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Experiential Activity: Jennylee Mclaughlin Hesa 530: Diversity in Higher Education Spring 2017

The UP Program at Western Carolina University is a two-year program that provides on-campus housing and learning support for students ages 18-25 with intellectual disabilities. The goal is to help students transition from secondary education to adult life through education, independent living skills, and employment support. Students set their own schedules and goals. To be eligible, students must have an IQ around 70 or lower, have completed high school but not received a traditional diploma, and demonstrate adequate communication and behavior skills. Students receive a Certificate of Participation rather than a degree and are fully integrated into campus life and activities with typically developing peers. The program focuses on breaking down skills into steps, providing opportunities to practice skills, and explicitly teaching life skills.

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41 views18 pages

Experiential Activity: Jennylee Mclaughlin Hesa 530: Diversity in Higher Education Spring 2017

The UP Program at Western Carolina University is a two-year program that provides on-campus housing and learning support for students ages 18-25 with intellectual disabilities. The goal is to help students transition from secondary education to adult life through education, independent living skills, and employment support. Students set their own schedules and goals. To be eligible, students must have an IQ around 70 or lower, have completed high school but not received a traditional diploma, and demonstrate adequate communication and behavior skills. Students receive a Certificate of Participation rather than a degree and are fully integrated into campus life and activities with typically developing peers. The program focuses on breaking down skills into steps, providing opportunities to practice skills, and explicitly teaching life skills.

Uploaded by

jen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Experiential 

Activity

Jennylee McLaughlin

HESA 530: Diversity in Higher Education

Spring 2017
Intellectual Disability Vs. 
Learning Disability
An intellectual disability describes below-average IQ
and a lack of skills needed for daily living. This condition
used to be called “mental retardation.”
A learning disability refers to weaknesses in certain
academic skills. Reading, writing and math are the main
ones.
Challenges facing College Students with 
Learning Disabilities

 Conceptual Skills

 Practical Skills

 Social Skills
What is the UP Program?

Designed to provide a two-year, on-campus living and


learning experience for college-age persons with
intellectual disabilities.
Limited to four new UP students per year
Dr. Kelly Kelley   

– Program Co-Director
Goal of the UP Program

– The goal of the program is to help UP students transition from secondary


education to adult life. This goal is brought to life through
education, independent living and employment support as students set their
own schedules and individualized goals for college participation.
Who is eligible for admission?
Eligibility for admission includes the following:
 Is typically between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of admission
 Has a documented intellectual disability (IQ ~ 70 or lower)
 Completed high school but did not receive a traditional diploma or other documentation that
would allow for typical WCU admission
 Demonstrates adequate communication skills
 Demonstrates socially acceptable behavior
 Is adequately motivated to learn and benefit from participation in the program
 Has an expressed interest in living and working as independently as possible in the
community after UP Program completion and strong family support
Certificate of Participation

– University Program students are not eligible for an undergraduate or graduate


degree from the university and are not eligible to earn college credit.
Living Learning Community

– On-campus life is fully integrated and inclusive. There are no separate facilities,
settings or classes for UP students.
Activities
Cooking Session
Accommodating Students with 
Intellectual Disabilities
– Use short and simple sentences to ensure understanding.
– Keep distractions and transitions to a minimum.
– Provide frequent opportunities for students to learn and socialize with typically
developing peers (mentoring partnerships).
– Involve the student in group activities and clubs.
Daily Living

– Break down / task-analyze skills into steps.


– Provide many opportunities for students to apply information they have learned
(internships).
– Explicitly teach life skills related to daily living.
Final Thoughts

– Work-based learning opportunities, such as internships and cooperative


education, allow students to gain experience, and practice requesting
accommodations and disclosing their disabilities to potential employers.

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