Comparing transition planning, PSE, and employment outcomes
Students with ID less likely to have PSE or competitive employment outcomes
>12,000 students with intellectual disabilities have enrolled in PSE institutions across the nation
Of students with ID that expressed interest in pursuing PSE only 11% actually participated
Hart, et al., 2005
- Promotes true integration
- Increases quality of life
- Increases independent living skills
- Provides opportunities for Academic learning after HS
- Increases employability
Why does this matter?
American Community Survey, 2006
Funding
Sources
Community support sub-section
Sub-Contract with State Department of Disability to access funds and support consumers
50% consumers served
- Youth with ID who participated in PSE were 26% more likely to exit VR with employment; earn 74% higher weekly income
- Post-secondary education is among the strongest predictors of better earnings - only 10% participate
- People with disabilities have significantly lower rate of employment (36% vs 74%)
- Data from the National Center for Education Statistics & Rehabilitation Services Administration PSE improves earnings for people with disabilities.
Sub-contract with school districts to support student transition services
Includes program costs, tuition, meal plan, transportation, books, etc.
25% of consumers served
American Community Survey (2006)
Many of the families with whom we serve elect to pay out of pocket for services
25% of consumers served
Who are we?
Aaron Rakow, PhD
President, Founder
Founded in 2011
For students living with autism, LD, ADHD, dyslexia
Work on behalf of the student to ensure college success
College Steps works to design Individualized College Plan (ICP)
It will offer training for college faculty and staff on how to meet the needs of student with disabilities and improve their college experience
Natural Supports, Student Designed
No IEPs or IDEA support after high school
Colleges must provide accommodations
Often hard for students to find out what’s available and ask for support
It’s a confusing process for both students and universities
Our solution
Currently enrolled students who would benefit from social, academic, or independent living skill support
High school seniors college primer experience during their senior year
Social and extracurricular involvement supported by College Steps’ Peer Mentors
Professional skill development honed within vocational training program.
Basics of resume writing to advanced skills: job interviewing and managing professional relationships.
Students take part in a 12-24 month internship experience of their choosing.
Academics
Peer Mentors traditional undergraduate students that help link College Steps students to the social element of college life
1-5 courses per semester
Academic support is customized to the student’s preferences and needs
- study skills
- time management
- test taking strategies
- note taking
- class participation support
Student academic support is provided via College Steps’ campus-based Program Coordinator, a Master’s Level professional with a special education background, and Peer Mentors.
Populations we serve
- Fully matriculated students
- High school seniors
- Returning college students
Individualized College Plan
- Customized by the scholar
- Collaboratively designed
- Continuously refined
Promotion of self-advocacy and independent living skills
- managing personal finances
- navigating public transportation
- maintaining proper nutrition
- social skill advancement
Primary goal preparation of students for meaningful careers and autonomy after graduation
Strong emphasis on self-advocacy, employment, and independent living skills
www.collegesteps.org
aaron@collegesteps.org
lauren@collegesteps.org