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The goal of the Higher Education for All Program is to increase the number of individuals with intellectual and other disabilities that attend postsecondary education and receive needed supports and services. To accomplish this goal, the Higher Education for All Program will develop, pilot, implement and evaluate a postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities. In addition, the program will provide socialization and peer mentoring services to students with Autism. The program will be located at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Hattiesburg Campus. The postsecondary education program will target up to ten young adults with an intellectual disability diagnosis and/or developmental disability. Program participants will attend a two-semester pilot program which will consist of an undergraduate class, independent living skill development, community service, extracurricular activities and employment internships. The program will also offer weekly socialization groups and peer mentoring opportunities for up to 20 university students with a diagnosis of Autism. The Higher Education for All Program will use person-centered planning for all participants in the development of individualized goals. Upon completion of the two-semester pilot program, all aspects of program primary activities will be reviewed for full program implementation. Evaluation will focus on participant outcomes based on participation in classes, training, internships, extracurricular activities, service socialization groups and mentoring activities. The Starting Today Empowering Peers through Uniting and Participating (STEP UP) to Leadership Council will serve in an advisory role to the program and assist in the on-going review and evaluation. New postsecondary education programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities and postsecondary support services for individuals with Autism will be promoted across the state and highlighted through various activities. Evaluation activities will focus on all participant outcomes.
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