LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL;
College Program for Students with
Disabilities
Peter Stover, MSW
Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell
Challenges Facing Individuals with
Disabilities
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Education
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IDEA- Success Based
ADA and Section 504- Accessibility Based
Employment
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Competitive
Expectations are high
Fast skill development expected
Barriers to College Success
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Diminished support system
Inadequate self-advocacy skills
Inadequate accommodations
High academic demands
Inadequate life skills
Inadequate social skills
Difference Between K12 and College
IDEA
ADA/Section 504
K12
College
Success
Access
Entitlement
Eligibility
Types of Accommodations
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Assistive Technology
Textbooks on CD
Sign Language Interpreter
Reader, Scribes, Note-takers
Out of class testing
Extended test time
Employment and Disabilities
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Unemployment Rate: 3 times more than general
population (Employment and Disability Institute, 2003)
2 out of 10 people with disabilities (20%) say their
jobs involve only a small amount or almost none of
their full talents and abilities
(National Organization on Disability, 2000)
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33% of adults with disabilities live in households with
total income of <$15,000 compared to only 12% of
those without disabilities (2004 US Population Census)
College experience increases marketability
Employers are more likely to hire someone with
work experience
Barriers to Employment Success
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Occupation does not match interests
Getting along with co-workers
Job application and interview skills
inadequate
Not understanding employer expectations
Transportation issues
Time management difficulties
Difficulty getting an effective job coach
College Programs for Students with
Intellectual Disabilities
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Venture Program, Bellevue Community College
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Intended for high-functioning individuals with learning,
cognitive and intellectual disabilities. The rigorous four-year
program leads to an Associate in Occupational and Life
Skills degree
No dorms
Threshold Program, Lesley University
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Two-year, Certificate of Completion, 6 college credits
Dorms available
Students with diverse learning needs, low average IQ
College Programs for Students with
Intellectual Disabilities
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Transition to Independent Living, Taft
University
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Emphasis on learning independent living skills
Developmentally disabled adults
2-year waiting list
Occupational Training Program, Eastern New
Mexico University-Roswell
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Emphasis on vocational training independent
living skills
Vocational and Life Skills Training
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Teaches job readiness skills
Real-life opportunities to make mistakes in a
learning environment
Specialized vocational training
Work experience
Builds independence
The Occupational Training Program at
ENMU-Roswell
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Three-Semester
Program
Vocational training
Life Skills training
Certificate of
Occupational Training
ENMU-Roswell Special Services
Department
Mission Statement
The mission of the Special Services Department is to
assist with the integration of students with
disabilities into the university community and to
accommodate those students with the appropriate
services necessary to allow full participation in all
programs.
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Functions of the Department:
Occupational Training Program
Academic Accommodations
Vocational Evaluations
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Program Statistics: Disability Distribution
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Program Statistics: Graduation Rates
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2002 = 28 graduates
2003 = 35 graduates
2004 = 37 graduates
2005 = 50 graduates
2006= 52 graduates
2007= 56 graduates
2008= 66 graduates
Program Statistics: State Analysis
OTHER-LA,CA,NC,OK,MO,&KS
Program Statistics: Employment
Placement Rates
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2001:
2002:
2003:
2004:
2006:
at 9 months
at 12 months
at 12 months
at 6 months
at 6 months
-78 % employed
-86 % employed
-73 % employed
-70 % employed
-81 % employed or Higher
education
2007: at 6 months- - 76 % employed or Higher
education
Entrance Requirements
Vocational evaluation
1.
1.
2.
Documentation of Disability
2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
ENMU-R Valpar
Outside evaluation accepeted
Most recent IEP with testing (within last 3-5 years)
Physical disability –Medial report
Interview with staff
Minimum of 18 years of age
Entrance Requirements
Skill Requirements
Self-Medicate
independently administer daily medication
Time management
wake to alarm clock
follow schedule
Personal management
Personal hygiene
laundry
Demonstrate effective communication skills
Demonstrate appropriate social behavior
Vocational Programs
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Auto Body
Auto Mechanics
Child Care
Food Service
Floral Design
Nursing Assistant
Vocational Programs
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Office Skills
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Maintenance
Sanitation, Building Maintenance, Grounds keeping
Veterinarian Assistant
Welding
Special Topics
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Animal Care
Stocking and Merchandising
Meat Cutting
Animal Care
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Program
Vet
Sanitation,
Maintanence/
Grounds
Office Skills
Nursing
Assistant
Landscaping
Food
Services
Floral Design
Child Care
Auto
Mechanics
Auto Body
Number of Students
Vocational Programs
Program Totals
Course Requirements
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Vocational Program Course
Vocational Practicum
Job Skills
Basic Skills for Job Seekers
Recognizing Conflict
Conflict Management
Independent Living Course I & II
Independent Living Lab I,II, &III
Adaptive P.E.
CPR
First Aid
Program Checklist for
Food Service
Fall Semester
Food Service Program I
Food Service Program I Lab
Independent Living I
Independent Living I Lab
Job Skills
Adaptive Physical Education
Recognizing Conflict
Spring Semester
Food Service Program II
Food Service Program II Lab
Independent Living II
Independent Living II Lab
Basic Skills for Job Seekers
Adaptive Physical Education
Conflict Management
Summer Session
Food Service Program III
Food Service Program III Lab
Independent Living Lab III
Standard First Aid
Community CPR
Adaptive Physical Education
Typical Schedule
Monday
8-12
1-2
2-3
Practicum
Job Skills
Independent Living Course
Tuesday
8-12
1-3
3-4
4-5
Practicum
Program Course
Adaptive P.E.
Recognizing Conflict
Wednesday
8-12
1-2
2-3
Practicum
Job Skills
Independent Living Course
Thursday
8-12
1-3
3-4
4-5
5-6
Practicum
Program Course
Adaptive P.E.
Recognizing Conflict
Tutoring
Friday
8-12
2-3
Practicum
Art, Theatre, or Sign Language
Dorm Room Checks 1 times weekly.
Independent Living Lab activities scheduled at nights and on weekends.
Completion of Program
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Strict attendance policy
75% mastery in occupational program class
and practicum
60% level mastery of all other courses
Students must complete all courses at the
mastery levels to receive certificates
Student Housing
90% of students in program
live in residence halls
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Resident Halls Supervision and Supports
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24-hour Staffing: Dorm Director and Resident
Assistants
Nightly Curfew
Weekly room inspections
Hall sign-out form
No opposite sex visitation
Student Housing
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New resident halls and Activity Center opened Fall
2007
Amenities
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Laundry facilities
Free basic cable
Wireless internet
Activity Center: computer lab, game room, media room
Rooms available year around
Weekly social activities available on and off campus
Dorm and apartment style suites
Health Services
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Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Assists with medication refills and scheduling
physician appointments
Student responsible for:
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Obtaining prescription
Managing medication
Finding local physician
Additional Student Services
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Counseling
Tutoring
Grade and attendance monitoring
Behavior intervention
Small class sizes
Independent living support
Optional courses: Driver’s Education
Tuition and Fees
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Students pay Special Services program fee
Students pay for uniforms, tools, books,
supplies, and transportation costs
Out of State:
$4000-$5000 for Fall and Spring
semesters
 $2500 for Summer
Total Program Costs for Out-of-State Students:
$16,000-$18,000
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Financial Options
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Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (DARS)
Financial Aid and Student Loans
Private Pay- Payment installment options
Social Life
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Living with students with similar abilities
Many opportunities for social interaction in
resident housing
Movie night, dorm competitions, hiking trips,
water parks, etc.
Special Olympics
Ski Club
Key Points
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Successful college experience
without the high academic demands
High placement rates
Supportive environment to learn independent
living skills away from home
On-the-job experience
Positive social environment
Resources

www.thinkcollege.com

www.heath.gwu.edu- George
Washington Heath Resource Center

www.ahead.org- Association of
Higher Education and Disability
Questions?