VCU Academic and Career Exploration VCU Academic and Career Exploration Program: Supported Education ModelProgram: Supported Education Model

Tri-Annual Emily Couric Community Colloquium

November 5, 2004

Elizabeth E. GetzelProject Director

Principles of Academic/Career Exploration Program

Consumer-driven (open entry/exit)

Individualized support system of community and university resources

Resources structured to meet short and long-term goals

Resources structured around individual’s career choice

Reasons for Program

Retention

Student feedback need for career exploration

Student feedback need for technology

Determine effectiveness of different student services models

Determine effectiveness of model for students with TBI and SCI

Academic and Career Exploration Program at VCU

Four Components:

1. Establishing and Using Community Linkages

2. Recruitment/Intake of Participants3. Development/Implementation of Academic

and Career Plan4. Evaluation

Framework of Model

Direct Coaching Monitoring Consultation

•Self-advocacy skills

•Understanding impact of disability on learning

•Awareness of campus and community resources

•Exposure to technology and how to incorporate into their learning

•Identifying informational interviews/job shadowing experiences

•Providing information on ADA and developing plan to disclose to employer

•Assisting students to transfer accommodations and strategies to long-term work setting

•Utilizing campus and community resources

•Incorporating learning strategies and accommodations into their learning

•Using technology devices or software in their learning

•Using self-advocacy skills in obtaining needed services and supports

•Student notifies program on an as needed basis

•Fully using accommodations and strategies

•Progressing in course of study at VCU

Services: Learning Strategies

Understanding disability, effective ways to disclose to professors

Time management/organizational skills

Study plans including use of flash cards and other memory retrieval strategies

Testing taking strategies

Services: Technology Interventions

Text-to-speech software for reading textbooks, taking tests, proof reading, reading the Web

Left handed reacher to increase independence

Customized field placement forms on computer to assist student in gathering client information

Services: Technology Interventions

Word prediction software to increase writing efficiency

Speech-to-text software to increase writing efficiency

One handed keyboards to increase writing efficiency

Services: Career Related Interventions

Effective ways to disclose to clinical staff and employers

Resume writing and interview skills

Stress management and interpersonal skills

Designed short-term clinical experiences to practice application skills

Services: Connect to Community and Campus Supports

DRS for current evaluation

VCU work study program

VCU Alumni Externship program

VCU Counseling and Career Center

Progress Report: Students

Secured summer work experiences for students through Federal Work Force Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities

Connected students with Virginia Youth Network Mentoring Program

Progress Report: Students

Arranged informational interviews in course of study, for example interviews with history teacher and administrators at high school level

Obtained internship opportunity for student

Students progressing in their program of studies

Progress Report: Development of Consortium

Consortium members: VCU, VSU, JSRCC, JTCC, GCC, VUU

Learn how the program works in other higher education environments

Determine if issues similar across higher education campuses

Progress Report: Development of Consortium

Effective method to outreach with other campuses

Concern about reaching/impacting number of college students with TBI and SCI