PowerPoint Presentation

ACE-IT in College: A choice for the future !

Kathryn Anderson, ACE-IT in College Student, VCURenee Bullano, Transition Training Associate, VCU RRTCeducationFOUNDATIONCreating Career Pathways for Students with DisabilitiesStudents with disabilities need to explore careers and potential pathways to these careers

Postsecondary education provides opportunities for students with disabilities, even those who are considered nontraditional college students

Postsecondary education is necessary to successfully prepare for 21st century careers

Youth who participate in inclusive postsecondary education:are 26% more likely to leave Vocational Rehabilitation with paid employmentearn a 73% higher weekly incomeneed greater access to inclusive postsecondary education supported by Vocational Rehabilitation

Data Set: RSA 911Migliore, A., Butterworth, J., & Hart, D. (2009). Postsecondary Education and Employment Outcomes for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities. Fast Facts Series, No. 1. Boston, MA: Institute for Community InclusionPaid EmploymentSubstantially Separated

Academics are taught with other students with disabilities

Interaction with peers w/o disabilities primarily through social activities

Mixed

Academics part of the time with peers w/o disabilities

Social activities are integrated

Inclusive Individualized Model

VCU implements this model

Students with disabilities included in all aspects of the college

No separate program, classes, activities, etc.

Inclusive Postsecondary Education ModelsKathryn- Life Program- Substantially Separated vs ACE-IT in College Inclusive Individualized Model 4Why Do Students Want to Attend College?

I would like to participate in this program because I think it will help me get a better job. It will give me something else to do besides watching TV and maybe I can make some friends.

What Goals Do Students Have for College?

I would like to participate in this program because I have set goals for myself. One of them was to go to college. ACE-IT is a good opportunity for me to do something I never thought I could do- get a college experience. I want to continue my education because an education is important to get better jobs. I want to have better jobs so I can earn enough to live on my own and buy gas for my own car.Reach for the Sky

5-year demonstration grant through US Department of EducationPostsecondary education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities (cognitive, autism, or traumatic brain injury)Program of one established at VCU Replication at two community colleges beginning in Year 3 of the projectStudents began attending VCU the Fall of 2011

Overview of ACE-IT in College

Virginia Commonwealth UniversityWe are the VCU Rams! Urban university in the city of RichmondTwo campuses total enrollment 31,000In-State tuition $10,299 (Full-time)Diversity of student body, faculty, and staff is a central mission of VCU

Its The Right Thing to Do

Have a documented intellectual disability, traumatic brain injury, autism, or multiple disabilities.Have completed or will complete high school with a Modified Standard Diploma, a Special Diploma, or a Certificate of Program Completion.Be able to commit to a 30 month (5 semesters) college certificate program and take 4 8 hours per week of classes. Internships are integral part of program.Final semester students work with employment specialist to pursue employment in non-traditional settings.

Eligibility for ACE-IT in CollegePerson-Centered PlansAcademic Supports (individual plans & education coaches) Career Exploration (business mentors, internships) Social Networks (campus life)Financial Literacy and PlanningCompetitive Employment

ACE-IT in College ComponentsStudents who complete the program will earn existing certificate through School of Education21 credits4 required courses (10 - 11 credits):Intro to universityScience/environment/naturalLiterature/writing/art/musicSocial studies/civilization/global communityUp to 4 electives (9 - 11 credits)

School of Education CertificateThe ACE-IT in College Process 14Step 1- ApplyStudents are recruited Interested students complete an applicationApplications are submitted via email or mail to ACE-IT in College staffApplications are reviewed by ACE-IT in College staff and the VCU communityQualified students are selected for an interviewThe application and interview are scored using a rubricStudents are notified of acceptance/non-acceptance4-5 students are accepted per year

Step 2- InterviewMeet Zak: ACE-IT in College Student

Students who are accepted into the ACE-IT in College program:Participate in a person-centered planning meetingApply to VCU for admission Meet with an academic advisor in the School of Education to select classes through VCU catalogAttend VCU orientation and register for classesVisit DSS Office & register for accommodationsSelect activities to attend during the welcome week and meet their VCU Education Coach

Step 3 Participate in Pre-semester ActivitiesStudents attend VCU classes Education coaches assist students directly in class and/or outside of class for tutoring, social activities, etc.Meetings are held throughout the semester with students Interagency Team:StudentFamilyAdult AgencyACE-IT StaffSchool Division Staff (when applicable)

Step 4 Take ClassesMeet Aaliah and Rachel : Education Coach with ACE-IT in College Student

4 Year University FacultyFor me, the student was just one of 'the gang' from the outset. I haven't had to alter anything [curriculum] at all yet and can't foresee this having to take place as we move forward. Community College FacultyACE-IT in College fits the mission of community colleges.The student tends to work harder than anyone else in the class.

What Faculty are Telling Us about ACE-IT in CollegeOutcome of ACE-IT in College is competitive employment in students interest area based on courses and experiences at VCU

Part of curriculum includes such activities as internships, experiences in community service, paired with a business mentor, and part-time employment

Last 3-6 months of the program (along with finishing courses), students will be working with a job coach to enter competitive employment

Step 5 Explore Employment Meet Eddie : ACE-IT in College Student

VCU Student:20 years old, received a Special Diploma

Interests:Loves sports and fitnessCourses:Freshmen Orientation and Strength, Endurance and Flexibility Training, Intro to Drawing, Reading Film, Intro to Economics, Human Spirituality, Forensic Science, Music AppreciationEducation Coach Focus:Orient to campus, participate in class activities, answer questions, demonstrate and offer guided practice, use of Live Scribe PenPart-Time EmploymentCary Street Gym- started in the Laundry and advocated for promotion to Facilities MaintenanceCareer Goal:Exploring opportunities through VCU, possibly machine shop or laboratoryEddie Snapshot: Started August 2011 Meet Kathryn: ACE-IT in College Student

VCU Student:24 years old, received a Special DiplomaInterests:Working with childrenCourses:Freshmen Orientation, Intro to Teaching, Childrens Literature, Integrating the Arts in Curriculum for Young Children, Focused Inquiry, Womens Studies, Astronomy, Wonders of TechnologyEducation Coach Focus:Using assistive technology independently, writing, books in audio formatPart-time employmentTeacher Assistant at Cary Street GymCareer Goal:

To own her own daycare center

Kathryn Snapshot: Started August 2011Universal design techniques to assist studentsUse of technology for learningInvolvement of faculty and college administratorsPart-time employment to strengthen work related skillsPerson centered planning to develop career goals and selection of coursesEducation coaches to provide direct supportInclusive practice-students are fully integrated on campus

Best Practices in PlaceACE-IT in College has a presence on the universitys diversity committee to ensure students with disabilities are part of the plan and in the strategic plan of the universityInternal Management Team create solutions to implementation of the model and sustainability as a result of their work on the modelTeam Members include: Dean of the School of Education (Chair)Vice Provost and Assistant Vice Provost for Students AffairsVice Provost for Academic AffairsVice Provost Division of Community Engagement

What We Have Learned?ContactDana Yarbrough(804) 828-0352dvyarbrough@vcu.edu

Elizabeth Getzel(804) 827-0748lgetzel@vcu.edu

To Learn More about Virginias EffortsNational Websiteswww.thinkcollege.net www.going-to-college.org