SERVING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE UNIVERSITY SETTING DR. RUSTY DUBBERLY UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA

HOW TO SUPPORT THE GROWING POPULATION OF STUDENTS WITH AUTISM (ASD) ON A UNIVERSITY CAMPUS HOW TO SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH DIVERSE NEEDS AT AN INDIVIDUAL LEVEL WITH MULTI-DEPARTMENTAL COLLABORATION HOW TO BUILD A CAMPUS THAT IS KNOWN FOR ITS INCLUSIVE AND CARING ENVIRONMENT

LOCATED IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 16,500 STUDENTS 930 STUDENTS REGISTERED WITH THE DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER 85 STUDENTS WITH AUTISM REGISTERED

DIVERSITY IS THE NORM……. We are all diverse as human beings 5 things that define you as a person UNF’s LQBT Center is ranked in the top 50 in the US The Disability Resource Center is ranked #1 in the State of Florida The Veteran’s Resource Center is ranked #1 in the State of Florida The Fountains at UNF

STUDENT AFFAIRS COLLABORATION Most universities have similar student affairs departments to serve students’ needs. Disabilities LQBT Veterans Women’s Center Counseling Careers, etc. etc. etc.

 That expects and supports a diverse and inclusive campus.  That support diversity and acceptance On Campus Transition (OCT) A program for students with intellectual disabilities to get a real college experience. The State of Florida is currently working on legislation to support these types of programs. This UNF program is nearly a decade old. THRIVE A no-cost program specifically for students with Autism (more later about this) ACCESS Academy Learning skills Sessions (for students with disabilities) that pays the student to attend.

Taking the time to really listen to the student Empowering the student with self-advocacy and self-determination skills Informing of campus resources and community resources available Community outreach Individualizing strategies and support based on the student’s needs (physical disability vs. student with autism vs. student with ADHD) Offer an array of services that best fit the student Collaborate with colleagues to create a multi- departmental support for the student. Keep confidential information….confidential Examples

Build student support programs to let know diverse students they are welcome and “will fit right in”. Train cultural competency – UNF has developed a series of courses for all Student Affairs staff that specifically teaches cultural competency. Make activities accessible and heterogeneous Use images that promote a message of acceptance for all students.

K-12 schools have changed greatly since the 1990’s in their approach to teaching students with disabilities. Seclusion has changed to inclusion for most students with disabilities. What does this mean for Universities? Students with disabilities are now better prepared to attend universities. Students with Autism and Psychological Disabilities are some of the fastest growing groups of students now attending universities. How will we support the needs of these students to graduation and beyond?

Transition to Health, Resources, Independence, Viable careers, and Education  85 students currently participating in the program  13 students participating in  highest percentage of students with ASD in the public US universities.  Core Components: (a) Situational Social Skills, (b) Independent Responsible Living, and (c) Career Development.  Individualizing accommodations and providing a follow-up plan with recurring check-ins of progress.

THRIVE MODEL Self-awareness, coupled with community consciousness and informed mindfulness of others are THRIVE concepts that are taught, supported and encouraged daily. THRIVE participants have opportunities to participate with individual coaches, group support meetings, personal counseling sessions, health check-ins, and other support entities. THRIVE also promotes awareness among college students, faculty and staff about the strengths and talents of college students with ASD, along with their needs for support services.

THRIVE STRATEGIC MODEL Mentors for each student – Academic advising, housing, social situations, physical and mental health supports, exercise and stress reduction. Integrated social events throughout campus Individual and group focused counseling groups Support for students with autism living in campus housing Employability training in individualized areas of need – interviewing, social skills in the work setting, dealing with co-workers and supervisors, conflict resolution.

Disability Resource Center Mentors Part-time staff person Student Affairs Departments THRIVE Coordinator ACCESS Academy

ACCESS Academy is a program to meet the needs of students with disabilities at UNF. Students are paid $100 in scholarship funds for every session that they complete. Subject areas include: study strategies, test taking strategies, self-advocacy, employability strategies, time management, KEYS training, Writing, Assistive Technology, Blackboard, Meta-cognition, memory strategies. Based on over 20 years of research for students with learning disabilities.

ACCESS IS MORE THAN CLASSES Sessions end with goal setting based on the individual student’s needs These goals are formalized with a schedule to practice, implement, and follow up with a staff person to report progress. Advanced sessions are offered in each content area to enhance skills, with the same follow up plan of action to implement the strategies.

THRIVE and ACCESS Academy started in 2011 and DRC population was DRC population was more DRC graduates in 2015 than The DRC has grown at the fastest pace ever since the implementation of these programs. 18% growth this year.

HOW PROGRAMS LIKE ACCESS ARE POSSIBLE……..  Supportive leadership that understands the value in diversity, building partnerships with Academic Affairs – (Faculty, Graduate teaching assistants), Student Affairs Development, and volunteers.  Creating and sustaining funding partnerships in the community to support the program.

THANK YOU

MY CONTACT INFORMATION Dr. Rusty Dubberly Director Disability Resource Center University of North Florida