Project CASE:Connections for Academic Success & Employment

DeAnn Lechtenberger, Ph.DDavid SiegelMatt Vinyard

Project CASE is funded by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

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Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities5 year grant for $1.1 millionPartnerships:

Texas Tech University Burkhart Center for Autism Education & Research South Plains College Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services Area Business Leaders

What is Project CASE ?

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To help students with developmental disabilities :◦navigate through the higher education system.◦complete an academic degree or certificate.◦develop business mentor/internships.◦build a resume to gain competitive

employment.◦graduate 10 students within 5 years.

Goals for Project CASE

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Students between 18-25 years of ageHave a Developmental DisabilityAcceptance to TTU or South Plains CollegeRegister with Student Disability Services Office at

TTU or SPCComplete Project CASE ApplicationPersonal Interview Birkman Assessment

How Students Qualify for Project CASE

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Step 1:Individualized Wraparound Team

Facilitator-Learning Specialist Student DSO staff counselor Community service providers/business leaders Faculty and/or staff

How will Project CASE staff do this?

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How will Project CASE staff do this?

Step 2:Develop Wraparound Plan.

Identifies student strengths and challenges Develop strategies to address challenges Business mentor/internship in Year 1 Career Services Office

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7 current students enrolled at South Plains College7 current students enrolled at Texas TechTotal of 4 new referrals as of January 2013

1 Learning Specialist at SPC & 1 at Texas TechWraparound Team members:

◦Academic tutors◦Academic counselors◦DARS counselors◦Guidance Counselors

Who is Project CASE ?

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David’s Story

Matt’s Story

Student Feedback about Project CASE

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For more information:DeAnn Lechtenberger, Ph.D. Project Director for Project CASE Research Assistant Professor Director for Technical Assistance and Community Outreach Burkhart Center for Autism Education & Research 806-742-1997, ext 324 deann.lechtenberger@ttu.edu

Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY College of Education, Room 151 Box 41071, Lubbock, TX 79409-1071 Phone: 806-742-1998 x458, Fax: 806-742-1840 www.burkhartcenter.org