Post on 28-Dec-2015
Linda SchnappAssistant Director, Project AccessHoward Community College
Glennis Daniels-BacchusAcademic/ADA CoordinatorCollege of Southern Maryland
Suzanne AlexanderDirector of Counseling Wor-Wic Community College
Presenters
Linda SchnappAssistant Director, Project AccessHoward Community College
Project Access Merritt Scholars
Project Access is designed to significantly facilitate the transition of high school students with disabilities into postsecondary education
Project Access is designed to increase the success rate and retention of freshman students with disabilities
Project Access
Lack of academic preparationLack of familiarity with study skillsMore complete information about the
college admissions process for students with disabilities
Academic assessmentsMore complete information about college
services and reasonable accommodationsSelf-identification and self-advocacy
training
Student’s Needs
To improve student’s potential for successful postsecondary experiences
To accommodate diverse learning styles in a range of academic settings
To assist students in the establishment of career goals
Goals of Project Access
Development of a Summer Institute
Social events on the Howard Community College campus
An annual college fair for students with disabilities
An annual conference for parents and professionals
Goal One
Providing staff development to college faculty, staff and students
A study skills course developed to meet the unique academic needs of students
Goal Two
Approximately 70% of high school graduates transition to the postsecondary level
The retention rate of Project Access first-year students on the Howard Community College campus is higher than that of the general college population
Outcomes
The Transition Process – When does it begin?
Elementary to High School Adequate Academic Preparation
High School to Post Secondary /Work Academic Preparation Exploration of Transition Options
2-Year Institution to 4-Year Institution Short Term Skills Training Degree/Career Options Transfer
Transition Agencies/DORS Employers
Necessary job skills? Who is hiring? Etc.
Parent Groups LDA, Parents Place of Maryland, Partners
for Success Parent Resource Centers
External Stakeholders (cont)
Admissions Counselors Disability Support Services Faculty
Emphasis on Developmental Faculty Staff
Student Success Center, Residence Life, Dining Services, etc.
Career Services Internships, Mentorship, FT/PT Positions
Internal Stakeholders
Division of Rehabilitation Services Special Education Coordinators 504 Facilitators Faculty - Developmental/English and
Math Disability Support Services Staff Supervising School Psychologist/504
Coordinator Transition Coordinator
College Transition Team
Try College For A Day Annual Transition Breakfast Meeting Parent Information Night Transition Seminars Presentation at LDA and other parent
advocacy group Work Force Recruitment Program
(Summer Internship) Transition Conference
Collaborative Activities between CSM and the Tri-County School Systems
How is college different from high school
What is ADA & Section 504 Understanding the law Eligibility vs. entitlement How to access services Documentation guidelines Why is appropriate documentation
necessary
Parent Night Agenda
Who is responsible for providing documentation
What is the responsibility of the College of Southern Maryland
What is the responsibility of the student
Academic Expectations: How to be a success in College
The admission process for CSM Financial Aid
Parent Night Agenda (cont)
Guest speakers from the community:
DORS DDA Independence Now (SSI/SSDI) Abilities Network UCP of Southern Maryland College of Southern Maryland The Center for Life Enrichment The ARC of Southern Maryland
Transition Conference for Parents
Guest speakers from the community:
Center for Independent Living Pathways County Recreation and Parks Legal – disability related legal issues Local Transit System Special Olympics Lt. Joseph P Kennedy Institute of Catholic
Charities Parents Place of Maryland
Transition Conference for Parents (cont)
Student
Independence
Being Responsible for Obtaining Services
Academic Preparation
Change in Accommodations
Access vs. Success
Transition Difficulties
Parents
Letting Go
Transitioning from IDEA (Entitlement) to ADA (Eligibility)
Not understanding policies and procedures related to Disability Support Services
Understanding Academic Expectations at the Post-Secondary Level
Transition Difficulties
Development of Relationships to aid in the process
Consistent message
Able to Identify potential issues/needs
Proactive vs. Reactive
Benefits of Collaboration
Able to Recognize and Respond to strengths & weakness of programs and services
Able to Address perceptions regarding higher education
Outcome = Educated consumer
Benefits of Collaboration (cont)
“Try College for a Day is an excellent program to assist students with the transition to post-secondary education. Students who attend this event have an opportunity to meet with the Student Support Center staff to learn about the process to receive accommodations in college, who to contact, documentation that may be required, and the importance of self-advocacy. Although they hear from the high school staff the difference between eligibility and entitlement, it seems to have a greater impact when it comes from the college staff. The mock registration and classes also provide an opportunity for students to have a better picture of college expectations. The students get a better understanding of how to navigate the college experience on their own. Students in past years who have attended Try College for a Day have commented that they felt much more comfortable entering CSM in the fall than their peers who had not attended this program. They have said they know where to go for assistance and what was expected.” -- Quoted from Dottie Powell, Transition Coordinator for St. Mary’s County Public Schools
Responses from students when asked:“Have today's activities helped you to understand the process of starting college and your responsibilities in that process?” after a Try College for a Day Event
“It helped me to know that I have to ask for help on my own.”
“I now understand the importance of selecting my course for college and the responsibility of getting my sections done as soon as possible so I have the most options.”
“It helped me to know how Independent you have to be!”
Student Responses
Annual Transition Day Junior/Senior high school students
College Jeopardy
Transitioning from High School