Access Plus Program – Nova

  • Director: Susan Kabot, Ed. D., CCC-SLP.
  • Contact info: Phone: (954) 262-7129
  • Fax: (954) 262-3683

Website: Can be found here

  • Services Provided: Plan of individual accommodations for each student formed with the DRC. Tutoring, peer mentors. In the dorms, may receive support in keeping their dorm rooms organized and clean, developing and maintaining schedules to ensure attendance at classes and completion of assignments, and prompting to ensure personal hygiene if indicated on their individual plan. Residential Advisors, where the Access Plus students are placed, receive training in autism spectrum disorder and the students’ social, behavioral, and organizational needs. Additionally there is a 24-hour telephone line in order to handle any serious challenges that arise. Students will be encouraged to participate in the extracurricular activities on campus with support from the Access Plus staff, if necessary. Students will receive assistance in planning weekend activities on campus, which will be focused and goal directed to help the students with ASD fit into the social fabric of the university and to develop friendships. Weekly, hour-long psycho-educational groups will be provided for all students in Access Plus. These groups will focus on information exchange, skill building, reflection and reporting individual progress. Topics to be addressed will be driven by the needs of the students and may include: College and the Student with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Success in the Classroom; Cause and Effect; Relationships; Vocations and Careers; Midterm Exams; Building My Reputation on Campus; Overcoming Obstacles on Life’s Path; Academic Potpourri; Financial Literacy; Self-Advocacy; and Preparing for Finals. The goal is for each student to explore career opportunities during the last two years of the program. This will allow for experience and mentoring in job interview techniques, appropriate dress and demeanor, social skill building, and on the job training for the purpose of meeting the challenges of securing and maintaining a job after graduation. Coaching regarding building a resume and developing professional relationships will also be provided. The job experiences offered may be on campus or off, for payment or on a volunteer basis. Career planning is a part of the curriculum of the weekly group meetings that are offered to students in the Access Plus program.
  • Program Funding: $8,000 per semester. Funding provided by students.

STEP – Eastern Illinois University

  • Director: Gail J. Richard, M. S, Ph. D.
  • Contact info: Phone: (217) 581-2712
  • Fax: (217) 581-7105
  • E-mail: gjrichard@eiu.edu

Website: Can be found here

  • Program Services: Individualized peer mentorships that work to develop ASD skill sets, Personalized campus tours focused on the individual’s schedule/routine each semester, Social skills groups that focus on utilizing interpersonal skills in the classroom and throughout the campus community, A positive educational work environment through regularly scheduled academic study tables, Social events tailored to interests of the participants of the program to enhance the opportunity for friendships, active involvement on campus , and vocational skill development, Physical fitness programs personalized to individual needs and abilities, Residential support through trained residence assistants, Single-room option for an additional fee that supports the opportunity to decompress and regulate (based on availability), Early move-in date that allows for a calmer transition from the home to residence hall life, Regular daily-living skill trainings to ensure that students adequately adjust to adulthood, and Option for parental involvement to allow for optimum teamwork between the individual, campus supports, and the family.
  • Program Funding: $2,500 per semester, funding provided by students (number of students limited to 15). Additional charges for students requesting a single room dorm option.

The University of Alabama, ASD College Transition and Support Program (UA-ACTS)

  • Director: Sarah Ryan, Ph. D.
  • Contact info: Phone: (205) 348-9133
  • E-mail: ryan029@ua.edu

Website: Can be found here

  • Program Services: Academics One session per week focused on academics, including organization and planning of study time, using classroom attendance efficiently, prioritizing of assignments, preparation for exams, etc. ·  Regular communication with instructors, including monthly progress reports and individual meetings as needed regarding student strengths and weaknesses in the classroom. ·  Guidance to help students become self-advocates to ensure academic success, including requesting appropriate accommodations from ODS and using campus services, such as the CTL writing center and math lab. Social and Daily Living Skills ·  One session per week focusing on the social aspects of college life, including interacting with instructors and classmates, roommates, dating, etc. ·  Regular communication with parents/caregivers regarding their student’s progress and relevant concerns, including monthly update letters. ·  Weekly “check ins” for daily living skills, including meeting in the dorm room and checking for cleanliness, etc. ·  Assisting students with the skills needed to find jobs after college (e.g., finding work-related experiences while in college, interview skills, accessing campus resources related to job-finding). ·  Regular contact with residential life personnel, including RAs, dorm director, etc. to give information about ASD, provide support and education, and obtain information about needs in the dorm setting. ·  A representative from the program is on call in case of an emergency. This number is available to only parents and students. Emotional & Psychological Well-Being ·  Provision of counseling services as needed to identify appropriate coping strategies to manage symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. ·  Consultation with psychiatrists on campus for students and families who would prefer that psychiatric medications be managed locally
  • Program Funding: ASD Clinic Gift Fund. $3,000 per semester.

 ACC – Eastern Michigan University 

Website: Can be found here

  • Program Services: Comprehensive diagnostic assessments (including ADOS) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA Therapy), Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)- for 2 – 8 year-olds, Functional Behavior Assessment/Behavioral consultations, Speech Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy (individual & group), Counseling/Psychotherapy (individual & family), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Social Skills Therapy Groups for children, teens, and adults- PEERS® curriculum, Parent/Family Education and Support Groups, Autism awareness classes, Sibling screenings, Speech/Language Therapy. Occupational Therapy. Psychotherapy. Music Therapy. Recreational Therapy. Nutrition Therapy.(Offered in conjunction with the Dietetics and Human Nutrition program). Consultation with Therapist. Family Therapy. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy. Young adult and adult services are provided by an interdisciplinary team based on individual or group needs. Social skills groups for school age children, young adults, and adults are provided by a variety of our therapists. Parent Navigation Services.
  • Program Funding: $4,400 – $8,500 per semester                                                               

COMPASS Program – Fairleigh Dickinson University

  • Director: Lauren Todd, M.A
  • Contact info: Phone: (201) 692-2645

Website: Can be found here

  • Program Services: For every week of the fall and spring semesters, each COMPASS student receives Two hours of individualized, hands-on academic support, One hour of individual counseling, and One group therapy session. The goals of this two year program are 1) to help each student recognize and make use of existing academic and social strengths, 2) to aid in the development of new abilities and 3) to promote progress toward a higher level of independent functioning.
  • Program Funding: $6,520 per academic year (Limited to 6 students)

Bridges to Adelphi – Adelphi University 

Website: Can be found here

  • Program Services: Each student is offered the opportunity to meet twice weekly with an academic coach and a learning strategist. The focus of these meetings is on syllabi review, time management, executive functioning skill building, assignment completion, study skills, research and library skills, problem solving, anxiety reduction and interpersonal and social skills. The student, academic coach and learning strategist work together to develop an individualized plan with specific goals and steps that address areas of need, monitor student progress and provide ongoing academic planning and assistance. Students are offered twice weekly open group social skills and support meetings. These meetings, which may focus on psychoeducational topics predetermined by the coach facilitators or topics that emerge from the students, offer the opportunity to spend time with other Bridges to Adelphi students in a safe and controlled environment. Students are also offered the opportunity to participate in monthly group social activities (on and off campus), which are determined by the students and are led by Bridges to Adelphi staff members. Each student is offered the opportunity to have weekly meetings with a student peer mentor. These meetings offer Bridges students the opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills, have a trusted peer relationship and become more involved with campus life. Each student is offered the opportunity to work with a vocational coach to identify areas of interest and strengths. Students will have access to: » Assistance from the Center for Career Development with résumé writing and job interview skills » On-campus job opportunities that are available for Bridges students. Each student is offered the opportunity to meet monthly with their academic coach, learning strategist and the Bridges to Adelphi director. These meetings focus on providing individualized feedback on: » Student academic progress, problems and challenges » Guidance to help students become better self-advocates » Support in the social aspects of college life, including suggestions for improving interactions with peers and instructors.
  • Program Funding: $2,750 per semester

Spectrum Support Program (SSP) – Rochester Institute of Technology 

  • Director: Laurie Ackles, LMSW
  • Contact info: Phone: (585)-475-6936
  • Fax: (585)-475-5832
  • E-mail: laaldc@rit.edu

Website: Can be found here

  • Program Services: Incoming program enrolled students are paired with a trained graduate student Peer Coach who provides weekly transitional support as students navigate their first year at RIT.  Peer Coaches work with students to develop skills and confidence in advocating with professors, negotiating the residential experience, utilizing RIT resources, engaging with extracurricular clubs and events, navigating new and challenging situations, and working toward academic and social goals. First year students needing additional support can meet weekly with a Masters level Success Coach who will assist them in building strategies related to organizing and prioritizing academic tasks, monitoring academic progress, utilizing academic resources, and planning for academic success.  Success coaches also provide individualized coaching to continuing students (2nd year and beyond) to guide them toward meeting academic, social and career related goals.  During regular business hours, SSP staff are available to all program enrolled students for drop-in coaching and support. SSP staff work with program enrolled students and cross campus partners to facilitate the connection to appropriate resources, make targeted referrals, and provide comprehensive follow-up and support. Cross campus partners include:  Academic Advising, Residence Life, Disability Services Office, Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services, Academic Support Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, among others. Program participants are invited to attend organized events sponsored by the Spectrum Support Program.  Past events include lunch and dinner meet-ups and game nights.
  • Program Funding: The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation For Autism, Inc., National Science Foundation. For weekly coaching, cost is $2,450 per academic year. For twice-weekly coaching, cost is $3,450 per academic year. For continuing students, pricing differs: for bi-weekly coaching, cost is $2,040 per academic year; for weekly coaching, the cost is $2,950 per academic year. Services are offered in the summer for half the price.

Project CASE – Texas Tech University 

Website: Can be found here

  • Program Services: Each student in Project CASE works with a Learning Specialist who assists and guides the student through his or her academic career. Learning Specialists create personalized plans to assist with identifying each student’s needs to build skills for independent living, social connections, and employment.
  • Program Funding: $6,000 per fall and spring semester, $1,500 per summer session.

SAILS – Seattle Central College 

Website: Can be found here

  • Program Services: By the completion of your College 101 course you will: know your way around campus, have visited many of the “hot” spots around campus including coffee shops, book stores, restaurants, and other popular student hang outs near campus, have developed new skills: organization, time management, social, and more, to help you succeed in your classes and to build positive and supportive relationships with students, teachers, and college staff, know what support services are available on campus and how to apply for the ones that will help you be more successful on campus, know which technical tools (like screen readers, voice recognition software, adaptive mice, and much more) will help you be more successful and how to get them, be an expert at getting to and from campus on your own. During the school year you will: get weekly coaching and support from the SAILS program coordinator, meet monthly with your classmates from College 101 to learn from and support each other in reaching your goals, get help obtaining the support services and technical tools that will help you to be successful in your classes.
  • Program Funding: $2,180 per quarter.
  • Additional Notes: It seems the program is only available to FRESHMAN students.

Autism Spectrum Navigators Program – Bellevue College 

Website: Can be found here

  • Program Services: Regular Meetings with trained Peer Mentor. Career Preparation class each quarter with other ASN students (credits and topics vary – come to Information Sessionfor more detail or inquire.). Quarterly parent meetings (with student permission). Facilitated Communication with instructors. Campus Awareness & Training
  • Program Funding: $3,200 per semester

College Autism Network

  • Contact Info: Phone: (850) 888-2260
  • E-mail: info@collegeautismnetwork.org

Website: Can be found here

  • Information: The College Autism Network is a national nonprofit organization linking varied stakeholders engaged in evidence-based efforts to improve access, experiences, and outcomes for college students with autism. We empower college students with autism by amplifying their voices within the academic community and by providing free access to materials designed to facilitate their successful transition into, through, and out of college. We facilitate research that uses qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the systemic, institutional, and personal conditions that shape college access, experiences, and outcomes for students on the autism spectrum. We conduct professional development workshops and distribute training materials to administrators, researchers, students, parents, and instructors.

College Autism Spectrum

Website: Can be found here

  • Information: College Autism Spectrum (CAS) is an independent organization of professionals whose purpose is to assist students with autism spectrum disorders, and their families. We specialize in COLLEGE COUNSELING (helping students find the right college) and WORK READINESS (skill building for interviews, jobs and work skills). We help students with ASD explore and navigate college options before, during and through the college process. Additionally, we provide campuses and professionals with the tools and training to work effectively with students on the spectrum and to understand the challenges as well as the talents they bring.

Opportunity Services

Website: Can be found here

  • Information: Every day, we are privileged to witness the positive effect that clients and communities achieve as a result of our services. We’re changing lives by providing economic opportunity, greater productivity, community involvement, personal achievement, and a path to independence and workplace success. OS’s mission is to assist people with disabilities to make meaningful, individual contributions in the community. OS’s vision is to see communities openly engaging in contributions from people with disabilities. Our vision is founded on the values practical in every loving and productive family or community. Respect. Belonging. Choice.

Progressive Abilities Support Services

Website: Can be found here

  • Information: Progressive Abilities Support Services (PASS) is a not-for-profit agency that was founded in November 2011 in Daytona Beach, FL and currently has four offices in Florida and Georgia. We work with individuals with disabilities who have registered with their state’s Vocational Rehabilitation program and are looking for a little bit of extra help obtaining employment. We provide a one-on-one individualized supported employment program that includes pre-employment training, career consultation, placement assistance, on-the-job training and follow-along support, among other services. “We believe that all individuals have the basic right to independence and that by connecting individuals with jobs where they will thrive, long term stability and independence will follow,” said Jim Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Progressive Abilities Support Services. One of our areas of expertise is working with younger “transition” students who are often seeking their first job after high school. As part of this focus, PASS is working with local Vocational Rehabilitation offices to implement new training curriculums, training sites, and employment opportunities for this population, to aid in the transition process. In addition to working with individuals, we work with employers in the communities we serve to educate them about the benefits of hiring someone with disabilities, including reduced hiring and training costs, higher retention rates, higher attendance marks, increased scheduling flexibility, and valuable tax credits, just to name a few.

The Independent Learning Center (Jacksonville Local) 

  • Executive Director: Tyler Morris
  • Contact Info: Phone (toll-free): (888) 427-4313
  • Fax: (904) 396-0859
  • E-mail: info@theilrc.org

Website: Can be found here

  • Information: The ILRC has empowered the northeast Florida disability community, since 1978. Our agency is part of a national network of over 400 Centers for Independent Living. The ILRC is consumer driven and flexes to the needs of people with disabilities living in our community. Each person with a disability has unique goals for independence. Our staff empower each person to achieve their goals by developing and monitoring individualized Independent Living Plans. Programs include advocacy, benefits screenings, education, employment, equipment loan, information and referral, independent living skills training, peer mentoring, and sign language interpretation.

Annual Autism Symposium (Jacksonville Local)

  • Program Manager: Jacqueline Bargas
  • Contact Info:
  • E-mail: Jacqueline.bargas@bmcjax.com
  • Information: The Annual Autism Symposium is sponsored by Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Objectives usually include: Identifying core areas of impairment for children with ASD, identifying research tested methods for improving core impairments, understand and differentiate between preverbal and minimally verbal children with ASD, identifying communication approaches to improving spoken language, identifying novel research methods for personalizing interventions, understanding and defining adaptive behavior and differentiate adaptive behavior from cognitive ability, identifying adaptive behavior profiles in ASD across levels of cognition and age, discussing the association between adaptive behavior deficits in ASD and adult outcome, discussing and describing the factors that influence whether a behavior can serve those with ASD and the methods for identifying the purpose it serves for a specific individual, identifying the four components of effective behavioral interventions for problem behavior in individuals with ASD, and gaining understanding of the role that novel therapeutics play in ASD.

Making Strides for Autism (Jacksonville Local)

Website: Can be found here

  • Information: Our Priority is to provide support, training, and advocacy to families and people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); creating a more autism friendly community. One day, the Northeast Florida will be the most autism-friendly region to live in Florida. The goal of Making Strides For Autism, Inc. (MS4A) is to decrease the emotional and financial impact of autism . MS4A’s priority is to increase our service capacity in order to improve access to care and resources for families and jobs people on the autism spectrum.  We are committed to doing this by working collaboratively and transparently to create a comprehensive person-centered system of support and a more autism friendly community.  Building strong strategic relationships that improve the opportunities and outcomes for the population we serve. We fund our programs and services by grassroots fundraising, donations, community events, and grants.  But this is not enough, the face of the non-profit sector is changing.  We create sustainability through our autism-friendly business consulting, mobile sensory break room, and community resource directory sponsored by businesses. In addition, our supported job training program; offering our Friends With Autism Magazine, Sensory Bags, and Sensory Boxes staffed by adults on the autism spectrum. Our unique magazine and sensory shop will offer volunteer opportunities, internships, and jobs to students and adults on all levels of the autism spectrum.  Our organization will also offer community health education about autism, and an Autism Roadmap to help the community better understand and remove the stigma associated with autism.  Making Strides For Autism, Inc. brings socially driven purchasers and the autism together, building business relationships that generate social benefits to the autism community in Northeast Florida.