Think College Student Named 40 Under 40 in Vermont Business Magazine Organization: Center on Disability and Community Inclusion (VT UCEDD)

November 3, 2016

Stirling Peebles, former Think College Vermont student and current Think College Dissemination Assistant, has been recognized by Vermont Business Magazine as a 2016 Rising Star. The Rising Stars program was started in 2010 to show Vermonters-particularly the youth of Vermont-that there are people under the age of 40 who contribute significantly to this state, and that they are a valued resource when it comes to their employers and their communities. The list is comprised of 40 winners all under the age of 40. Award recipients are selected every year by a panel of judges for their commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and involvement in their communities.

Think College provides the opportunity for young adults with intellectual disabilities to take UVM courses in a fully inclusive environment. Natural supports and peer-mentors are provided to help every student succeed in the ultimate goal of meaningful employment. This program was originally funded through a Transition Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disability (TPSID) grant and is now self-sustaining as part of the Center on Disability and Community Inclusion (CDCI) at the University of Vermont.

In addition to working as the Dissemination Assistant for Think College Vermont, Stirling also works at Green Mountain Self-Advocates (GMSA) as an Advocacy Educator. She and GMSA are also contracted by CDCI to continue the Life Histories project where the lives of Vermonters with disabilities are documented. You experience these stories at the following link: http://www.uvm.edu/~cdci/lifehistories/

Stirling will be formally recognized along with the other Rising Stars at a dinner taking place November 10, 2016. CDCI wishes to extend its most heartfelt congratulations to Stirling!