Connections for Academic Success & Employment Project CASE: Connections for Academic Success & Employment DeAnn Lechtenberger, Ph.D David Siegel Matt Vinyard Project CASE is funded by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities 5 year grant for $1.1 million Partnerships:  Texas Tech University  Burkhart Center for Autism Education & Research  South Plains College  Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services  Area Business Leaders 2 What is Project CASE ?

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. 3 Goals for Project CASE

Students between years of age Have a Developmental Disability Acceptance to TTU or South Plains College Register with Student Disability Services Office at TTU or SPC Complete Project CASE Application Personal Interview Birkman Assessment 4 How Students Qualify for Project CASE

Step 1: Individualized Wraparound Team  Facilitator-Learning Specialist  Student  DSO staff counselor  Community service providers/business leaders  Faculty and/or staff 5 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 6

7 current students enrolled at South Plains College 7 current students enrolled at Texas Tech Total of 4 new referrals as of January Learning Specialist at SPC & 1 at Texas Tech Wraparound Team members: ◦Academic tutors ◦Academic counselors ◦DARS counselors ◦Guidance Counselors 7 Who is Project CASE ?

David’s Story Matt’s Story 8 Student Feedback about Project CASE

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 , ext 324 Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY College of Education, Room 151 Box 41071, Lubbock, TX Phone: x458, Fax: