Preparing for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Karen Phipps, Director EAGLE Academy Georgia Southern University

Why College? Career Development Independent Living Academic Enrichment Self-Determination

What is Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE)? Provide opportunities for study beyond high school to students who historically have not been presented with these possibilities Inclusive Post Secondary Education Programs change lives by making college accessible for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities This education prepares students to live increasingly independent lives, pursue careers of their choice and provides the potential for increased earnings long-term **So, if you have a child with an intellectual or developmental disability, remember to include college as an option.

A few facts… 270+ Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs throughout the US 700+ Students leave Georgia high schools each year that qualify for IPSE programs 9 IPSE programs in Georgia 1 College currently building a program in Georgia

What is Transition? Transition is preparation for the movement from school to post- secondary life. Preparations should include the necessary skills to be successful in education, employment, and independent living. Planning MUST begin at age 14 or when going to 9th Grade. Planning may begin earlier as needed to ensure future success. There are many skills that can we can begin working on as early as Preschool.

What is involved in a Transition Plan? Must include Desired Measurable Post-Secondary/Outcome Completion Goals in the areas of : Education/Training Employment Independent Living These goals are to be achieved AFTER graduation Transition IEP Goals and Transition Activities/Services are then developed based on the Post-Secondary Goals in the areas of: Development of Employment Community Participation Adult Living Skills & Post School Options Related Services Daily Living Skills

Topics to Discuss with Your Parents and Their Child What do they want to do for a career? Do they want to go to college? Do they want to learn how to drive? Where do they want to live after graduation? Do they want to get married / have children? Taking care of a home Taking care of finances / budgeting Meal planning / shopping / eating healthy Preparing for college

Successful Transition Planning Requires a Coordinated Effort Transition Coordinator Student Parent Parent Mentor School System Staff Community Agencies ***Include as many agencies in planning as possible***

Possible Agencies to Include Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA or VR) Care Partners Georgia High School High Tech Representative College Disabilities Coordinator Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program Director Medical care provider Independent Living Centers Day Treatment Facilities Employment Specialists Local Transition Council **Anyone who does or may support your child in some way**

ALWAYS REMEMBER to Help Parents to Remember They play the most important role in their child’s life! They need to be an active participant with their child through the entire transition process Do not accept that there is not a way to meet their child’s dreams and aspirations All things are possible when all potential service providers are invited to and participate in all transition meetings Require that service providers be included in their child’s IEP meeting as early as Middle School or no later than age 14

Helpful Websites for Parents https://gvs.georgia.gov/ Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency https://dch.georgia.gov/medicaid Georgia Medicaid https://thinkcollege.net/ Think College – clearing house for all information related to post-secondary options for students with intellectual disabilities https://coe.georgiasouthern.edu/eagle-academy/ EAGLE Academy http://www.gaipsec.org/ Georgia Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Consortium https://www.sepsea.org/ Southeastern Post-Secondary Education Alliance

Inclusive Post-Secondary Education in Georgia

EAGLE Academy at Georgia Southern University Equal Access to Gainful Learning and Employment CTP: Application Submitted Program Length: 2 years Program focus: Multiple fields of study with an emphasis on independent living and work internships

Creating Higher Education Opportunities to Increase College Experiences (“CHOICE”) at East Georgia State College CTP: Yes Program length: 2 years Program focus: Multiple fields of study http://www.ega.edu/office/student_affairs/choi ce Guidance and Opportunities for Academic and Leadership Success Program at Columbus State University (“GOALS”) CTP: Not yet Program length: 2 years Program focus: Multiple fields of study http://te.columbusstate.edu/goals.php

Expanding Career, Education and Leadership Opportunities at Georgia Tech (“EXCEL”) CTP: Yes Program Length: 4 years Program Focus: Multiple fields of study http://www.schiller.gatech.edu/centers- initiatives/ile/excel/index.html Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth at Kennesaw State University (“the Academy”) CTP: Yes Program Length: 2 or 4 years Program focus: Multiple fields of study http://wellstarcollege.Kennesaw.edu/academ y/

Destination Dawgs at University of Georgia CTP: Not yet Program Length: 2 ½ years Program Focus: Multiple fields of study http://www.fcs.uga.edu/ihdd/destination- dawgs Inclusive Digital Expression & Literacy at Georgia State University (“IDEAL”) CTP: Not yet Program Length: 2 years Program focus: digital/media literacy, technology & communication http://cps.education.gsu.edu/research/ideal/ /

Leveraging Education in Advancement Program at Albany Tech (“LEAP”) World of Opportunities for Learning, Volunteering, Employment and Socializing (Project WOLVES ) CTP: Yes Program length: 2 years Program focus: Developing academic, social, and personal skills that will lead to employment Leveraging Education in Advancement Program at Albany Tech (“LEAP”) CTP: Not yet Program length: 1 ½ years Program focus: Business office operations

Program is currently in development Information about program will be provided at a later date

Strategies for Transition Plans

Ways to help prepare your child for an IPSE Program

Sample Transition Goals for a Potential IPSE Student Education Goal Example: Demonstrate improvement in independence level of electronic communication through ___ activities. Respond to___ emails per (week/month/semester) Attaches document to email per (week/month/semester) Emails instructor any questions or concerns as they arise Share notes in a google document with peers/instructor

Sample Transition Goals for a Potential IPSE Student Employment Goal Example: Explores___ career options and makes choices based on interest and ability Completes ___ interest assessment(s) Completes ___ aptitude assessment(s) Visits ___ job sites Completes ___ day(s) of job shadowing in an area of interest Create a resume Contacts an employer to set up day(s)

Sample Transition Goals for a Potential IPSE Student Community Participation Goal Example Joins ___ clubs/organizations per (week/month/semester) Selects ___ club/organization(s) of interest based on sport or hobby preference Attends at least two meetings Participates in social events Attends at least ___ social functions offered at school Attends at least one social event in the community

Sample Transition Goals for a Potential IPSE Student Adult Living Goal Example: Demonstrates understanding of daily schedule and class routines by completing ___ activities. Follows schedule and arrives promptly to class ___% of the time Daily makes entry on shared electronic calendar (Google) to manage schedule, assignments, work schedule, social activities Student will apply to an IPSE program Investigate program options Complete application process Apply for financial aid / scholarships Student will apply for Medicaid Waiver Investigate eligibility to apply

Sample Transition Goals for a Potential IPSE Student Daily Living Skills Goal Example: Manages time schedule for activities/medication Uses electronic device to prompt medication dosage time Takes into account travel time or preparation time when scheduling classes or appointments Uses public transportation Practices riding bus/cab to various destinations Does laundry at least weekly Sorts laundry appropriately Uses correct water temperature and detergent Student will prepare a weekly shopping list Determine money available for purchasing items Plan meals/snacks for week Consult sales papers Go to store and purchase items Student will open a bank account Investigate local bank checking account options Open an account

Sample Transition Goals for a Potential IPSE Student Related Services Goal Example: Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation Contact VR office for case manager assignment Obtain, complete and return application for services Make and keep appointment for VR assessment Work with assigned counselor to plan for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program Student will investigate assistive technology options Complete an AT evaluation Discuss need for AT device with appropriate person

Things on the Horizon “Dual Enrollment” Possible second round of grants Possible IPSE Hope Scholarship

Questions

Contact Information

So, Let’s go to College!