UM ranks top 10 in assisting students with autism

The University of Montana is getting national attention as it was recently ranked the seventh best school for assisting its students with autism. 

The rankings are from bestvalueschools.com. The schools were ranked based on the quality of support it provides in five categories to make students with autism happier and SAFER: 

• Social (peer mentoring, social skills development, group activities, etc.)
• Academic (tutoring, study hall)
• Functioning (life coaching, daily check-ins, help navigating campus, advocacy support)
• Employment (career training, interview help, job connections)
• Residential (designated living quarters, single-room options, knowledgeable resident assistants)

The University of Montana has an organization called MOSSAIC, which stands for Mentoring, Organization and Social Support for Autism and All Inclusion on Campus. 

Senior Hedy Dolan was drawn to UM, from Colorado, because of the program. 

Read more here. 

Emerging Practices for Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum in Higher Education:

A Guide for Higher Education Professionals

Finding Your Way: A College Guide for Students on the Spectrum

Everyone deserves a fulfilling college experience, including students on the autism spectrum. OAR’s Finding Your Way: A College Guide for Students on the Spectrum is intended to help students with ASD become better prepared for college life and academics. This guide addresses challenges that are both universal and unique to students on the college autism spectrum by providing information, guidance, and resources that address them. Finding Your Way offers practical advice from autism experts; powerful narratives from self-advocates; and relevant resource tools. It is intended to help readers anticipate and improve their academic and social situations by advocating for themselves.

You can download or order the guide here. 

Archived Webinars from the Autism Research Institute

Access the webinars here. 

How colleges can prepare for students with autism

For any young adult, going away to college involves many firsts: the first time living alone, the first time making their own schedule, maybe the first time cooking their own meals. As difficult as this transition is for typical students, it can be especially disorienting for young people on the spectrum, who may also find it difficult to sleep enough, collaborate with others on group projects and advocate for themselves with professors.

Despite those challenges, increasing numbers of young adults with autism have set their sights on a college degree: More than 200,000 students on the spectrum will arrive on campuses around the United States over the next decade, based on statistics from the National Center for Special Education Research. And for the most part, experts say, these students are entering an educational system that is not ready for them. High school comes with a support system — family at home, therapists nearby, special-education classes — but colleges have traditionally embraced a sink-or-swim mentality.

Read more here at Spectrum. 

College programs, funding, and other key resources to ensure success

Intellectual disabilities, also known as Low IQ, exist within the larger spectrum of developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, fetal alcohol syndrome, cerebral palsy and down syndrome. As the number of academic programs for students with these types of disabilities grows, it’s important for learners and their families to have access to details about their options. Read on to learn about various college programs and funding opportunities to support this population of students, and see what our expert has to say about available support services and resources on today’s college campuses.

See the resources here. 

An Open Letter to Parents of Students With Disabilities About to Enter College

First, colleges and universities provide services and support to Students With Disabilities under very different laws than those that governed services in the K-12 system. As a parent, I have no rights under Section 504/ADA in speaking for my SWD who is in college.

The services and support available to SWD are sometimes very different than what was provided in high school, and the college is under no obligation to continue the services given in high school or to adhere to the recommendations of an outside diagnostician. The college will make its own determination of what services and support to offer, based on the documentation of disability and their interview with your SWD. There are no IEP’s in college, there is no place to sign off with my parental approval. Indeed, the college doesn’t legally have to care whether I am satisfied or not. My daughter is responsible for her own destiny now. 

0. An old adage maintains:
   There are only two things a parent can give to a child... One is roots. The other is wings.
   It is time for our kids to solo.
   
   Read more here - including some good tips for parents.  
   

Archived Webinar - Classroom-Based Pre-ETS Activities

During this webinar, presenters will share ideas of activities promoting work and college readiness for students with disabilities that can be facilitated by Montana Vocational Rehabilitation staff in the classroom. In addition to suggested activities, developed curricula and free resources will be shared.

Watch the webinar here. 

Movin' On in Montana - Billings

Movin' On in Montana is a four-day on campus event at Montana State University Billings designed for high school sophomores and juniors with disabilities.  This opportunity will assist the students through the difficult transition from high school to college.  Following a step-by-step process, students will discover the study skills, compensatory skills, social skills, and personal skills needed for a successful college experience.  Students will develop their own personal transition portfolio.

The highlight of Movin' On in Montana is the four-day stay on the campus of Montana State University Billings.  During the summer of 2017 students will live in the dorms, eat in the cafeteria, attend classes on the MSUB campus, and tour other college campuses.  Books, fees, tuition, room, and board will be provided at no charge to students accepted into the program.

Movin' On in Montana includes online modules that both prepare students for the on campus event and follow along as they complete the application process.

Find more information here. 

Along the Autism Spectrum, a Path Through Campus Life

The first generation of college students with an autism diagnosis is fanning out to campuses across the country. These growing numbers reflect the sharp rise in diagnosis rates since the 1990s, as well as the success of early-learning interventions and efforts to include these students in mainstream activities.

But while these young adults have opportunities that could not have been imagined had they been born even a decade earlier, their success in college is still a long shot. Increasingly, schools are realizing that most of these students will not graduate without comprehensive support like the Kelly Autism Program at Western Kentucky. Similar programs have been taking root at nearly 40 colleges around the country, including large public institutions like Eastern Michigan University, California State University, Long Beach, the University of Connecticut and Rutgers.

Read more here in the New York Times. 

Archived Webinar - AT Independence in College: The QIAT-PS Student Self-evaluation Matrix

In this session, we will look at factors students must consider when attending college, including accessing available AT services and supports. A newly revised student self-evaluation matrix will be presented as a strategy for preparing students for independence with AT during the transition from high school to post-secondary education.

View the webinar here. 

GetMyFuture.org

GetMyFuture.org is a mobile-friendly web application from the U.S. Department of Labor that helps youth plan their careers, explore education and training options, and search and apply for jobs. The app includes career interest assessments, interactive informational videos, job search engines, and tips and best practices. It also connects young people to in-person career services and resources to overcome the challenges of addiction; homelessness; criminal conviction; or a lack of financial, family or community support.

Archived Webinar - AT and Accommodations in Post-Secondary Education, Supporting Successful Transition

Transition from high school to college is a significant and critical time in a student's life and educational career. This webinar will inform participants of strategies and resources to help ensure that the transition is a successful one! Learn about the different assistive technology options for students in high school and college.  Free and low-cost AT options, self-advocacy and awareness skills, and IEPs vs 504 will be discussed. The presenters will share their knowledge on how to seek accommodations in college including: when to start; what to ask for, who to contact, and what documentation colleges require. Learn the process for registering with the Disabilities Services Office. Information regarding the acquisition of accessible versions of textbooks will also be shared (as this differs from the high school process).  Assistive technology options will be demonstrated including literacy support, note taking support, executive function support, and support for sensory and physical disabilities. 

This information is incredibly helpful for high school students, parents, transition coordinators, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, school counselors/ advisors, high school educators & special educators.  Many resources will be shared for participants to refer back to and use immediately.


Watch the recording here.

 

Lifespan Resources - Association for Science in Autism Treatment

Individuals with autism have a myriad of needs that need to be addressed across the lifespan, as autism is typically a lifelong developmental disability. This page serves as a comprehensive resource for families and providers of adolescents and adults with autism. A commitment to science, as well as the need to remain a savvy and informed consumer, is paramount when choosing treatments. Unfortunately, the autism community is challenged by a lack of funding for adult programs and limited human resources of professionals with adult expertise, so taking the initiative to learn about transition planning is an important step to ensure optimal success and continued growth. You will find resources on this page pertaining to increasing independence, teaching safety skills, preparing for employment, facilitating community participation, and much more.

Read more here.

Archived Webinar - Navigating Support in Higher Education for Students with ASD

1. This presentation will review support and resources for students with autism and related developmental disorders as they enter into higher education. This will include how to find the right "fit" when looking at programs and schools, a review of typical sources of support provided by colleges, as well as private sources of support. 

View the recording here. 

Note, these webinars are also archived for future viewing. 

ASPIRE Montana

Becoming an adult, taking care of yourself, working and being independent! That’s everyone’s dream. For youth with disabilities and their families, this dream may take more effort than a youth who doesn’t live with a disability. The ASPIRE Montana is trying to make a difference in the lives of youth with disabilities. As part of the larger Department of Education PROMISE Initiative, Montana has joined with five other western states to learn how to improve the future for youth with disabilities. Youth ages 14 to 16 who receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) are eligible to participate in this research study. Once enrolled, youth are randomly assigned to one of two groups. Half of the youth will receive information about existing services in their communities and state. The other half will receive additional services and supports, such as understanding benefits, parent education, financial literacy, self-determination training and case management. In the future the two groups will be compared to find out if there is a difference in educational attainment, employment and household income. The ASPIRE Montana is recruiting youth now. As part of a larger consortium, Montana will only enroll 130 youth and provide services to 65. To learn more, check out www.aspirewest.org. Watch a short video  or contact ASPIRE Montana at (844) 442-3167. Enroll soon before all slots are filled!

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Navigating College - A Project of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network

Leaving high school and going to college is complicated for everyone. But if you’re a student on the autism spectrum who is about to enter higher education for the first time, it might be a little bit more complicated for you. Maybe you’re worried about getting accommodations, getting places on time, or dealing with sensory issues in a new environment. Maybe you could use some advice on how to stay healthy at school, handle dating and relationships, or talk to your friends and classmates about your disability. Maybe you want to talk to someone who’s already dealt with these issues. That’s where we come in. Navigating College is an introduction to the college experience from those of us who’ve been there. The writers and contributors are Autistic adults, and we’re giving you the advice that we wish someone could have given us when we headed off to college. We wish we could sit down and have a chat with each of you, to share our experiences and answer your questions. But since we can’t teleport, and some of us have trouble meeting new people, this book is the next best thing. ASAN was able to get you this book with the help of some other organizations. The Navigating College Handbook was developed in collaboration with Autism NOW, and with funding from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability is helping us with distribution. We’re really grateful for all of their help in getting this book out. Good luck, and happy reading!
We hope it helps.
More here:

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