Project AchieveA Model for Inclusive Supports on a College

Campus

VISIONS- April 27th, 2016

Mission Statement• The mission of Project Achieve is to prepare students

with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities

with certified job skills and employment readiness while

providing access to resources and support that leads to

meaningful employment, greater independence, and a

higher quality of life.

Project Achieve

• Project Achieve operates two initiatives

simultaneously:

• T.I.E.S. (Transition, Instruction & Employment

Support)

• VERTICAL (Vocational & Employment

Readiness Training in Comprehensive Adult

Learning)

What is Project Achieve? Provides support to students with intellectual and

developmental disabilities participating in existing Post

Secondary Adult Vocational (PSAV), or other eligible

programs at FSCJ.

Addresses the unique challenges of student population in and

out of the classroom (hygiene, interpersonal skills, safety, etc.)

Prepares students for integrated and competitive paid employment.

Aims to increase student retention and success in college

programs for students with extensive needs

• Academic tutors, peer mentors, PSAV Instructors,

academic remediation, and job coaches

Soft Skills instruction provided through test courses and unique PSAV program (5299)

What isn’t Project Achieve?• Modified coursework for students with

learning challenges (students are expected to meet the same standards as any

student in the same Program of Study, but with supports)

• A stand-alone program(Project Achieve students are in FSCJ programs [PSAV, T.C.,

AS, etc.]. Project Achieve provides assistance to students,

faculty and staff to help students achieve success)

• Student Support Services(Although part of the SSS team, Project Achieve supports a

unique and specific population of students with intellectual and profound developmental disabilities)

Getting StartedYou want a program in your area…

now what?Designate a “champion” (professional & parent)

Choose a site (consider type of institution/training)

Define “inclusion” (academic inclusion vs. specialization)

Identify potential community partnersVR, School District, Agencies, Organizations, etc.…

Develop a plan of action (goals and/or dates)

Use Advisory Board, or similar planning body

Gaining Buy-In

• How does your program/initiative

impact overall student success?

– Retention & Completion

– Tuition & Fees

– Innovation in Inclusion

– Student Workers/Interns

– Increased Volunteer Opportunities

Minimizing Costs• Existing Supports it isn’t necessary to

create supports when so many already

exist!

– Accommodations (note takers, tutors, readers,

scribes, extended time on assessments, etc.)

– Academic Remediation (instructional time built

into classes to meet TABE waiver requirements;

partnership with LTR or other non-profits)

– Career Development Centers

– Peer Mentors (students who volunteer to assist

students on campus, in class, or with social

activities/outings)

Other Activities

• Workshops (Agency sponsored application

workshops, i.e. APD, VR, Medicaid, Social

Security, etc., Career Expos, Health/Fitness

Events, Financial Literacy/RealSense)

• Social Events (Art/Cultural events, on campus

fairs & events, city festivals, community outings,

etc.)—students should always pay their way!

Credential Development

• What do students receive when they

finish programs at your institution?

• Can students receive credit for your

program? Why or why not?

• Just because something is not in place

currently, doesn’t mean it cant be

added!

Career Education (PSAV)• NEW to Cohort 5 students

• Uses FLDOE framework: Career Education for Students

with Disabilities (under review, will update 2017)

• Program designed for students in a variety of fields to

obtain professional, work-related skills

• Results in Workforce Certificate credential from FSCJ in

Career Education

• Can function as a primary OR secondary Program of

Study

Career Education (PSAV)

Program of Study Progression

Semester 1: SLS0051 (SLS0052), ORI0500

Semester 2: SLS0052, JOB0100, ORI0500min-5 courses, max-8 courses (25 clock hours each)

Program Total: 1 year (2 semesters)

Need Help?• Need an example of a curriculum

proposal? Just ask!

• Technical Assistance available through

TPSID grant to help promote initiative

among college administration

• State-wide curriculum committee

• email rrippey@fscj.edu

Resources• Website: http://www.fscj.edu/academics/vertical

• Replication Guide (FDDC): http://www.fddc.org/sites/default/files/New%20Web-

Education.3_0.pdf

(FDDC site under “Educational Resources”)