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Panel presentation at the 2014 Texas Statewide Independent Living Conference in Corpus Christi, Texas - Continuing education for all!
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Texas Consortium for Post Secondary Opportunities for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
2014
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
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.
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.
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.
Community Forum
General overview of post secondary opportunities
DSACT adult program presentation
ACC STEPS program presentation
Focus groups
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Contact information
Gerard Jimenez
512-496-6100
Board of Directors
Program Director & Government Affairs Director
Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas
Co-Chair
Texas Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition
Co-Chair
Austin Independent School District Special Education Advisory Committee
Co-Chair
Texas Center for Disability Studies at the University of Texas at Austin
Jon Pierce-Shimomura, Ph.D.Assistant Professor
University of Texas at Austin (UT)
Director of Adult EducationDown Syndrome Association of
Central Texas (DSACT)
College OpportnuitiesFor Adults with IDD
Gerard JimenezBoard of DirectorsProgram Director
Government Affairs DirectorDown Syndrome Association of
Central Texas (DSACT)
DSACT
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: guaranteesIndividualized 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
University of Texas Informal Classes Aimed at Adults with IDD Door opened
here
Informal Classes at UT
Social Time Interactive class
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
Informal Classes at UT
Hands-on Learning and Fun!!
Topics:Our sensesAlcohol & drugs on the brainParkinson’s diseaseAmazing animalsDrug discoveryMath for everyday livingJapanese language & cultureSpanish food & culture
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Dean Keeton
Drop off parking
Littlefield café patio meeting
place
Entrance to seminar rooms
and teaching lab
Speedway Parking Garage
27th St Parking Garage
To I-35
X
Logistics for UT Informal Classes
Once per week for six consecutive weeks 5:30-8:00pm
Respite for families
Growth of UT Informal Classes Aimed at Adults with IDD
200
150
100
50
0
2014201220102008
Reverse inclusion classes
Book clubs
Stu
den
ts s
erve
d p
er y
ear
Year
UT Informal classes
DSACT
Employment Opportunities for Adults with IDD
Cory GentryLab Assistant Class I20 hours per weekNeuroscience laboratoryUniversity of Texas at Austin
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
– 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
Near Future for UT Informal Classes
STEPS Program Skills, Training and Education for Personal Success
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
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
Our Classes
Technology Skills
Clerical Skills
Retail Skills
Academic Skills
Workforce Development
Social Skills for Life and Work
Business Mathematics
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
Contact Information
STEPS Program Director
Mariah Lossing
512-289-9065
http://austincc.wix.com/accsteps
Certificate Programs for Students With
Abilities
VAST Academy Motto: “All that I can, I will.”
VAST.hccs.edu
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.
Over 150 students enrolled at 2 Colleges
A 3rd Program to begin Fall 2014.
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
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.
Office Skills Training Certificate
TERM I• Business Writing• Communications• Keyboarding• PowerPoint
TERM II• Intro to Office Skills• Work Keys CRC• Spreadsheet/Excel• Job Preparation
• Office Assistants
• Data Entry
• Filing and Clerical
• Receptionist
• Mail Center Clerks
Term III Internship- 10 week/200 hrs.
• 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
Residential Option:
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
Leadership & Self-Advocacy
Student Leader of the Year Award
Capitol Day & Texas Advocates State Conference Workshop
Presented her own session.
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.
President’s New Freedom Initiative Award
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
Employment and Internship Success
Education + Employment = Independence
Child CareClassroom assistants
Rise School has hired 5 VAST Alumni.
Employment Success
Hilton AmericasVAST Students staffing the
Abilities Expo
Internship and Employment
Employment Success
Pier 1 Imports
Employee
Of the Region
Employers & Internship Partners :
AND MORE . . .
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
Contact Information:VAST.hccs.edu
Sue Moraska, Director
HCC-VAST Academy
1301 Alabama Suite 101B
Houston, TX 77004
[email protected], 713-718-6833
