- More about Aggies Elevated at Utah State University.
- More about Integrated Studies at Millersville University.
- More about Circle of Support at Western Kentucky University.
- A database of college programs for students on the autism spectrum, compiled by College Autism Spectrum.
- A database of college programs for students with intellectual disabilities, compiled by Think College.
- A video of the 2016 commencement address by Daniel Castellanos, the first graduate of Millersville’s Integrated Studies program.
- A photography website featuring the work of Millersville student Deltilyn Bonal.
- The Arc, a national advocacy organization for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
- The Arc of Indiana Foundation’s Erskine Green Institute.
Other Articles In This Issue
Utah State program links students to good jobs
Aggies Elevated is a two-year program at Utah State University that is designed to serve students with intellectual disabilities well – not merely by providing opportunities for learning, but also by helping students land competitive, “real-world” employment after they graduate. The staff-intensive Aggies Elevated program typically serves about 15 students at a time. As of a few weeks after the 2019 class graduated, 93 percent of its graduates had found jobs.
‘Special ed goes to college’? Not at Millersville
The goal of the Integrated Studies program at Millersville University is to fully merge its students into college life. The 25 students on the university’s southeastern Pennsylvania campus live with roommates who aren’t part of the program. No classes or social events are designed exclusively for them. They join clubs on campus, but they do not constitute their own club. Because of their developmental or intellectual disabilities, they need to work longer and harder than typical students to learn and understand. But college life, with all its pleasures, challenges, and opportunities, is now within their reach.
Western Kentucky serves students on the spectrum
Western Kentucky University’s Circle of Support surrounds high-functioning students on the autism spectrum. Within the Circle—which is a feature of the university’s Kelly Autism Program (KAP)—services are robust: everything from single-room housing to frequent attendance at required “study table” sessions. The sessions are staffed by KAP employees who tutor students on academics while also advising them on time management, social skills, and priority setting. The program also features a full-time mental health counselor and separate mentoring to help students with social interaction.