Native highschool college students and Alvernia accessibility counselors have a good time the closing ceremony of ‘Transition Week’
84% of “Transition Week” attendees to pursue larger schooling
Alvernia College hosted two Transition Weeks (July 10-14 and 24-28) for native highschool juniors and seniors from Berks and Schuylkill counties who qualify for companies by way of the People with Disabilities Act (ADA). Following this system, 84% of attendees indicated that they’re making use of to varsity after this system whereas 15% of attendees have been already accepted or enrolled at varied faculties.
“I met with transition coordinators from Governor Mifflin, Conrad Weiser and Schuylkill Valley and requested them what kind of packages they really feel are wanted for college kids who’ve disabilities as they transition out of highschool,” stated Alvernia College Director of Accessibility Providers, Andrea Swift, Ed.D. “They talked about the concept of an immersive school expertise to tell the scholars about what is predicted in school and to assist them construct confidence to succeed. I had little doubt that the employees and school at Alvernia would welcome the scholars and assist them understand their potential with an inclusive mindset. There was additionally a Transition Academy Day organized by Dr. Lucinda (Luci) Schaeffer in April.”
The immersive school expertise was coordinated by Alvernia’s Workplace of Accessibility Providers and the Studying Youth Initiative run by Swift and Angie Drebushenko, Group Instructional Outreach Packages Supervisor, respectively. This system guided college students by way of the highschool to varsity transition and set them up for fulfillment in larger schooling no matter their school alternative and life circumstances by way of a collection of seminars and actions. All mother and father and guardians have been invited and took part within the closing day of this system.
“As a former particular schooling trainer, I feel this program is an effective way for these college students to get a leap on what is predicted in school in addition to what companies they’ll make the most of,” stated Tracey Hersh, mom of Alex Hersh, who participated in this system. “My son was supplied this camp by way of the Workplace of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). The truth that it was no price to us was an enormous issue. I additionally felt it will be good for Alex to be taught in regards to the companies he may entry in school. I appreciated that he acquired a pocket book of data that we are able to use as a reference as soon as he begins school. Alex had loads of enjoyable and nonetheless talks about among the actions he participated in. I’d positively advocate this to different college students.”
Swift and Dean of the School of Humanities, Schooling, and Social Sciences, Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D., attended the Might assembly of the Berks County Transition Coordinating Council and labored with the OVR to develop this system to reveal college students to the varied areas of school life. The OVR additionally referred 20 college students to this system. Swift and Matteo will current this system’s success to the Berks County Transition Coordinating Council.
“I used to be very excited to be taught that Alvernia was internet hosting a summer time expertise for college kids with disabilities that addressed matters which can be important for postsecondary success,” stated Schuylkill Valley Excessive College Transition Coordinator, Crystal Cammauf, who secured contributors and assisted with this system. “Despite the fact that educators can discuss what school is like with college students, it’s not the identical as an genuine expertise. Having per week on campus is not going to solely assist college students alter to varsity, however it can enhance their confidence and assist them discover success. I’m so grateful that Alvernia developed this expertise and sit up for sending college students to it every summer time.”
Attendees discovered methods to disclose incapacity and accessibility lodging, methods to construct an inclusive atmosphere, explored careers and tutorial packages, methods to develop expertise by way of golf equipment and actions, and skilled fun-based actions, together with goat yoga, a visit to a theme park and an escape room journey. Ten Alvernia undergraduate college students who’re conversant in lodging and preserve a 3.0 GPA or larger served as this system counselors, facilitating seminars and actions, whereas sharing their journey in securing lodging to additional facilitate the information that this system offers.
“I discovered that I may discuss to the individuals who assist college students with disabilities and share the lodging I would like in school,” stated Alex Hersh, a graduate of this system. “My favourite talent constructing exercise was the escape room. My favourite leisure exercise was going to Hersheypark… I additionally appreciated hanging out with all the advisors, particularly Dave. It was a enjoyable week.”
Subsequent yr, Alvernia’s Workplace of Accessibility Providers will host 4 one-week-long packages in June 10-14, June 17-21, July 29-Aug 2 and Aug 5-9. College students outdoors of Berks and Schuylkill counties are additionally welcome. college students and fogeys can contact the OVR or their native college district’s transition coordinator.
