Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, May 21, 2010

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Family and friends congratulated the first group of seniors to participate in the new College Connection program.

In a new program called College Connection, high school students with disabilities receiving special education services in the Fayette County Public Schools can get a taste of campus life.

“It’s very rare in districts to have something like this,” said Lisa Wasson, one of two FCPS teachers leading the initiative, which launched this semester. “It’s a nice way for students to experience what happens after high school.”

Two groups participated this spring: students with disabilities and students who can pass college entrance tests but need extra assistance. Seven seniors went to the Bluegrass Community & Technical College main campus on Leestown Road twice a week for a computer class.

“We tried to do a lot of hands-on activities. We had fun with it,” said Mike Rogers, an adjunct professor. “Just like in any class, some students will excel and some might not catch on as fast.”

The seniors – mostly 19 and 20 years old – included Robert Fields, Matthew Williams, Jonathan Luckett, Rachel Plavin, Julia Steinman, Clark Wimpy and Ethan Clayburn.

They learned how to use e-mail, create charts and tables, and manipulate photos, and they shared PowerPoint presentations with family at a May 13 reception. Several students displayed lists of their household chores and images of their favorite foods.

Cynthia Russell said College Connection has eased her mind about her son’s future.

“I know Robert and all these classmates have to keep going to school,” she said, appreciative of the opportunity at BCTC. “Regardless of disability, if we don’t keep learning, we’ll forget what we’ve learned.”

Students with disabilities can remain in the public school system until age 21. Some are given alternate coursework and assessments. Those not on the high school diploma track will receive a certificate of completion upon graduation.

College Connection is coordinated by Fayette County Public Schools and the Postsecondary Inclusion Partnership, a model demonstration project aimed at including students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in postsecondary education.

“Our desire is to have these students and their families see that their children can benefit from college and continue to learn after they finish high school. More importantly, we want all people to have the opportunity for an inclusive postsecondary education that leads to gainful and meaningful employment,” said Jeff Bradford, PIP project director. “The more inclusive the setting, the more likely you’ll learn from your peers.”

FCPS students selected through the application process are provided with books, materials, certified teachers and transportation; their BCTC tuition is also covered. The amount of time students spend on the college campus depends on their abilities and needs for participation.

Wasson, fellow teacher Deanna Barton and a pair of peer tutors attended this semester’s class with the seven seniors and helped them practice their computer skills. They also emphasized social interactions such as buying lunch on campus.

As Wasson explained, “We try to let them experience the whole community.”

Resources:

For more on College Connection, e-mail FCPS teachers Lisa Wasson and Deanna Barton.

The Postsecondary Inclusion Partnership is funded by the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities and administered by the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute. The project director is Jeff Bradford.

Fayette County schools’ Parent Resource Center provides a place where families of children with special needs can receive parent-to-parent counseling on special education issues and concerns. The coordinators are Stella Smith and Anita Jones.

The school district’s Special Education Department provides services for students who need specially designed instruction. Please refer to the Web page to reach the staff.