11/26/14
Pairing College and
Employment for
Individuals with
Intellectual Disabilities
Kelly R. Kelley, Ph.D.
DCDT Conference 2014
What is the UP Program?
•  The University Participant (UP) Program is a two
year, inclusive program for college-aged individuals
with intellectual disabilities.
•  Operated as a pilot program from 2007 to 2010; 2
UP students completed the program by 2010.
•  Expanded to 4 UP students in 2010, 4 additional in
2011 for a total of 8 UP students.
•  Funded as a model demonstration site in 2010 by
U.S. Department of Education.
What do UP Students do at WCU?
•  Live in campus residence halls and
experience college life with same age
peers
•  Have an individual plan that would
allow personal development for postUP success
•  Attend and audit a limited number of
classes
•  Participate in social events and
activities
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Five UP Program Components
Personal
Development
Course
Auditing
Social
Participation
and Learning
Community
Participation
Vocational
Preparation
UP students must pay current university fees for auditing courses
UP Certificate Requirements
*Individual Plan for College Participation (IPCP)
Person Centered
Vocational Preparation
Laying the Foundation for Community Employment
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The UP Employment Plan
Pre-­‐Admission Students submit documenta+on on previous employment and future goals (academic roadmap/videos) Year One, Semester 1 Year One, Semester 2 Determine Internship Plan, choose classes that align Students can stay in current placement for one more semester or change for a beOer fit while con+nuing classes Year 2, Semester 3 Year 2, Semester 4 Keep or change placements, con+nue class, begin networking and applying for jobs in community On/off campus internships are maintained un+l community placement can be secured, classes con+nue Post-­‐Gradua+on Support from UP CDC fades and VR or other SE services pick up, community job is secured, UP monitors progress for up to two years Pre-Admission Job Focused Course Planning
On and Off Campus
Internship Guidelines
•  10 hours a week
•  Aligns with long term
career goals
•  Change each semester/
year
•  Support and training
provided to employers as
needed
•  Encourage independence
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Setting Up Internships
•  Network with WCU and community employers
•  Share purpose of internship and answer any questions
•  Provide employer with Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) and allow them to receive approval from supervisors
On Campus Employers
On Campus
Facilities Management (housekeeping,
greenhouse, motorpool)
EnTOURage (campus tours)
Campus Recreation Center
Hunter Library
School of Teaching and Learning
Cullowhee Kids Preschool
Residential Living
Office of the Provost
Student Mail Services
Catamount Clothing & Bookstore
Kneedler Child Development Center
Department of Athletics
Office of International Studies
Campus Police
Center for Service Learning
Creative Services/Fine Performing Arts
Disability Services Office
Mountain Heritage Center
Off Campus Employers
Off Campus (during internships and/or hired after graduating from UP)
McDonald’s
Cherokee Animal Care Clinic
Ingles
Ray’s Florist
Around the Son Preschool
Signature Brew Coffee Shop
Northlake Children’s Academy
Panera
Fun Depot
Susan’s Tax Service
Waynesville Police Department
Arc of Wake County
Waynesville Recreation Center
Arc of Haywood County
Graham County Emergency Services
Children’s Academy of North Ridge
Shallowford Animal Hospital
Riverside Kennels
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Supports and Accommodations
Supports and Accommodations
Evaluating Work Performance
•  Work with employers to develop work goals
•  Bring goals to UP students to gain their feedback
and develop into a work card
•  Meet with UP students periodically to check in
•  Schedule bi-weekly observations of job
performance
•  Encourage employer feedback and share with
the UP student
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SPED 493: Special Topics Course
•  Vocational Training
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•
•
Modules
One-on-one support/role play
Career Services support
Career and Majors Exploration course
•  Topics
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•
•
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Job fair preparation
Job search skills: websites & print media
Interview skills
Application completion
Cover letter construction
Resignation or changing jobs
Soft skills
Resume completion & distribution
Video Resumes
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Transitioning Back Into the Community
•  Network with Parents and Community
Partners
•  Working closely with Vocational
Rehabilitation for UP students that
qualify
•  Think outside the box!
•  Use of video resumes to sell job skills
Video Resume Examples (>5 min)
•  Michael
•  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyFz6lRDnVA&feature=youtu.be
•  Maleek
•  http://fpamediaserver.wcu.edu/~upprogram/
maleek_gilliam_videoresume.m4v
•  Austin
•  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVtnSivMyvs
•  Kenneth
•  http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=m_UZJzKMkJ4&feature=youtu.be
•
http://www.wcu.edu/academics/departments-schools-colleges/CEAP/ceap-depts/stl/specialeducation-programs/university-participant-up-program/up-publications-media.asp
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Contact Us: up.wcu.edu
Dr. Kelly R. Kelley
Western Carolina University
Assistant Professor
UP Program Consultant
kkelley@email.wcu.edu
828-227-2990
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