. Students develop conversation skills, relationship skills, public speaking, dealing with stressful situations as well as learn self - advocacy skills.
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Adapted Business Mathematics
Students interested in business and retail enjoy the supportive challenge of Business Mathematics. Students learn how to calculate percentages and taxes in addition to creating a budget for home and work. Students learn at their own pace and get a comprehensive experience in business mathematics
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Workforce Development
Students who are getting ready to graduate can take the Workforce Development Class Students learn job readiness skills such as: Finding jobs they qualify for Applying for jobs Preparing for the first interview Creating a targeted resume and cover letter Volunteering Students are supported through the job search, interview and hire process
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Continuing Education Courses
Administrative Assistant Series Child Care Intro to Word Intermediate Word Advanced Word Intro to Excel Intermediate Excel Advanced Excel Sign Language Intro to PowerPoint Intermediate PowerPoint Advanced PowerPoint Event planning Fundamentals of PC Use Creative Writing Drawing Certified Nurses Aid Medical Terminology Weight Training
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Graduation Students who complete the program participate in the Continuing Education Graduation Ceremony at the end of each spring semester Students this spring will receive a Work Readiness Certificate upon completion of the program.
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Our Graduates 54% of all graduates took inclusive adult education courses. 92% are now employed 8% are still looking or are unable to work due to health 10% went onto further education
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After Graduation Receptionist File Clerk Assistant Coach Cashier
Line Cook Clerk at State Capital Deli Department Dental Receptionist Child Care Assistant Teaching Assistant Data Entry Clerk
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Beyond STEPS Students wishing to advance their education have many options! Students who want take further Continuing Education Courses or work towards a certification can sign up for STEPS Academic Support during their final STEPS Semesters. Academic support provides 6 hours a week of homework and tutoring help.
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STEPS Program Director
Contact Information STEPS Program Director Mariah Lossing
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VAST.hccs.edu Certificate Programs for Students With Abilities
VAST Academy Motto: “All that I can, I will.” VAST.hccs.edu
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Vocational Advancement & Skills Training-23 years experience empowering “differently abled” students with developmental challenges to achieve their dreams of becoming more independent and competitively employed in the workforce.
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Over 150 students enrolled at 2 Colleges
A 3rd Program to begin Fall 2014.
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Offering Two Meaningful Workforce Credentials
Occupational Skills-Career Readiness Office Skills Training & Work Keys Formalized Admissions Process (18-25 age range) Comprehensive Support Services Scholarships from local foundations Person Centered Planning Pre-College-Freshman Success Bridge Courses Internships with local employers Job placement assistance
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Occupational Skills Certificate
A two-year career readiness workforce credential, offering courses that enhance functional reading, math and writing as they relate to workforce skills, develop basic computer/financial literacy and human relations skills for the workplace. Students receive assistance with identifying a realistic career goal, through a “person centered planning” approach, develop a vocational degree plan and upon successful completion of their courses, are placed on an internship with an employer partner based on their career interests and skills.
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Office Skills Training Certificate
TERM I • Business Writing • Communications • Keyboarding • PowerPoint TERM II • Intro to Office Skills • Work Keys CRC • Spreadsheet/Excel • Job Preparation
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Term III Internship- 10 week/200 hrs.
Office Assistants Data Entry Filing and Clerical Receptionist Mail Center Clerks
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Residential Option: A partnership with “The Center”
Cullen Residence Hall 3 designated floors for HCC VAST students Private rooms Modern amenities Activities coordinator Cafeteria that provides breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Social activities Employment opportunities
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Student Life The Eagles Club- holds college-wide events, workshops, and community service projects. Student Government Campus Sports Service Learning Student Leadership Opportunities/Awards Advocacy-TX Advocates State Conference
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Leadership & Self-Advocacy
Student Leader of the Year Award
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Capitol Day & Texas Advocates State Conference Workshop
Presented her own session.
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President’s New Freedom Initiative Award
For furthering the Employment and Independent Living Goals of individuals with disabilities. Pictured at U.S. Dept. of Labor in Washington, D.C. from left: Sue Moraska, Director, Judy Embry and daughter Nicole, a VAST Academy graduate, then U.S. Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao. Nicole is a full-time employee at Smith and Associates for more than 10 years.
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The U.S. Dept. of Education awarded HCC- VAST Academy
a $2.5 million, 5 year TPSID grant to expand it’s comprehensive transition programs for students with intellectual disabilities. National TPSID Grant Coordinating Center: Thinkcollege.net
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Employment and Internship Success
MISSION STATEMENT Education + Employment = Independence
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Rise School has hired 5 VAST Alumni.
Employment Success Child Care Classroom assistants Rise School has hired 5 VAST Alumni.
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Internship and Employment
Hilton Americas VAST Students staffing the Abilities Expo
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Employment Success Pier 1 Imports Employee Of the Region
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Employers & Internship Partners :
. . . AND MORE . . .
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Employer Partners Texas Children’s Hospital
Shriner’s Hospital for Children The Rise School T.I.R.R. KPFT 90.1 Radio Ch. 39 The Center Houston Public Library Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo MD Anderson Cancer Center Spring Branch ISD The River Theatre Hilton Americas Thornwood Elementary Catholic Charities Jewish Family Services CAPS CVS Phoenicia Deli Sailing Angels Houston Arboretum NEO Cafe HCC Child Care Center HCC Mail Distribution Center . . .
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Contact Information: VAST.hccs.edu Sue Moraska, Director HCC-VAST Academy 1301 Alabama Suite 101B Houston, TX 77004
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