PA Employment and Education/College Resources 

EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR LINKS

• Wrightslaw Article on ESY
• PA Code on ESY
• ASCEND member develops an app that turns an IEP into a 1-page profile. The 5 Min of Fun iProfile™ app is an easy to use, menu-driven app developed by a mom to turn an IEP into a 1-page profile to share with teachers, therapists and community supports; motivate kids to participate in their IEP meetings and to advocate for themselves; and coach parents/caregivers, both experienced and new, to the IEP process.
• Documents to Keep for Youth Transitioning to Adult Life.
• Parent Education Network
• PA Secondary Transition Guide
• Inclusive Postsecondary Opportunities for Students with Intellectual Disabilities webpage
  
•  Pulling it All Together! Developing Student-centered IEP Goals Based on College and Community Experiences
• State and Local Task Forces include parents and professionals who can offer assistance to families with questions about services for students with special needs. The Task Forces exist to help families and school districts work together to ensure the integrity and delivery of special education services to eligible students.

1. Chester County Right to Education Task Force
2. Montgomery County Right to Education Task Force

Online Resources: 

• Accredited Online Colleges and Disability Education
• ASU’s online Graduate Certificate in autism spectrum disorders program 
• PA Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)
• Basic Education Circulars
• What are Postsecondary Educational Programs?
• Planning for Success in Postsecondary Education Takes Time and Organization
• Planning for College for Student with Intellectual Disabilities- ACHIEVA Webinar 
• Preparation is Key to Gaining Accommodations on ACT College Entrance Test
• Visiting College and University Campuses
• ACT Accommodations and English Learner Supports for US Students
• ACT National vs. Special selection decision chart
• SAT Services for Students with Disabilities
• How to Write a College Essay
• Applying to College: Use the Essay
  
• DREAM (Disability Rights, Education Activism, and Mentoring)
• Communicating with Your Student’s College Under FERPA
• College Search
• Family Resources 
• Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
• Federal Financial Aid for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
• Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) plans 
• ABLE accounts
• The Journey to an Inclusive College Program for students with ID/DD: One Family’s Experience

Opening Doors to College

Film and post viewing discussion by Dan Habib

The film "shows how students like Curtis, Janet, Fudia and Missy are leading this inclusion revolution as they immerse themselves in classes, residential life, extracurricular activities and the entire college experience at Millersville and Temple Universities." The film is 35 minutes. Follow up discussion that is 1 hour 45 minutes. 

More info on national college opportunities can be found at https://thinkcollege.net/

College and Employment Readiness Programs

Carousel Connections 
A residential summer program that is housed on the campus of Haverford College in an authentic living setting. At Carousel Connections, teenagers and young adults are provided opportunities to learn, maintain, and improve skills through participation in vocational training, independent living mentoring, and recreational/social activities. 
Contact Number: 215-948-2527
Email: Amy McCann [email protected]

Life in Progress Coaching
A career and executive coach with a special interest in Aspergers/HFA and a father of a young adult son with Aspergers helps people with Aspergers make rewarding and achievable career choices, and navigate the “mine field” of job search, interviewing and networking in order to compete effectively. 
Contact: Ed Hunter [email protected]

Variety Works
Community Based Work Assessments-individuals participating in this program are assessed in six different areas including: a job skills baseline, social skills baseline, functional behavioral assessment, preference assessment, sensory profile and social supports web. The assessment takes one week to complete and the report is sent in ten days. Assessments are OVR, ODP waiver adaptable
Contact [email protected]

School To Work, LLC. 
Vocational Exploration, Transition Services & Independent Living options to individuals with intellectual disabilities and students on the Autism spectrum. Our goal is to educate clients about employment and life skills using a community based service delivery model. about employment and life skills using a community based service delivery model. We assist students to transition from school into adult life: working, living & participating independently in the community.
Contact Number: 215-817-4444
Email: [email protected]

The Learning Academy at Drexel University 
A structured employment-focused program for young adults with autism spectrum disorder
Transition Pathways of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute plans to replicate this 30-week transition program from the University of South Florida. The Learning Academy provides services, supports and experiential opportunities for participants to develop and achieve employment goals and enhance independence.

Making My Way through College
 
NCWD/Youth has released a new guide, Making My Way through College, aimed at helping students with disabilities navigate postsecondary education. The guide provides information and resources on preparing for and succeeding in college and transitioning from college into the world of work. Families and professionals who work with students entering or in postsecondary education are encouraged to share the guide with students and youth."

Transitional Day Program
SJU Kinney Center offers "The Transitional Day Program" which provides students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) the tools needed to develop life, social and vocational skills. This program is designed to supplement a typical high school curriculum with the goal of preparing participants with the practical skills needed to increase independence after graduation. For more information contact a Kinney Center Representative.

Pre-Employment Testing

• How to handle pre-employment personality tests 
• Personnel Evaluation Profile and Personnel Evaluation Presentation
• Pre-employment testing practice - aptitude and personality tests
• Are Workplace Personality Tests Fair?
• Karraker v. Rent-a-Center: Testing the Limits of the ADA, Personality Tests, and Employer Preemployment Screening
• Integrity Tests: Do they Have Integrity?
• Are Workplace Tests Fair?
• Are Integrity Tests Fair?
• Employee Privacy Laws
• Privacy in the Employment Relationship
• Recruiting and Interviewing: Minimizing Legal Risk

Colleges & contacts which offer Autism Spectrum/disability accommodations (this is not a comprehensive list)

Dream partnership (multiple colleges in PA)  [email protected] (Sherri Landis )

Arcadia University- [email protected]  (Jessica Mattis)

Mercyhurst University- [email protected] (James Conroy)

Penn State University Harrisburg Campus - [email protected] (Dr. Linda Rhen)

Slippery Rock University-[email protected] (Dr. Robert Arnhold)

Temple University- [email protected] (Kathy Miller)

West Chester University - [email protected] (Cherie Fishbaugh)

Lehigh Carbon Community College - [email protected] (Michelle Mitchell )

Kutztown University- [email protected] (Linda Lantaff)

Eastern University- [email protected] (Dr. Sharon Thompson)

Delaware County Community College -contact form  (Ann Binder)

Bucks County Community College- [email protected] (Jennifer Osinski)

A list of PA Colleges Offering Autism Programs on Campus

Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, PA
The Olitsky Family Foundation Career-Readiness Program
https://www.cmu.edu/parents/news/2018/olitsky-family-faoundation.html
Our career readiness program for students with cognitive and emotional differences is run through our Career and Professional Development Center, with extensive consultation and support from Disability Resources.

REAL Certificate
The Raising Expectations for Academic Learning or REAL Certificate offers students with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the same learning environments available to same-age peers in an academic-, vocational- and social inclusion-focused program. Eligible students are able to apply for certain types of federal aid. See the Student With Intellectual Disabilities eligibility section of the Federal Student Aid website (studentaid.ed.gov) for further information. For updates on the REAL Certificate, find us on Facebook (/REALCertificate) and Twitter (@REAL_CERT)

Drexel University – Philadelphia, PA
Drexel Autism Support Program (DASP)
http://www.drexel.edu/studentlife/student_family_resources/class/programs/autism-support/
The Drexel Autism Support Program (DASP) values neurodiversity and the benefits that diversity contributes to the Drexel community and greater society. With personalized peer mentoring and coaching, social events, skill building and more, DASP participants are supported to take full advantage of University life, develop academic and social skills for pursuing career opportunities and ultimately lead an enriched life. For more information, please visit www.drexel.edu/studentlife/dasp or email Dr. Amy Edwards, Director of the Drexel Autism Support Program at [email protected]

Eastern University – Saint Davids, PA
College Success Program (CSP)
http://www.eastern.edu/csp
The College Success Program for Students Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder is a comprehensive program providing academic, social, life skills, and cultural supports to undergraduate students living with ASD. $4000 per semester. Contact Dr. Sharon Thompson at 484-654-2378 or [email protected]

Edinboro University – Edinboro, PA
Boro Autism Support Initiative for Success (BASIS) Program
http://www.edinboro.edu/directory/offices-services/osd/basis/
The BASIS (Boro Autism Support Initiative for Success) Program assists students with an autism spectrum disorder through individualized transition support. Academics, social competence, daily living skills, communication, and employment are the focus of BASIS. A wide range of staff, peer advisors, and campus resources collaborate to provide students with ASD a positive successful experience.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Indiana, PA
Labyrinth Center
http://www.iup.edu/labyrinth/
The Labyrinth Center provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to support IUP students with Autism Spectrum Diagnosis (ASD) as they build relationships, gain independence, experience academic success, and graduate from IUP with the professional and personal skills needed to embark on a fulfilling life and career.

Kutztown University  – Kutztown, PA
My Place
http://www.kutztown.edu/DSO/myplace
The My Place program provides structured support services to Kutztown University students on the autism spectrum and assists students with adjustment to college life and integration into the college community. Services include weekly coaching sessions, study halls, and other group activities. This is a fee for service program. Please visit www.kutztown.edu/DSO/myplace for application and program details.

Mercyhurst University – Erie, PA
https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim

AIM Program: The mission of the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) is to facilitate and support the successful adjustment and progression of college students on the autism spectrum in all domains of college life, thereby broadening their vocational opportunities, and enhancing social and community engagement. The AIM program strives to accentuate each student’s abilities within the academic, social, emotional, and independent living domains, while building new skills within the domains where the student may be deficient.   

CREATE: is a nationally-acclaimed summer experience designed to help potential students determine whether they are ready for the demands of college life. Students live in a Mercyhurst residence hall, eat in the college cafeteria, enroll in a three-credit college course, and interact with fellow students in a variety of social activities and settings. The students also participate in the College 101 Series and the Mini Lecture Series to familiarize them with college departments and expose the participants to different faculty and lecture styles. After completing the program, all students will receive a formal written assessment documenting their performance throughout CREATE. The report will highlight their strengths and/or weaknesses and make recommendations to support their transition to a residential college life as a full-time student.

 Contact Brad McGarry at (814) 824-2451 or [email protected] for more information.

Slippery Rock University – Slippery Rock, PA
ATLAS Program
 https://www.sru.edu/academics/academic-services/services-for-students-with-disabilities/atlas-program
The ATLAS Program provides Slippery Rock University students with autism spectrum diagnosis a wide variety of support, resources and events to ensure a successful transition into, through and out of their college experience.

St. Joseph’s University – Philadelphia, PA
Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support
http://kinneyautism.sju.edu/s/1378/kinney/start-hybrid.aspx?gid=56&pgid=61
The Kinney Center ASPIRE Program provides Saint Joseph’s University students who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprehensive customized support as they transition to college and matriculate. The ASPIRE program includes crisis intervention and prevention, time management strategies, independent living and social skills training, peer mentors, and a supported work environment. The Kinney Center acts an intermediary with faculty, residence life, academic support, and facilitates training and advocacy programs for the campus community. Cost: $6000 per academic year.

West Chester University – West Chester, PA
Dub-C Autism Program (D-CAP)
https://www.wcupa.edu/viceProvost/dcap/
The mission of D-CAP is to provide evidence-based social and behavior supports to help WCU matriculated students with autism develop the independent life and interpersonal skills to graduate and lead successful professional lives.

Pennsylvania College of Technology 

ASPIE Program: Autism Spectrum Post-Secondary Interest Experience (pre-college program) The ASPIE program is the perfect opportunity for high school students in grades 10-12 with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and their parents to obtain valuable information pertaining to post-secondary education and career exploration. Choose from the ASPIE virtual one-day session or the on-campus program that runs for two consecutive days. The on-campus version gives participants the opportunity to experience living on campus by staying overnight in the housing complex.

Employment guides: 

Employer's Guide to Asperger's Syndrome, 
Getting Hired A Primer for Individuals with Asperger's & NLD 
Workplace Disclosure Strategies for Individuals with AS

The Center for Autism Research sponsored a Distinguished Lecture Series program on March 9, 2015 where Jane Thierfield Brown, PhD spoke to the audience about transitions to college for young adults on the Autism Spectrum. After Dr. Brown spoke, a panel discussion was moderated by Deb Dunn, Esq. The panelists included professionals who work with young adults, individuals diagnosed with ASD who are current college students and a college student participating in the peer mentoring program at the Kinney Center at St. Joseph’s University.
SEE AND HEAR A VIDEO OF THE PRESENTATION. 

Planning for the Future Checklist from OVR
A list of goals in the form of a checklist.