ERIC Number: EJ1070260
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0748-8491
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
UI REACH: A Postsecondary Program Serving Students with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities
Hendrickson, Jo M.; Carson, Rori; Woods-Groves, Suzanne; Mendenhall, Janis; Scheidecker, Bethany
Education and Treatment of Children, v36 n4 p169-194 2013
Across the United States postsecondary education (PSE) options for young adults with autism and intellectual disabilities (ID) are emerging as a result of parent-professional advocacy group actions and legislation such as the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA). In this article the University of Iowa Realizing Educational and Career Hopes (UI REACH) Program, a thriving, well-integrated two year certificate program is described. We discuss the UI REACH model--its mission, student-centered and program goals, and strategies employed to ensure quality, sustainability, and continuous improvement. The student population, curriculum, staffing needs, and day-to-day operating issues are described. The experiences and perceptions of 14 students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggest that the program facilitates a positive campus living-learning experience for these students. Challenges and recommendations for institutions of higher education considering developing, or in the early stages of developing, similar programs are presented.
Descriptors: Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Mental Retardation, Postsecondary Education, Educational Opportunities, Program Descriptions, Certification, Federal Legislation, Educational Legislation, Equal Education, Disabilities, Transitional Programs, Holistic Approach, Inclusion, Student Centered Curriculum, Academic Advising, Young Adults, Construct Validity, Factor Analysis, Surveys
West Virginia University Press. P.O. Box 6295, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506. Tel: 866-988-7737; Tel: 304-293-8400; Fax: 304-293-6585; Web site: http://www.wvupress.com/index.php
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Postsecondary Education (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Iowa
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Higher Education Opportunity Act 1970; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Grant or Contract Numbers: P407A100030
Author Affiliations: N/A