DeAnn Lechtenberger, Ph.D.Texas Tech University

Frank Mullins, Ph.D.University of Texas of the Permian Basin

Combines collective resources from partners to help identify, recruit, and retain students with developmental disabilities,

These students, ages 18-25, are interested in furthering their education beyond high school and in exploring career pathways to meaningful employment.

Partnership of the Burkhart Center; Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, Texas Tech University, South Plains College, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, and local employers.

2 graduates Year 1

Support students to pursue their academic goals:

◦ Texas Tech University

◦ South Plains College

Reese Center Levelland Byron Martin Advanced

Technology Center

Teach self-advocacy & social skills

Build Confidence

Develop ability to network with professionals and peers

Promote higher education for students with disabilities

Career focused Internships

Agri-Life (human development student)

Adling Associates, PLLC (architecture student);

Randy Neugebauer’s Lubbock

Office (political science student);

KLBK Studios (for student in tv/radio broadcasting);

South Plains College Student Scholar Program in Science Laboratories (for student studying biology);

Therapeutic Riding Center (for student in agriculture);

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

5 year grant funding

Partnerships: Texas Tech University (TTU) Burkhart Center for Autism Education & Research South Plains College (SPC) Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services Area Business Leaders Project Advisory Council

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What is Project CASE ?

To help students with developmental disabilities:

navigate through the higher education system.

complete an academic degree or certificate.

develop business mentor/internships.

build a resume for competitive employment.

graduate 10 students within 5 years.

80% competitive employment of graduates

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Goals for Project CASE

Students between 18-25 years of age Have a Developmental Disability Acceptance to Texas Tech University (TTU) or South

Plains College (SPC) Register with Student Disability Services Office at

TTU or SPC Complete Project CASE Application Personal Interview Birkman Assessment www.compasssettings.com

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 http://www.compasssettings.com/ Preferred “Work Styles”

◦ Need to understand what they are doing

◦ How is it relevant? (to their major, job)

◦ Perform best with hands-on training/assignments

◦ Somewhat reserved and hard to get to know

◦ Need reminders of accepted social conventions (dress code, handshake, addressing superiors)

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Personally very private, but want group approval

Cautious- need to build trust & rapport

Want to be invited, but may choose to say “no”

High Challenge-

◦ may go where angels fear to tread◦ very self critical

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Facilitator-Learning Specialist

Student

Student Disability Services personnel (tutor or academic counselor)

Community service providers

Business leaders/employers

Faculty and/or staff

Peer(s)

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Step 1: Individualized Wraparound Team (3-5 members)

Identifies student strengths Birkman Team

observation/knowledge

Identify student life domain challenges/needs

Student prioritizes challenges/needs

Team develop strategies

Accountability of team members

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Step 2: Develop Individualized Wraparound Plan

Wrap Teams meet a minimum of once a month

Problem solving (academic, social, vocational, etc.)

Work toward student setting the agenda & leading the meeting

Business mentor at the end of Year 1

Career Services Office

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Project Director: Dr. DeAnn Lechtenberger Project Advisory Council: 8-12 individuals

11 students enrolled at South Plains College 9 students enrolled at Texas Tech

2 Learning Specialists to serve South Plains College & Texas Tech

Wraparound Team members:

◦ Academic tutors◦ Academic counselors◦ DARS counselors◦ Guidance Counselors, tutors, etc.

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Who is Project CASE ?

Collaborators who represent the following groups:

Self-advocates Parent of individuals with disabilities Employers University/College faculty & staff

Meet quarterly:

Review project progress Share feedback and ideas Dissemination of information Recruit community & higher education support

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Financial Support for Project CASE: Connections for Academic Success and Employment is provided by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, with Federal funds made available by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Federal funds ($220,089) Nonfederal match ($73,363)

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DeAnn Lechtenberger, Ph.D.

Project Director for Project CASE Director for Technical Assistance and Community

Outreach

Burkhart Center for Autism Education & Research 806-834-0756

deann.lechtenberger@ttu.edu Website under construction: www.burkhartcenter.org

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