Pathway at UCLA Extension

Pathway Open House - November 30th, 5 to 8 pm.

2011-11-22T09:14:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011 from 5 to 8 pm we will be hosting an open house.

The event will be at 424 Kelton, Apt #419.
We will have a brief overview and then meet with students, Pathway graduates and parents.

The overview sessions will start at 5 pm and 7 pm and will be identical.

Please RSVP to pathway@uclaextension.edu

We hope to see you there!

For UCLA director, a disability does not define a person

2011-10-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

From the October edition of Our University, UC's systemwide newsletter for faculty and staff.

By Katherine Tam

When Olivia Raynor meets someone with a disability, it's not the disability she sees.

It's the potential to do more than what the general public believes people with disabilities can accomplish.

As director of UCLA's Tarjan Center, which helps people with disabilities live independently, Raynor stands at the forefront of a growing movement to change attitudes about the disabled. People should not be defined by a physical or developmental limitation, she says, but rather by the skills and talents that make them whole.

Read the entire article here...

Olivia Raynor is director of UCLA's Tarjan Center, and founder and director of the National Arts and Disability Center. She serves on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and chairs its Employment First Committee. Dr. Raynor is the chair of the Pathway advisory board.

A College Experience

2011-09-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

Last night a local target had a sale for UCLA students from 11pm to 2 am. Yeah, that's right - 11 pm to 2 am NOT 11am to 2pm. They ran shuttle buses and THEY WERE PACKED! My middle aged reaction is ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Who wants to go to Target at midnight??? I have to work up to it on a Saturday afternoon.

Anyway, three of our first year students wanted to go - with the expectation that they would be back by midnight. Because the buses were so packed they were delayed - leaving the RA on duty pulling her hair out and wanting to go to sleep. They finally made it back after 1:00 am.

These are the things that can drive us crazy, AND they are the things that can define the college experience for students.

Bruin Cards

2011-09-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

Helping the students get their Bruin card is always a highlight of the orientation. Below are some pictures from today.

Move in 2011

2011-09-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

Whew! Our group of 23 incoming first-year students moved in today. The move-in process is always an exciting process - some students ready to push their folks out the door before they unpack, others weepy before they even set down the first box. Wherever they are today, guaranteed in a few days they will hit their stride and in a few weeks be wondering what all the fuss was about.

This year our incoming group is larger because of the addition of the Generation NeXt program that we have developed in collaboration with the SWSELPA and LACOE and funding under the Transition Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) demonstration grant from the US Department of Education.

Christine readies the paperwork

Andrew and his mom get his room assignment

Movin' in

Reviewing and signing paperwork

All in all - a tiring, emotional day, but the start of another magical year.

Countdown

2011-08-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

We are in the final month before students return. Most everyone has gone on vacation - Mexico, England, Idaho...and now we are in the home stretch. Today we had our annual Roommate-a-Rama meeting where we all come together - this year it included Pathway, Creative Support and LACOE staff - and make the roommate assignments.

This is a big deal. We go into this process knowing that there is no perfect match and we will inevitably make poor matches. Our success rate is pretty high 75 to 80% - higher for returning students because we have a year of expereince with them, but for new students it is tougher. Roommate relations are experiential and so we have to make our most educated guess and go.

Our work in progess

Wendy, Francisco, and Marissa organize the final mailing

We do take the process very seriously and it is one of the hardest things we do every year - poor matches definitely will reverberate throughout the year.

In two weeks the Resident Advisors will start training - this year Rachael has done a great job putting together a very comprehensive training program for the RAs and we are looking forward to having them on board.

More to come...

Video of Sharon Lewis

2011-07-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

It is not everyday that inspiration comes from a government bureaucrat - but Sharon Lewis the Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities is not your typical bureaucrat. She is a very strong advocate for folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and in her previous job as Senior Disability Policy Advisor to U.S. House Committee on Education & Labor, she played a large role is getting the changes to the Higher Education Opportunity Act supporting programs like Pathway. Below is an excerpt from her speech at a a recent meeting I attended in St. Paul, MN.

Link to the full 15 minute speech

I have heard Ms. Lewis speak a few times now and she is truly inspirational. If you are wondering what the vision for Pathway is...watch the video.

No Tuition Hike for Pathway!

2011-07-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

Because Pathway is a program of UCLA Extension which is self-supporting and does not receive funding from the state or university we are not subject to the tuition hike passed by the UC Regents yesterday. While past fee increases and staff furloughs have applied to us we are happy to say that this year our fees will remain steady. A small silver lining.

Article in UCLA Today about our partnership with the UCLA Hospital, PathPoint and Project Search

2011-07-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

Jul 07, 2011 By Cynthia Lee

Adults with developmental disabilities gain job skills at hospital

It was a bad day for news, Marie Zappone and her four fellow job interns at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center discovered, scouring Internet news sites on Tuesday for topical conversation starters for the day. Another bombing in Iraq. A child murder trial.

"Some news stories are too depressing," Zappone concluded, deciding to go with something more uplifting. "So how was your holiday? Did you see any fireworks?" she asked a stranger brightly.

Zappone and her fellow interns at the hospital are adults with developmental disabilities, coping with disorders that range from autism to intellectual disabilities. Placed in specific jobs at the hospital to build their skills through a six-month training program, they are also learning the art of making small talk with patients, hospital visitors, co-workers, supervisors and the medical staff, among other workplace skills that most of us take for granted.

Marie Zappone, serving an internship as a labeling technician at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, inventories hundreds of packaged medical catheters and other equipment. She hopes that her six-month training will lead to a real job somewhere.The stakes are high for these motivated, conscientious young adults. The pilot program they’re enrolled in, Project SEARCH, could be their best chance to find an employer and secure a career, a paycheck and an independent life. The program is run by PathPoint — a national nonprofit organization established in 1964 and dedicated to helping people with disabilities or disadvantages reach their fullest potential — with a grant from the California Department of Rehabilitation, partnering with Pathway-UCLA Extension and Westside Regional Center. More...

UCLA Graduation 2011

2011-06-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

Last night was the third annual UCLA Extension Certificate Graduation ceremony. The event had Royce Hall bursting at the seams and featured Jeanne Holm, who has multiple jobs including Chief Knowledge Architect at NASA's Jet Propulsion laboratory, Evangelist for Data.gov, and a longtime Extension instructor.

There were hundreds of students recognized for having completed their certificate programs at UCLA Extension - among which were 12 Pathway students.

The Stage with Deans and Directors

The UCLA Alumni Band

Jason and I after the ceremony

Eliza Schaaf

2011-06-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Eliza Schaaf came to Pathway for a visit. She was in town for the showing of a documentary made by some Chapman University students about her expereince in taking a ceramics class at Southern Oregon University.

As we near the end of another school year and I reflect back on all of the accomplishments of the Pathway students, I am struck at how easily things could be very different. Eliza's story is how things can go seriously awry.

You can read more about Eliza at her blog. You can also see a trailer for the documentary Hold My Hand below.

Hold My Hand Trailer from James Parker on Vimeo.

Expectations

2011-05-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

This quote from Dave Hingsburger is taken somewhat out of context, but speaks volumes.

Years ago I was told, by someone mentoring me, 'The most important thing to understand is what their limitations are.' And it's taken me a long time to accept that. I agree, wholeheartedly, now with that statement. Because, for the most part their limitations are our low expectations. I get that there is disability. I get that disability means something. But it doesn't mean what many think it means. It never means that learning is impossible. It never means that participation is a futile pursuit. It never means that time given is time wasted.

You should also read the full blog post.

Internships at Ronald Reagan Medical Center

2011-05-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

Pathway is working with PathPoint and Project Search to sponsor an internship program at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

We are currently recruiting cadidates for the rotation beginning in July.

What is Project Search? “Project SEARCH is dedicated to providing education and training to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through an innovative workforce and career development model that benefits the individual, workplace, and community.”

■ Hours Monday – Friday 8:30am – 3pm
■ This is an unpaid internship focusing on learning and improving employment skills
■ Interns work in a minimum of three departments within the hospital
■ Must have a history good attendance in prior school / work experience.
■ A good attitude and a desire to learn new skills is a must
■ Job coaching provided by PathPoint.
■ The next Project Search rotation begins July 25, 2011.

If interested in applying, please contact Nadith Schuster at: nschuste@unex.ucla.edu or 310.794.4341.

Applications deadline 6/01/11.

Pathway Staff 2011

2011-05-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the Pathway staff - getting everyone together is rather challenging, but I was able to corral those here in the office. From l-r in front, Nurit Hirsh and Rachael Sanders; in back: Wendy Abarca, Marissa Bhuva, Nadith Schuster, and Eric Latham.

Not pictured in here are the 4 Resident Advisors - Joe, Dani, Emerald, & Sarah, and 2 Residential Program Assistants Rebecca and Greg. I will try and get a picture of all of them before the end of the year.

What happens after Pathway?

2011-05-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

As my colleagues up at the Taft College Transition to Independent Living program told me years ago - "Transition starts on Day 1!" We took that to heart and are constantly working toward getting students ready for life after graduation.

One of the ways we do that is have our Transition Coordinator, Wendy, work with each student and their family to get things set up for their Post-Pathway life. One of the biggest things that she does is help students figure out where they want to live and to find affordable housing in that community.

Many of our students want to stay in the the Westwood area - who wouldn't? Yesterday she assisted four guys that will be graduating in June to find an apartment. Happy day!

Going over and signing the lease

Signed lease in hand

Community Builder Award

2011-05-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

Pathway is the recipient of the 2011 Community Builder Award!

This award given by the ANCOR Foundation, an organization created to support the development of innovative programs and disseminate information that will improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, gives this award annually to exemplary and praiseworthy communities and/or community organizations that create community inclusivity for people with disabilities.

This award is particularly meaningful because our aim has always been to help our students create a living and learning community while in the program, as well helping graduates create their place in the communities of their choice once they leave the program. Along the way many connections are made - with other students, with professors, student groups, service providers - that enrich the lives of us all.

We are honored and humbled to be recognized by the ANCOR Foundation.

Fall 2011 spaces still available

2011-05-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

We have completed phase 1 of our admissions process and are looking forward to having a great group of students for next year. There are still spaces available in the incoming class - so if you were thinking about applying, but thought you had missed your opportunity go ahead and send in your application.

First Aid CPR

2011-03-18T16:05:00.001-07:00

In February we offered a First Aid/CPR course to our students. Four students took the class and received their certifications.

Act Now to Save Funding for Postsecondary Education Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

2011-03-02T14:08:00.000-08:00

In October 2010, Pathway received a grant from the US Dept of Education to expand our program by creating a one-year transition program to prepare students with intellectual disabilities for further postsecondary education.

Congress is currently considering two budgets: one to fund programs for the rest of the current year (fiscal year 2011) and one to provide funding for the next fiscal year (2012).

The President’s funding proposal for next year (FY 2012) would consolidate or mix the program into another program. Advocates are concerned that if that happens we could lose the focus on serving individuals with intellectual disabilities.

We need your help to make sure the funding is specifically targeted for students with intellectual disabilities.

TAKE ACTION:
• Contact your Senators, in person or by phone/email with the following message:

Please support funding to continue the Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities into Higher Education (TPSID) and the TPSID National Coordinating Center by the Office of Postsecondary Education in the U.S. Department of Education. These demonstration projects are developing models of effective ways to ensure that students with intellectual disabilities have access to postsecondary education and increased employment outcomes. These programs should be protected and supported in the FY 2011 and FY 2012 funding bills.

If calling by phone, use the Capitol Switchboard toll-free at 202-224-3121 and ask for the office of your Members.

BACKGROUND and DETAIL:
Students with intellectual disabilities are the least likely to attend college or become employed after exiting high school. However, youth with intellectual disabilities who participate in postsecondary education are 26% more likely to be employed and earn a 73% higher weekly income (Migliore, Butterworth, & Hart 2008).

In October of 2010, 27 model demonstration projects called Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities into Higher Education, or TPSIDs, were funded to fulfill Congress’ intent to develop inclusive college options for students with intellectual disabilities as stipulated in the Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008.

These 27 TPSID programs demonstrate new models of promising practices in 23 states for students with intellectual disabilities. The TPSID program also funded a National Coordinating Center charged with supporting these programs, developing evaluation systems and model standards and identifying and disseminating evidence based practices to institutes of higher education via a broad national network. See thinkcollege.net for more information on the programs.

Educational Coaches

2011-02-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

As we have expanded the oportunities to access classes through UCLA and UCLA Extension we have added Educational Coaches to provide additional support to our students . This year we have been fortunate to have two interns, Ruby and Sarah Jo, who came to us as part of the Disability Studies minor which requires a two quarter internship.

Ruby Davalos

I am an educational coach to a group of Pathway students who are taking integrated UCLA courses. In meeting with them on a weekly basis, I follow up on their academic progress as well as address any concerns they may have about their class. Overall, my job is to promote an enriching environment where the students will become empowered as students to become better self-advocates. I have made close connections with the students I work with and have challenged them to step out of their comfort zones to address difficult situations. They have come to see me as somebody they can call when they need to talk. I also guide them through their struggles as we strategize how to they can get their homework done on time and how to effectively study for tests.

A challenge of mine has been that I have not met with the students outside of their apartments. I think that in changing the environment in which I meet with them will help foster a more diverse conversation and closer association to the UCLA community.

Ruby is a 4th year Sociology major with a minor in Disability Studies.

Sarah Jo Combs

Interning as an Educational Coach with Pathway at UCLA Extension, I have the opportunity to help my peers effectively manage the workload and demands of a college-level course. My duties vary from student to student. With some, I focus on time management skills and study skills; with others, I directly tutor them by helping with homework or reviewing confusing concepts gone over in lecture. For some students I attend class, to make recommendations about interactions with teachers and note taking strategies. I meet with each student once a week and I hope that my meetings make taking a college course more manageable and less stressful.

One of my major challenges as an Educational Coach is setting up these individual meetings, however, because all the Pathway students have extremely busy schedules with Creative Support and afternoon/evening classes. Nonetheless, I have had a very positive experience serving as a resource for these driven students, many of whom are taking their first ever non-special-education class, and diving right in at the college level. I look forward to working with Pathway again next quarter and furthering the relationships I have developed so far.

Sarah Jo is a 3rd yr student majoring in Linguistics and Psychology and minoring in Disability Studies and Theater.

Scholarship Opportunity

2011-01-24T15:14:00.000-08:00

We were fortunate to have Marc Purchin attend our Open House event last week. Marc has created what is called the Dream-Plan Scholarship that is available for students just exiting high school and entering postsecondary education.

“This scholarship is open to students receiving special education support through an individualized education plan (I.E.P.) all disabilities qualify, who graduates high school with a diploma or certificate of completion and has been accepted and enrolled in either an accredited College/University vocational school or an apprenticeship.”
The Dream–Plan Scholarship was created by Marc Purchin to honor his 40th birthday. The newly formed scholarship honors high school seniors in the Los Angeles area receiving special education support through an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) who demonstrates the values and morals of D.R.E.A.M.S. and who successfully complete high school with a diploma or certificate of completion. Individuals receiving this scholarship will use the award money to assist with the continuation of learning in one of the following accredited environments:

•Community College
•University or College
•Vocational or Trade School
•Apprentice Program

The goal of the scholarship is to award those who have worked through learning challenges, and are continuing advancing to ever-higher pursuits. D.R.E.A.M.S is one of the only scholarship programs in the country that honors and rewards the hard work and potential of special education students; as many as eight Dream-Plan Scholarships will be awarded, each valued at $5,000.

Details about the Dream-Plan Scholarship can be found at www.dreamsrun.org

Open House 2011

2011-01-24T15:09:00.000-08:00

On the evening of Thursday, January 20th we hosted an Open House event for prospective Pathway and Generation NeXt students. The event was a huge success and was standing room only. We had a brif presentation followed by a tour of the student apartments. Anyone that could not make the event and would like a tour - just call the office and we will set up a time.

Standing room only at the Career Center library.

Pathway graduates Daniel Schwartz and Adam talk about thier experiences. Ed Burg gave the parent perspective.

Nadith leads a tour of a student apartment.

Pat Murphy from Creative Support talks about life skill instruction.

Project Search

2011-01-14T08:52:00.000-08:00

Last year we were asked by PathPoint, a provider of employment and housing services and supports to folks with disabilities, to partner with them to create a Project Search project at the UCLA Medical Center. The project would give students an opportunity to do long term internships (6 months) within the hospital to learn essential and marketable job skills.

Pathway's part was to try and get a meeting with David Feinberg, CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, and once the project was up and running to enroll students as the educational partner of the internship.

We were able to meet with Dr. Feinberg and key staff within the hospital system - with every step getting an enthusiastic reception and a "Yes, we can" attitude.

In July of 2010 four graduates of Pathway, after completing the interview process, started thier internships - meeting every morning with their PathPoint job coaches before setting off to various departments around the hospital. They would end each afternoon meeting again with their job coaches to review their day. During the six months the students rotated though several departments to get an opportunity to learn a wide range of skills.

On Wednesday the 12th those four students completed their internship and the hospital folks held a graduation ceremony. One of those four already has a job offer from the hospital. Starting next week a new group of six students will begin their internships, and the hosptial staff are gearing up to get 10 students in the group to start this summer.

Corinna speaking to the group

The graduates with hospital and PathPoint staff

Eric and the four graduates

New Pathway Program Manager

2011-01-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Marissa Himstedt Bhuva who will be moving into the Pathway Program Manager (PR III) position effective January 5, 2011.

Marissa started with Pathway five years ago as a temporary administrative assistant, and expanded into new responsibilities as the program grew; her most recent position as the Pathway Student Services Coordinator (PRI). In her various roles Marissa has had her hand in many aspects of Pathway, including supervising part-time staff in the student apartments, coordinating volunteer and intern programs, and managing the admissions process.

Marissa earned bachelor's degrees in both Psychology and Park, Recreation, and Tourism Resources from Michigan State University and a master's degree in Comparative and International Education from UCLA. She served underprivileged youth as an elementary school literacy tutor and worked in a group home for abused and neglected teenage girls prior to joining Pathway.

In seeking out a new Program Manager it was important to find someone who understands the mission and goals of Pathway, as well as someone who can help keep moving us forward. Marissa knows all aspects of Pathway, and she is eager to step into her new role, and learn all those new things that come with taking on new responsibilities.

I hope you all will join me in welcoming Marissa into her new position.

Pathway Open House January 20th, 2011

2010-12-17T14:40:00.000-08:00

Think College video

2010-11-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

This is a trailer for a documentary coming in the spring of 2011. Worth watching.

Parents' Weekend 2010

2010-11-09T08:55:00.000-08:00

November 6th & 7th we held our annual Pathway Parent's Weekend. In addition to some sessions we help for parents we were able to participate in the annual Dribble for the Cure event sponsored by the UCLA Men's and Women's basketball teams. Enjoy the photos.

I want to go to College

2010-11-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

The folks at Thinkcollege.net have this video up on their site, and it says what a lot of young folks have been saying for years. I have heard that many young folks are showing this little video at their IEPs to help them make the case for preparing for college.

*Note that the picture with the arches is Royce Hall on the UCLA campus.

State of the Art

2010-11-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

Last week I attended the State of the Art Conference on Postsecondary Education and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities held at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. In attendance were folks from around the country that are interested in students with intellectual disabilities attending college.

I was asked to present about Pathway - specifically what we are currently doing and how we plan on using the money from the federal TPSID grant. In my session, I presented along with folks from Highline Community College in Des Moines (Seattle area), Washington, Fresno State, and Louisiana State.

I must admit that I do not generally like going to conferences - and not just because it takes me a day to "unfold" from being crammed into an airplane - because rarely can I find sessions that deal with exactly what I do here at Pathway. Well, this conference was certainly different because everybody is doing or is interested in Pathway-like programs. Everyone was speaking my language! This was by far the best conference I have ever attended.

Partially, it was an opportunity to get out of the day-to-day to be reminded of the broader vision of where we are headed with Pathway. It was also a chance to be inspired by what others are doing.

Now that I am back, I have a whole host of ideas that I would like to implement - things to keep us "state of the art." I am now in the process of sythesizing my thoughts and ideas into doable steps - running my wacky ideas by a few folks to make sure I don't go too far afield along the way. So more to come...

Article in Daily Bruin about Pathway

2010-10-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

UCLA Extension gives Pathway for disabled students to college experience

By CRISTINA CHANG

At first glance, Marie Zappone looks just like any other student at UCLA. She attends classes, socializes with other students and cheers for the UCLA football team. more here...

Budgeting

2010-10-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

Managing and budgeting money is one of the top things that students and their families identify as a critical need when they are applying for Pathway. Over the last few years we have been teaching math and money skills in the classroom with the Creative Support staff assisting students in their apartments to manage their money. As you can imagine there was sometimes a dis-connect between what we were teaching in the classroom and what was happening "on the ground." Managing money and budgeting is truly one of those things you learn by doing.

This year we took a different approach and have contracted with Creative to provide the practical math and budgeting class directly to the students and moved the instruction to our "classroom" in the students' apartment building. The benefits are that we still maintain the trappings of a "class" in that we have a syllabus, and there is specific instuctional time, but get the additional perk of students directly connecting their spending habits with their reality of their budget. Yeah, I know Duh! Anyway, Below are some pictures of students working on their budgets with Pat and Terra from Creative.

Pathway to Receive Grant

2010-09-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to announce that Pathway received word yesterday that we have been awarded a 5 year grant totaling just over $2 million dollars from the US Department of Education. The grant is to develop a model demonstration program under the Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities into Higher Education (TPSID) program.

Funding for this program will start - tomorrow October 1st- and will support a partnership between Pathway/UCLA Extension and the Los Angeles County Department of Education (LACOE) to develop a one-year transition program for students with intellectual disabilities from the Southwest Special Education Local Planning Area (SW SELPA). The program developed under this grant will specifically target young people with intellectual disabilties that are still eligible for special education funding from their local school districts to transition into higher education.

The Pathway staff is extremely excited about this opportunity to expand our program and to show other colleges and universities that this can be done.

The End of the Honeymoon

2010-09-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

It happens every year about this time that students start to get irritated with other students' quirks. There seems to be a realization that, "Wow, this person is really starting to annoy me, and I don't think I can deal with it any more." We can usually deal with these kind of issues by meeting with students proactively and talking about constructive strategies for dealing with things as they come up. Sometimes, we do need to be a little more formal by having a roommate/apartment meeting to get everyone on the same page.

Things can occasionally take a more complicated turn, and individual students can be excluded or bullied. Over the last couple of years we have been taking a very proactive strategy with students on bullying issues. Pat Murphy from Creative Support has a great set of presentations focusing not only on the interactions between the bully and bullied, but the role of bystanders that see bullying happen, but do not do anything to stop it.

This year Pat has already done one training and we are doing another one this week. We want to give students alternative strategies for dealing with things while also making it very clear that bullying will not be tolerated.

Winding Down Orientation

2010-09-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow marks the final day of the pre-classes orientation. We have spent the last three weeks for the new students and the last week for returning students getting students comfortable with the campus environment before the hoards of other students return next week.

Today Laurie finished off the campus tour, showing students the East and Northeast parts of campus including Royce Hall and Powell Library.

The orientation has gone very smoothly so far, and everyone is anxious to get started with classes. During the orienation we met with all of the students to review their schedules and get them signed up for recreation classes. In addition, we have 9 students signing up for UCLA or UCLA Extension classes.

Academic Advising

2010-09-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Today we met with the group of new students to do their academic advising. Each student is assigned an advisor from the Pathway staff and this is the advisor that will continue with the student through the two years they are here.

The objectives for today were three fold:
1. Go over the fall quarter schedule
2. Sign up for UCLA Recreation classes
3. Indentify possible courses/subject areas for the winter quarter

So what were the students interested in?

UCLA Recreation - *UCLA Recreation has been a big supporter of Pathway offering classes and internship opportunities to our students.
Classes from Recreation that students are signing up for for the fall include:
- Yoga
- Weight training
- Gardening
- Stomp
- Swimming
- Salsa dancing
- Break Dancing
- Digital Photography

UCLA Extension Courses for Fall/Winter
- Anthropology: Human Evolution
- Math Refresher
- Information Technology Management I
- Post Production for Film and TV
- Intro to Linux/UNIX
- Editing with Final Cut Pro
- Accounting
- Basic Drawing I

UCLA Courses - We will increasing this list in the winter and spring quarters
- Disability, Pop Culture, and Poetry

Keeping parents' 'helicopters' grounded during college

2010-08-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

The transition into college is a challenging one for parents. Last Sunday's LA Times had an article about how UCLA and other colleges and universities are helping parents cope.

Keeping parents' 'helicopters' grounded during college

The UCLA meeting hall was standing room only as campus psychologist Susan Bakota delivered a message to about 150 parents gathered at an orientation session designed just for them.

"Take a moment to inhale and release your concerns and anxieties and release your student to this wonderful adventure," she told the audience, whose children are about to enroll as UCLA freshman. "And I suggest you too enjoy the ride."

That may be easier said than done for many parents who are dropping their children off for the first time at a big university in a huge city. But at this time of year, more and more colleges across the country are attempting to teach anxious mothers and fathers a lesson not contained in any traditional curriculum: Let go. more...

Pathway Website Redesign

2010-08-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

Last year the entire UCLA Extension website was redesigned. Lagging a bit behind the Pathway site has also been redesigned to be in line with the main Extension pages. You can check out the new site here or click on the picture below.

One thing we added was a quick link to the admissions page at www.uclaextension.edu/pathwayadmissions.

The evolution of Pathway

2010-08-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

Next week we will be welcoming our fourth cohort into Pathway. We have 14 new students joining our returning 2nd and 3rd year students for a total of 31 students.

Certainly one of the constants here has been change. Every year we incorporate what we have learned – refining our admissions process, tweaking the curriculum, adding new staff.

Over the course of this year we will be making one of our biggest changes to our curriculum. Specifically, we will be increasing the opportunities for integration into classes with typical students. This is not a big change for us philosophically – we are already there in believing that our students are capable of much more, but it is a big change for us logistically.

Up to this point our students have been taking the same classes based on whether they were first of second year students. With some exceptions all the classes that students were taking were for Pathway students only. We have always had some students taking individual courses, but in general at any given moment we knew that our students were in one of a handful of locations. In going to this much more individualized system we will have 32 students in 32 different locations at any given time. Therein lies a series of challenges - finding the right classes, finding the right instructors, supporting students to get to and from class, and supporting students in and outside of class.

Since there are a limited number of us on staff we are building an infrastructure of student volunteers and interns to provide additional support to our students. Starting in the fall we will be working with individual students to take classes through UCLA, UCLA Extension, and UCLA Recreation with our goal being that by the end of the year all students will have participated in at least 2 fully integrated courses.

Video featuring Pathway Alum Lauren

2010-08-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

This video was created by our friends over at the Tarjan Center/Open the Doors to College about Lauren who graduated from Pathway in 2009.

Where are they now?

2010-08-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

We are in the process of interviewing some potential staff and volunteers so we asked some of our former students to come by and help us with the interviews.

Pictured above are Lauren (2009), Corinna (2010), and Mehrdad (2009).

So what are these three doing now?

Lauren lives near UCLA and is currently doing an extended internship with the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center and is receiving support from PathPoint.
Corinna is participating in our new 3rd year program, lives in an apartment near UCLA with some roommates, and is also participating in the internship program at UCLARRMC.
Mehrdad just moved into an apartment with another Pathway 2010 graduate and is working 3 days a week with support from Best Buddies Jobs.

Vision Award from Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles

2010-08-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

In June we received the Vision Award for education from the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles.

Below is a picture of me and Laurie with Sivan (who also won an award this year) and Jasmine at the event.

Me with Patricia Bauer and Edward Muller two of the founding parents of Pathway.

This award was noted in the August edition of the UCLA Extension Newsletter.

Pathway Summer Program

2010-06-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

This summer in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and their partners the Southwest Special Education Local Plan Area (SWSELPA) and Green Dot Public Schools we are hosting a 4-week summer program.

On Thursday, June 24th eight young men from the SW SELPA area arrived for their two initial orientation days, and starting today, Monday, June 28th, are beginning the first of four weeks trying out the college experience. The students are living in the Pathway apartments Monday through Friday, taking two Pathway classes as well working with instructors and paraeducators from LACOE.

Questions??

2010-06-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

I have been blogging about the various aspects and activities of Pathway for a couple of years now, and I know that folks are out there reading this. Inspiriation for the blog ususally comes at the wrong time - when I am driving home - and evaporates before I can get in front of the computer. That really is the prime explaination for the droughts between postings. So I ask, beg, plead to you all out there to please let me know what you would like to know about Pathway or postsecondary education for folks with intellectual disabilities. Ask your question via a comment and I will do my best to answer.

Thanks.

Farewell Celebration 2010

2010-06-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, June 3, 2010 in collaboration with Creative Support we held our end of the year celebration to recognize the accomplishments of our students. This is our opportunity to recognize each students' hard work and growth during their Pathway experience. Enjoy the photos.

A Field Trip to the Farmers' Market

2010-05-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

By Mary Ann Wilson

Nancy Barba is the new instructor for the environmental course at Pathway. She is currently the current Residential Greening Program Director at Sustainable Works in Santa Monica and is responsible for directing their education program. As the coordinator of the Education Department's Education Track for the Global Sustainability Certificate, I thought it would be interesting to meet her and find out how her class was going. So I joined Nancy and her class on a field trip to the Westwood Farmer's Market on Wednesday, April 28. When I met up with them, I found that the Pathway students were getting ready to go on a scavenger hunt at the Farmers Market – to search for three fruits in season, find out which produce were grown organically and which were conventionally grown, etc. As we walked over to Broxton Ave, I asked one of the students, Adam, how he liked the class so far.

"It’s definitely my favorite class this quarter," he said, helping me remember his name be reminding me that it's the name of the first man on earth. "I’m learning all kinds of environmental stuff and it’s inspiring me to treat the environment better. I mean I always treat it good, but now even better than before."

"Are you recycling?" I asked.

"I am really trying to have the will power to recycle even when it’s least convenient. When I’m nowhere near a recycle bin, I’ll carry the bottle miles to recycle. It’s not always easy."

I was not the only one impressed. A woman walking behind us spoke up: "I don't mean to overhear but I do that too. I’m a big recycler. We need more of that."

Nancy is a very enthusiastic instructor who obviously loves what she's doing. She created several teaching opportunities during the hour we spent there. At the avocado stand she asked her students, "What does organic mean? What does that mean about these avocados?"

"Without fertilizers, synthetic pesticides or herbicides," Adam answered.

"Exactly, that means these avocados are all natural."

Nancy’s course on the environment covers energy and climate change, water, waste, food, health and nutrition, green buildings, air, soils and minerals, consumption, and toxins.

"Every week we cover a different environmental topic,” she explained. “So the second week we covered water. It always comes back to - how can we apply it to their life. I was teaching water by teaching about leaky toilets."

She spotted a student named John and called him over. "A week after, John, remember when you tested your leaky toilet? What did you test your leaky toilet with?

John, a tall, lanky young man, smiled. "Mouthwash,"

"With mouthwash," Nancy repeated. "You put a little colored liquid in the back of the toilet tank and then if there's a leak, it will appear in the hole. You wait about 20 minutes, and then if there's liquid in the bowl, you have a leak.”

She turned to me and said, “They were doing all these little tests! The homework every week is about what they can do now that they know that there are these impacts of their choices, what they can do at home in their apartment to minimize that impact, so it's really fun. I really love teaching environmental education and action.

Her enthusiasm seems to be contagious. "I always carry a water bottle, a little napkin and reusable bamboo flatware, because I'm very much into zero-waste, so I showed them my little tools,” she said. “And they were like - where can I get that? Part of that was fascination with a new item, but part of that was - wonder if I could do that. I think one thing that I have noticed changed is that during the first week, there were maybe four or five plastic water bottles. I don't see any more plastic water bottles. And I didn't tell them to not buy plastic water bottles. I don't know if they've gone out and purchased reusable bottles but they're not bringing the disposable ones. I haven't specifically asked them if it's because of the class, but I thought that was kind of cool. They're no longer using plastic!"

Disneyland Trip

2010-04-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

A group of Pathway students participated in Disney's Give a Day - Get a Day. They all volunteered for local organizations and received a free Disneyland pass in exchange for their work. Here are some pictures of the trip to Disneyland.

Pathway video

2010-04-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

Fellow UCLA Pathway Fan,

Pathway at UCLA Extension is a program that gives young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to experience college life and develop the independent living skills they need to succeed.

But to truly see the impact Pathway has, you have to hear the stories first hand.

Please take a moment to watch this special video and see the program through the eyes of a graduate, a parent and a current student - three lives forever changed by Pathway.

Click here to watch the video.

Thinking about College

2010-03-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

"Generally speaking, the predisposition stage is when a student begins to develop occupational and educational aspirations, and this generally occurs from elementary school age on through middle school. Research shows that most students have some post-high school educational or job plans by the ninth grade."

This is a quote from the Chapter 1 of Fundamentals of College Admission Counseling by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, a book for counselors of 'typical' students preparing for college.

It should come as no surprise to any of us that for most of us, the idea we are going to go to college is planted very early and that has a profound impact on how we approach our middle and high school years. It drives what classes we take, what extra-curricular activities we participate in, and where we are going to get the money to afford college.

The article goes on to say,
"Many students cannot easily complete these steps in the school-to-college transition given most K-12 school systems' capacity for college preparation....the current structure of middle and high schools is inadequate to prepare minority, low-income, and first generation students to attend college,..."

Certainly young people with disabilities can be included into the group of students that are not adequately pepared for attending college - we see evidence of this everyday. But many of our students get caught in the double whammy - they don't prepare for college because there are not programs that can meet their needs - college wasn't on their horizon - and if it was they did the preparation was inadequate.

What a quandary.

Parent Classes Coming Spring 2010!

2010-03-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

Making the transition into the post high school world is a difficult one - and we have long recognized that parents need as much, sometimes more, support than their kids. So we have developed a series of classes that we will be offering in the spring addressing the needs of parents in making the transition.

Sign up today at http://www.uclaextension.edu/

These classes are being offered as a series or individually.

Now What?: Preparing Your Student with Special Needs for Life After High School

Saturday, April 17 and Sunday, April 18

Why Not College? Exploring Postsecondary Options for Students with Intellectual and Other Developmental Disabilities

Life after high school is a time of both excitement and uncertainty for many students and their families. Students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities have historically been discouraged from using this time to explore the benefits of college. In this two-day workshop designed for parents/caregivers of students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities you will learn about the types of postsecondary opportunities available to students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, explore whether college is the right option, learn how to assess student strengths to find the best fit, discover what to look for when picking a program, and the pros/cons of the various postsecondary options available to students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Instructors: Denise Simpson & Anna Andersen; North Orange County Community College District
Reg #: V6161

Saturday, May 1

Special Needs Planning: Ensuring Lifelong Care for a Loved One

This interactive workshop, designed for parents/caregivers of individuals with disabilities, will review the legal and financial issues involved in planning for the future of a dependent with special needs. The course covers an overview of the following areas: how to qualify for and preserve government benefits, the legal components of a life-care plan, person centered planning, tax planning, financial security, funding options that guarantee quality of life, and housing solutions for your loved one.

Instructor: Helen Kim Bass; Special Needs Financial Planner, New England Financial
Reg #: V6619

Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16

Where to Start: Empowering Your Student to Navigate the Special Needs System

This two-day workshop is designed for parents/caregivers of students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Participants and their students will learn about: the differences between federal laws that govern education at the secondary level (IDEA) and at the college level (ADA); the role of support services such as the Regional Center and the Department of Rehabilitation in higher education; as well as various financial and campus resources available to assist students with their special needs. As part of this workshop families will also co-develop a plan for independence, setting goals, making important choices, and empowering students to take more responsibility at school, at home and in the community.

Instructor: Michelle Peters, M. Ed, Director Office of Students with Disabilities, UCSD
Reg#: V6614

Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6

Letting Go: Redefining Yourself Once Your Student Has Gone to College

This two-day workshop designed for parents/care providers of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities will address the challenge that parents experience after spending years advocating for their son's/daughter's K12 educational needs, only to find that a student must take this role on him/herself in college. Strategies for providing continued support without undermining a student's right to self-advocacy will be discussed. Additional topics include: personal and career interests; relationship challenges; and empty nest syndrome.

Instructor: Fran Goldfarb, MA, CHES; USC UCEDD
Reg #: V6624

Sign up today at http://www.uclaextension.edu/

New Pathway Staff

2010-03-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

Rachael Sanders, MPS, Residential Services Coordinator
The newest addition to the Pathway team, Rachael earned a BA in Psychology with a minor in Fine Arts from Lincoln University and has a Masters in Art Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute. Rachael’s background includes more than ten years of experience working with a variety of educational, community and human service organizations providing support in both therapeutic and administrative capacities. Some of her achievements include being the first female Residential Director for the highly successful Upward Bound program at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Co-Creator of the first Annual New Directions Gallery exhibit. Before joining the Pathway family, Rachael worked as a Los Angeles Area Supervisor with the Social/Community Integration and Participation program for Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis.

Recent Pathway Activities 3

2010-02-25T10:09:00.000-08:00

Painting a mural at the Theta Xi fraternity house

Recent Pathway Activities 2

2010-02-25T09:57:00.000-08:00

UCLA Dance Marathon rasing money for pediatric AIDS

Recent Pathway Activities 1

2010-02-25T09:54:00.000-08:00

Sarah showing the progress of the students' fundraising drive for Haiti

What happens after Pathway?

2010-02-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

What happens after Pathway is of course different for everyone, but I did have a chance to spend the day with one of our graduates last month.

As part of an upcoming scholarship fundraising campaign, we are working with a company out of Dallas called Pursuant to film a series of short videos about Pathway. Laurie and I drove down to Oceanside to spend the day with Heidi Sand and her family while the guys from Pursuant shot the video.

Watching a video being shot is an odd experience - a lot of repetition, setting up lights, takes and re-takes etc. We started the day with Jacque, Heidi's mom and biggest booster, in her new home. Between all the set up and re-takes we had a lot of time to chat. What has always impressed me about Heidi and her family, is that they have always had high expectations for what Heidi's life would be like after Pathway. What that leads to, and this is not rocket science, is folks usually get what they expect out of life. Heidi and her family had a clear idea of what she wanted. In practical terms, while Heidi was in Pathway, she was motivated - she was the first student to take on an internship and she has had the longest tenure in an internship for any Pathway student to date, she took on leadership roles, and kept her eye on the prize.

After wrapping up with Jacque we visited with Heidi in her new apartment - a nice one bedroom place in a well-kept complex right next to the tennis courts. We were joined there by Theresa Nacario who runs PALS, the agency that is providing Heidi with periodic support.

We wrapped up the day at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, where Heidi is a service representative, assisting folks with services for their loved ones. While you might think that this is a grim job, but it is a great fit for Heidi and her excellent people skills, and her co-workers love her.

At the end of the day as I was giving Heidi a lift home, I said to here - "You really have got a great life here" her response was a typical Heidi, "I know."

Pathway student wins award

2010-01-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

Current Pathway student Daniel Schwartz is set to receive a Young Leadership Award from the Etta Israel Center on January 9, 2010. Congratulations to Daniel!

Article from the 12/19/09 Beverly Hills Courier

Think College - the book

2010-01-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

"For many reasons postsecondary education is a most important key to shaping a new reality for people with disabilities. It has the exciting potential to create a future based not on low expectations, the cant’s and shouldn’ts, but on the high expectations of productivity and person and economic freedom. It has the exciting potential to drive improvements in the way we prepare young students for employment and systematize skill development in curriculum, instruction, job training, and experience. It has the potential to demand change from the adult service providers so that young students are guided and seamlessly supported across programs into employment and independence. Lastly, postsecondary education has the potential to fundamentally alter perceptions of people with intellectual disabilities as the competent, capable, and productive citizens we know them to be."
Madeleine Will
Director of the National Down Syndrome Society
(NDSS) National Policy Center

From the Preface of Think College: Postsecondary Education Options for Students with Intellectual Disabilities by Meg Grigal and Debra Hart

This newly published book includes a profile of Pathway in Chapter 3 The Spectrum of Options. To find out more click here.

Fall quarter photos

2009-12-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

Fall quarter ends this Friday. We have had a great quarter and are looking forward to the holidays. Here is a collection of photos from this quarter.

Dean Sandeen's blog about Autism and Pathway

2009-12-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

Autism Spectrum Disorder—One Way UCLA is Helping by Cathy Sandeen

December 8, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Chances are you may have a child, family member, or friend with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

I made a quick trip to Sacramento last week to meet with various legislative staff about educational services for individuals with ASD... More here.

Open Pathway Staff Position

2009-11-30T11:17:00.000-08:00

We are currently recruiting for a Residential Services Coordinator. This position coordinates services directly with the Pathway students in their apartments, including supervising our four live-in Resident Assistants, and two Program Assistants who help our students plan activities on and around campus. This position requires work in the evening and on the weekends.

Click here for more information about the position.

Parents' Place Transition Conference

2009-11-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

Wendy at our table at the San Gabriel/Pomona Parents' Place Family Resource & Empowerment Center's 3rd Annual Transition Conference.

To the left is a table for Disability Rights California and to the right the Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled.

Winter Quarter 2010 Courses Now Available for Enrollment

2009-11-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

The classes below are now available for enrollment. For information about the class or instructors click on the course title.

You can enroll online or call (310) 825-1204 for assistance

Skills for Academic Success II

Instructor: Lindsey Dorise Moore, MPP

This course, which builds on the previous Pathway course, Skills for Academic Success I, is designed to teach students specific learning skills to help adjust to college. Students learn how to stay organized, use effective time management, ask good questions, build memory skills, and get help when needed. Prerequisite: Skills for Academic Success I.

UCLA Extension Building, Room 219

Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:30 PM

January 6 - March 17

Pathway 900.20

Fee: $425 Reg# V4639

Exploration of Literature

Instructor: Tamar Christensen, MA

In this course, organized as a book club, students will refine and enhance their reading and comprehension skills through the study of thematically selected novels. Students keep a journal and participate in class discussions and group activities.

Westwood Center, Room 413

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 - 11:30 AM

January 7 - March 18

Pathway 930.20

Fee: $425 Reg# V4643

Society and Culture

Instructor: Jason Lupei, MA

This course looks at many issues in America including race and ethnicity, gender, prejudice, discrimination, disability and accessibility. This course will look at social movements and the impact of advocacy on the world.

UCLA Extension Building, Room 215

Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 PM

January 6 - March 17

Pathway 950.10

Fee: $425 Reg# V4644

Art and Expression: Inside Modern Art

Instructor: Honor Dunn, MFA

This course introduces students to different movements and artists in modern art, such as Abstraction and Picasso. Students will explore examples of art at local museums and galleries. At the end of the course students will show the work they have created and talk about their class experiences in a public exhibition/fundraiser.

Westwood Center, Room 321

Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Museum visits on Saturday 1/30 and Thursday 2/11 January 12 - March 16

Pathway 950.30

Fee: $425 Reg# V4645

Creative Writing

Instructor: Douglas Cooney, MA, Fiction Writer and Playwright

This course addresses aspects of creative writing such as traditional story structure, the use of language, and critical and analytical skills. Through presentations, discussions and writing exercises, students will be inspired to bring their thoughts to life through writing, both in this course and after the course ends.

Westwood Center, Room TBA

Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 - 9:45 AM

January 7 - March 18

Pathway 950.50

Fee: $425 Reg# V4627

5 tips for getting ready for college

2009-11-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

This morning a colleague back East sent me a link to Going to College a website for teens with disabilities. This site is not specific to young people with intellectual disabilities, but there are a number of resources that can be helpful.

On the site they have a top ten list of tips for students - five of those are particularly pertinent to Pathway.

Learn to manage your money - this is one of the biggest struggles that we all have when we move away from home. There is a lot of pressure to spend your money on fun things rather than the necessities and you budget can be blown in one trip to Westwood village.
Learn to manage your time - students have a lot more responsibility for managing their time in the college setting and there is not always someone there to give reminders. If time management is a challenge start now developing ways to give your self reminders so you do not have to rely on others.
Make the most of your high school activities - there are a lot of skills that you can develop by getting involved in activities in high school. Some of the most important skills you can learn are organizational and interpersonal - having good skills in these areas will make your transition to college much smoother.
Think about getting a summer or part-time job - when it comes time to start an internship it is really helpful to have some good work experience. It is particularly important to have good work related skills - being on-time, knowing how and when to get help, interacting with co-workers.
Invite relevant people to your IEP, i.e., an assistive technologist or a vocational rehabilitation counselor - everyone involved with supporting you should know that you are intending to continue your education. If you need support to get into a program or assistance while you are going to school start early getting those folks that can help you on board.

The full top ten list is here.

2009-10-30T07:46:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite things I get to do in this job is to tour prospective parents and students around the program and campus. I love talking about Pathway and showing folks what the students are up to. The best part for me is the chance to get out and see what is happening from the perspective of an outsider.

Even though most of these tours are set up weeks in advance I rarely set up anything in advance with students - that takes more logistical wherewithal than either I or the students can muster, but more importantly I want visitors to see things the reality of Pathway.

This is the way it usually unfolds...

Almost always it is the mom that has set up the appointment and we have chatted on the phone before, so I usually have a bit of rapport with her. The dad is typically a bit reserved and protective and non-committal, wants to make sure this is the right program for his son or daughter. I will generally try and break the ice - talk about the upcoming football game or my monster daily commute. If the potential student comes along - and they do about half the time - I try to engage them asking about what they are doing now, where they went to school, what they know about UCLA etc.

Even though I do not have a "canned" speech about Pathway, because I have done it so many times I am sure that it often sounds a bit rote. I really try to change things up and not sound too slick - one of my greatest fears is to be accused of being slick, give me goofy any day, just not slick.

Once we are done talking in the office we usually, will depending on the timing, go to the apartments or catch students at the end of one of their classes. This is really where the fun begins, and where I can stop talking and let folks see things for themselves.

The apartments themselves are somewhat impressive - the neighborhood is nice with big trees, students are scurrying off to classes, the building has a locked front door - parents especially like to see this and to see where the RAs live in the building . Once inside the building is clean and always smells of some disinfectant - the maintenance folks always seem to be around too.

Going to a student apartment is a gamble - sometimes they can be a real mess, but I think in general they are less messy than folks anticipate - the real surprise is that the men are much better housekeepers than the women, though they tent to have less interesting decor. When we meet students I introduce them and try to give some distance so that the visitors and students can talk without feeling monitored.

In going to see students after class, we get to take a nice walk through Westwood Village - pointing out the movie theaters and Didi Reise of course - on our way to the 1010 Westwood building. Here too the building itself worth seeing - a funky modern design with a lot of art and student interior design projects mounted on the walls.

Again when we meet students I make the introductions and get out of the way - though of course, I listen in to hear what the students have to say. I don't want to know so I can correct or smooth over, but want to know what our students say to others about their experience at Pathway. I figure if they are saying positive things we must be doing something right.

At the end of the tour it is nice to see the change in folks - what was an abstraction is now real - they can see themselves or their son or their daughter being here. They see the confidence in our students, that they can be responsible and meet higher expectations. Not everyone can, and that is great and the point of taking a tour.

New Perspectives on Autism & Disability

2009-10-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

NEURODIVERSITY 101:
New Perspectives on Autism & Disability
Contact us at asanucla@gmail.com for further information

Friday, October 30th, 2009
2:00pm-3:30pm

Marisa Leif Conference Room #3200
300 UCLA Medical Plaza
UCLA

Know any autistic people or on the spectrum yourself?

Do you work with or research autistic people?

Interested in autism, or already studying autism?

Want to learn more than “Adam” or “Rain Man”?

This will be a panel discussion on neurodiversity and autistic rights from a variety of perspectives—autistic self-advocates, family members, educators, and academics. We hope to provide a perspective on the autism spectrum which goes beyond those which are most often heard in the mainstream media. Topics include inclusion and accommodation, education, human rights, and discrimination and stereotypes.

All are welcome to attend. It will be moderated by ASAN member Liz Terschuur and include UCLA Tarjan Center Director Olivia Raynor, PhD and ASAN Co-Directors Sarah Pripas and Steve Knapp, all of whom are NLARRT members.

Need Directions?
Driving Directions to UCLA : http://www.ucla.edu/map/

Parking: See map Parking Structure 1; $11 parking

Parents' Weekend 2009

2009-10-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend we welcomed parents and family members to participate in our annual Parents' Weekend. We started Saturday with some updates about the program and before heading to lunch had the students and their families participate in the Pathway Amazing Race. Starting in the Ackerman quad the teams had to get the answers to some trivia questions about UCLA, like what was the original name of UCLA? or What building is closest to Founders' Rock? They also had to get passing students to sing the fight song or do the 8 clap. We wrapped up on Saturday with Dinner in the dining halls and a choice of a concert or a women's volleyball game.

On Sunday we met at Drake stadium for a short workout followed by brunch and a College Survival Group session and meetings with some graduates and their parents. It was a great weekend. Thanks to everyone for participating.

Early Action Option

2009-10-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

We have made some adjustments to our admission process. The biggest change is the addition of an Early Action option. This option gives applicants an opportunity to get an earlier decision on their application. For detail read below...

Admission Deadlines

Applications to Pathway at UCLA Extension are due by February 1st for admissions for the following fall quarter. All students begin taking Pathway courses in the fall quarter. Accepted applicants will be notified by April 30th. Eligible applicants that cannot be accepted for space reasons may be placed on Alternate status for fall admission, contingent on other students accepting or declining our admission offers. If an Alternate student cannot be accommodated for fall admission they may be placed on a waiting list for admission at a later date during that academic year. If a student cannot be accommodated during the year they may reapply for a subsequent year.

Early Action

Students may also apply for Early Action and potentially receive notification of admission earlier. The deadline for Early Action enrollment is November 15th. Decisions about Early Action are made by January 15th. The number of spaces allotted for Early Action may be limited to no more than 50% of the incoming cohort.

There are three potential outcomes for Early Action applicants

1. Admitted to Pathway. The student is offered a place in the next Pathway cohort. The student must accept or decline the offer before March 1st. Students accepting the offer must secure their place with a $1,000 non-refundable deposit.

2. Deferred decision. The student is a competitive candidate, but the Admissions Committee wishes to further evaluate the candidate in the context of the pool of regular applicants. Final decisions about admission would be made by April 30th.

3. Application is denied. The student’s application is denied and they will not be considered further for the current year. Students may apply again for future admission.

Spread the Word - Pathway Open House

2009-08-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Pathway is participating in the UCLA Extension Fall Open House on September 15th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm in Westwood. If you know anyone that is interested in Pathway please pass on the information about the Open House.

Week One 2009

2009-08-26T16:07:00.001-07:00

Pathway students returned to campus on Monday and we have been keeping them busy with a variety of administrative details - ID cards, meal plans - and orientation activities. This year we added an extended 4 week orientation period to give students a chance to get acclimated and oriented to campus before classes start.

So far this week -
Monday - moving in and getting settled in the apartments
Tuesday - College Survival Group, Meal Plans, Bruin Cards, and dining hall orientation.
Wednesday - First Aid and Disaster Preparation training, All-Student Meeting
Today - College Survival Group, Dental Hygeine, ILS in apartments, ending with a swim party at Sunset Canyon Rec.

Noah with his new Bruin Card

Wendy discussing First Aid

Making a point about the Student Code of Conduct

Research Study Flyer

2009-08-12T10:08:00.001-07:00

Fall 2009 Classes

2009-08-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

Most Pathway classes are available for "open enrollment" - meaning you do not have to be enrolled in the 2 year program to participate. Below are the offerings for the fall quarter starting September 21st. Space is limited so enroll today!

Please call (310) 825-1204 For assistance in registering.

Skills for Academic Success I
Instructor: Lindsey Dorise Moore

This course helps students become better prepared for the transition to college. Course topics include self-advocacy, getting to know oneself, disability awareness, adjusting to a new place, making smart decisions, making friends, and how to use available resources to deal with situations that may come when leaving the world of high school for college.

September 23 - December 9
Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:30 PM
No meeting November 11, one meeting to be arranged.

Pathway 900.11
Fee: $425 Reg# V3669

Human Relationships and Sexuality
Instructor: Justin Strock, M.A.

Healthy relationships allow for individuality, bring out the best in people, and invite personal growth. This course teaches students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities concepts and techniques to improve relationships with themselves and others. Emphasis will be placed on sexual interaction, communication, and consequences of choices in adult relationships.

September 22 - December 10
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00-11:30 AM

Pathway 900.15
Fee: $425 Reg# V3668

Introduction to Computer Skills
Instructor: Katy Tafoya, M.A.

This course is designed to improve academic
participation and social networking skills through the use of adaptive technology. Content includes
assessment, training and instruction in the appropriate use of basic computer applications.

September 22 - December 10
Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30-9:45 AM

Pathway 950.40
Fee: $425 Reg# V3667

Math Fundamentals
Instructor: TBA

This course introduces students to everyday situations where math skills are needed. Students participate in activities such as handling money,
preparing a budget, shopping for groceries, comparing prices, etc. to
develop decision-making, money management, and problem-solving skills.

September 21 - December 11
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 10:00-11:15 AM

Pathway 930.50
Fee: $425 Reg# V3769

The World Today
Instructor: Jason Lupei, M.A.

This class will teach students about local, national and global current events. Class discussions will help students analyze information from a variety of media sources to assist them in better understanding the impact of these events on individuals.

September 23 - December 9
Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 PM
No class November 11.

Pathway 930.10
Fee: $425 Reg# V3771

Health and Nutrition
Instructor: TBA

This course will provide information and strategies for healthy living. Students will increase their commitment to exercise and good nutrition by learning the benefits of physical activity, exercise, and healthy food choices.

September 20 - December 11
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 1:30-2:30 PM

Pathway 930.90
Fee: $425 Reg# V3850

NBC News July 19, 2009

2009-07-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

NBC News visited us again in June to follow-up with the Class of 2009. You can see the piece by clicking here. They also had a web-only extension that includes an interview with the Director Eric Latham and chair of the Advisory Board Dr. Olivia Raynor. You can see that by clicking here.

Portfolio Presentation Photos

2009-06-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

On Friday, June 12th we held a portfolio presentation ceremony for our first graduating class. Each student presented a summary of their work and then we recognized each one of them during a short ceremony followed by a reception and art show.

It is hard to believe that two years have passed so quickly. These students and their families, dubbed the Pathway Pioneers by Dean Cathy Sandeen, have accomplished a great deal and we wish them well as they continue their life journeys.

End of the Year Pictures Part 2

2009-06-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

End of the Year Pictures Part 1

2009-06-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

Words for the Class of 2010 from Grant Sorrell

2009-06-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

Grant Sorrell will graduate from Pathway on June 30th. He sent me these words for the members of the Class of 2010 via Facebook.

I wish all of you a happy summer break. When you return you will be 2nd year Pathway. You have a responsibility to be role models for the incoming students. Guide and support them as we- the Pathway Pioneers guided and supported you. Remember, Pathway is founded on teamwork, acceptance and committment to excellence. I know you all will keep the Pathway spirit alive and active. So I say to you, Congratulations Pathway Class of 2010. The Pathway Pioneers pass the torch to you. Carry it with pride. PATHWAY PRIDE!!

Welcome the Class of 2011

2009-06-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 6th we welcomed the Class of 2011 to campus for their initial orientation. These students will be joining us in late August.

The Class of 2011 with their families

The Class of 2009

2009-06-05T07:57:00.001-07:00

The class of 2009 with the Pathway staff

Next Friday, June 12th we will say our first good-bye to the class of 2009. This is the first good-bye because on June 30th our students will join hundreds of other UCLA Extension certificate recipients in the first institution-wide commencement ceremony to be held in Royce Hall. The ceremony in Royce will be huge - the hall holds 1800 - so on the 12th we are having a smaller, more intimate gathering where our students will present their portfolios summarizing their two years at Pathway.

As I prepare my speech I am finding it hard to get very far without tearing up. This group of students and the Pathway staff have been on a tremendous journey and we will forever be connected via their status as our first graduating class. It is undeniable that in making this journey together we have developed a strong emotional bond.

Good Luck Class of 2009.

Fall 2009 Spaces Available

2009-06-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Limited spaces for the Fall of 2009 are available. Please contact the Pathway office at 310.794.1235 for more information or go to www.uclaextension.edu/pathway for application materials.

Admission Statistics

2009-05-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

We have just wrapped up our admissions process for this year, and are waiting to hear back from the students that we have made offers to. It is not too late to apply for alternate status as we often have students that cannot accept our offer for one reason or another.

This year we had many more applicants than we had spaces available. We have currently accepted a total of 16 new students 8 men and 8 women. I just calculated the statistics for this years admissions process

82% of students that applied got interviews (the % was the same for men and women)

36% of males that applied were accepted

47% of females that applied were accepted (we had more male applicants than female)

41% of all students that applied were accepted

Internships

2009-04-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures and quotes for some of our current student's internships.

Lauren Levine - Tarjan Center at UCLA

In November this year, Lauren Levine started an iternship with the UCLA's Tarjan Center to meet her Pathway graduation requirements. Originally intended to last one quarter, things were going so well that Lauren asked to continue and to increase her hours.

“It has been a real pleasure working with Lauren over the last several months. She eagerly approaches each task with dedication, is always willing to learn new things, and never afraid to ask questions. Here at the Tarjan Center, we are excited about the opportunity to train and expose Lauren to the inner workings of an office as well as the associated duties." - Maddy Kudritzki, UCLA Tarjan Center

Patrick Zegler - UCLA Tiverton House

In talking with Pathway staff about his work interests, Pat felt like he had good customer relations skills, but was not sure how he wanted to use those skills. UCLA's Tiverton House, a 100 unit hotel used by UCLA Medical Center patients and their families, provided an opportunity for Pat to explore a variety of jobs within the hospitality industry.

Rachel Chen Honored as Woman of the Year

2009-03-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

California State Senator for the 21st District Carol Liu, will be honoring Rachel Chen as one of 5 women of the year on March 20th.

Rachel is a very effective advocate for folks with developmental disabilities and their families. Rachel's son Joshua is a second year Pathway student who will be graduating in June.

Rachel has been a great asset to Pathway and is always willing to assist us as well as providing support and consultation to the families of Pathway students. Congratulations Rachel!

From Senator Liu's press release:

Rachel Chen, Temple City. Rachel has served as President of the Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled since 1997 and she is co-director of Community Parents Resource – Reach Out to Latino and Chinese Families, a federal Department of Education program. She is the mother of a high-functioning autistic young man who is a UCLA Extension Pathway student.

Joshua with fellow student Lauren (left) and Resident Assistant Nicole (right)

Internships

2009-03-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

One of the requirements for Pathway students is to participate in an internship. The point of the internship is to allow students to get exposure to different work and career opportunities. For students with limited work experience, an internship is about learning the basic responsibilities - being on time, working with a supervisor, knowing when and how to get help with tasks etc. For students with more experience it is a chance to build on their existing skills and help define what kind of work they would like to pursue after graduation. For all students the internship is a opportunity to practice balancing work, school, and their social life.

Before a student starts an internship, Nadith Schuster our internship coordinator runs a weekly Internship Preparation seminar focused on finding student interest areas, preparing resumes and cover letters, as well as mock interviews. From there Nadith seeks out potential internship sites based on those student interests. Seems pretty simple, but there are a number of serious hurdles. First she has to find a site that has a need, is willing to take on an intern, and is close enough to the university for students to get to easily. The percentage of yeses is very low.

Once we get a yes, then the bureaucracy sets in. Every site must sign an internship agreement with the university to make sure that students are covered by insurance and that there is a clear delineation of responsibilities. Finally, many employers require background checks and physicals before an intern can start. In short each internship can be very time intensive before a student ever sets foot on the site.

We have had great luck with securing internship sites both on the UCLA campus and in the Westwood area. Our current internship sites include:

UCLA Recreation - John Wooden Center
Americorps - American Red Cross
UCLA Career Center
UCLA Extension Facilities Department
UCLA Extension Department of the Arts
UCLA Extension Office of the Dean
UCLA Extension American Language Center
St. Alban's Episcopal Church
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens
Tiverton House
UCLA Housing and Hospitality
Tarjan Center at UCLA

UCLA Recreation

2009-03-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

From the very beginning, UCLA Recreation has been one of our strongest allies in gaining access to university resources for Pathway students. One of the first calls I got when I started in 2006 was from Jamie Hoffman at UCLA Recreation. Jamie was pulling together a group of interested parties to start an adaptive recreation program, and asked me to participate. This turned out to be a very fruitful connection.

Jamie has been a great ambassador for getting Pathway students involved in UCLA Recreation activities, as well as providing key contacts for internships for our students.

Jamie leading Pathway students in team building exercises (Sept 07)

This year Jamie has been working to incorporate our students into some of the outdoor programs offered through Recreation. This fall a group of Pathway students participated in a hike and barbecue in the Santa Monica Mountains. No pictures of that event, but it was during the height of fire season, and where they were was one of the only smoke-free areas in the area.

In February, Thomas one of our first-year students, went up to Big Bear to participate in the adaptive recreation skiing/snowboarding trip. He had a great time!

Thomas at Big Bear (Feb 09)

I Want to Quit

2009-03-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

I think about quitting everyday - I have had many bad days where I sat at my desk holding my head and thinking, "I just can't do this anymore!" But I have made a commitment to be here - I have made a commitment to the students, the staff, my wife and children, parents and families, my colleagues around the country - to move Pathway forward. So I pick myself up, recite a few affirmations and go onward.

But this post is not about me. This post is about the times that each and every one of our students says that they want to quit.

Everyday I hear things like...

"It is too hard,"
"Nobody likes me,"
"They are leaving me out,"
"The math class is too easy/hard,"
"My roommate snores and talks at night, and I can't sleep,"
"So and so took my money,"
"This is not what I expected."

At one time or another every college student wants to quit. In fact, 50% of college students drop out - 25% of freshman do not return for their sophomore year. So our students are not alone in struggling with their college experience.

For many young people college may be the hardest thing they have ever attempted so far in their lives. For many it is their first time away from their families and the security of their parental safely net. For many it is their first glimpse at the real world.

IT IS HARD! There is no way around it - we try to cushion all blows by providing support where we think it is needed, but there are not enough pillows in the world to soften every fall. And it is excruciating for us as parents to see our kids fall. But Students fall, and fall they must, sometimes pretty hard.

It is finding the way to help them up that gives us the most difficulty. Even harder is finding the way up on the second, third, fourth, fifth...time. It is however, in finding the way up that we learn the most. Failure and hardship are an inevitable part of life, and we must all find a way to constructively deal with these natural consequences.

Our challenge is resisting the urge to step in and fix things rather than supporting a student to find their own solution. Certainly there are situations that require intervention, but our aim within Pathway is to provide an environment where students can learn these lessons in a safe environment, AND get support to learn constructive ways to pull themselves up.

So quitting is always an option, but is that really what you want to do? Not me.

Differences between High School and College

2009-02-20T11:15:00.000-08:00

When interviewing students and parents for Pathway, they usually tell us that they want a college experience. There are a number of critical differences between high school and college - most importantly once you leave the high school system that is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) you no longer have an entitlement to education. The college world is governed by a different set of laws (ADA & sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) that require students and families to behave in ways very different from high school. In practical terms, the burden of advocacy shifts from an IEP team to the student.

While Pathway provides a higher level of support than is generally available at the college level we are still governed by the higher education rules and regulations. In creating Pathway we purposefully did not want to re-create the special education system within the university. Our default standard is to create a college experience that mirrors that of typical students.

Here is another list courtesy of ThinkCollege.net that outlines the differences.

DEPENDENCE vs. INDEPENDENCE

Secondary School: Rigid schedule with constant supervision
Higher Education: Greater flexibility of scheduling

Secondary School: Classes meet daily
Higher Education: Classes meet 1,2,3 or 4 times a week.

Secondary School: Attendance is taken.
Higher Education: Attendance policies at discretion of instructor

Secondary School: Someone is available to help plan study time (teachers, SPED, parents)
Higher Education: Student responsible for setting and following through on all scheduling and study time

Secondary School: Classes generally held in one building
Higher Education: Classes are held at many different sites on campus

Secondary School: Average class is 35 - 45 minutes
Higher Education: Class times vary from 50 minutes - 4 hours

Secondary School: Daily contact w/teachers and support staff
Higher Education: Classes meet less frequently, impacting access to instructors and assistance

Secondary School: Parent permission required (until 18 years).
Higher Education: Student is an adult with all decision making authority. Parent permission not required.

Secondary School: Students generally live at home.
Higher Education: Students are responsible for housing, transportation, finances, etc.

Secondary School: Guidance counselors or other staff schedule support services for students
Higher Education: Students connect with staff and arrange all support services

Are You Ready for College?

2009-02-18T08:44:00.001-08:00

I meet with prospective students every week and I am often asked to assess a students readiness for college. This is a very hard question to answer and the best place to start is for a student and their family to ask themselves some initial questions about why they want to go to college and what skills they currently have. The ThinkCollege.net website has a wide range of resources to help students and families assess college readiness. Below are some questions they suggest students consider when thinking about college.

Who Am I?
All right, let's start with some basic questions. These questions will help you figure out what you're all about, which, in turn, will help you know if you really want to go to college. Everybody thinks they know themselves. Do you?

What are 3 things you do well?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
What are 3 things that are important to you?
How hard are you willing to work?

Am I Ready for College?

I have taken the classes I need in high school to get me ready for college.
I know what job I want after college.
I know how to budget money.
I am aware that I need to ask for the support services I need—not my parents and not my professors.
I know how my disability will affect me during college.
I know how to use public transportation.
I have a back-up plan in place if I find college isn't for me.
I know how to make new friends.

See Full List

Tutoring

2009-02-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

We get a lot of questions about what kind of tutoring support we provide to students. Here is a brief explanation.

Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor that they meet with at least once each quarter. If there’s an ongoing performance/attendance issue occurring, students are encouraged to reach out to their advisor to set up tutoring support. We ask that instructors let us know if a student seems to be having difficulty in class. In those cases the instructor will refer a student to tutoring or Pathway staff will contact the student to set up a time to meet.

Group “drop-in” tutoring is offered on the following basis:

First Year Students: Wednesdays & Fridays 10 AM – 12 PM
Second Year Students: Mondays & Fridays 10 AM – 12 PM

Tutoring is also available in the students' apartments each week in the evening - days vary.

Students may also make appointments through their Academic Advisors for 1:1 tutoring sessions that meet their individual scheduling needs, however these appointments are intended to supply help with current Pathway courses, and not designed for remedial skill building. Any consistent work a student wants to do to boost general math/literacy skills must be arranged via a private tutor.

To assist our tutors in supporting students we ask that instructors provide us with any changes to a syllabi's timeline and/or of any specific assignments.

Pathway Wins an Award!

2009-02-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

Pathway has been selected to receive the Outstanding Program Award for Non-Credit Programs from the Univeristy Continuing Education Association (UCEA).

UCEA is an association whose members include public and private accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities, international universities, and nonprofit organizations with a significant commitment to professional and continuing higher education. Member institutions provide pre- and/or post-baccalaureate-level education to students in pursuit of degrees, professional credentials, or simply learning for its own sake.

Two of the key criteria for the award are:

The program must be original in a substantive ways.
The program must demonstrate a contribution to the field of continuing education, which can be replicated by other higher education institutions.

I will be travelling with UCLA Extension Dean Cathy Sandeen and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Karim Cherif to Boston in early April to receive the award.

Special Hope Grant

2009-02-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

Pathway just recieved a grant from the Special Hope Foundation to collaborate with Circle of Friends to develop a social skills program for our students. We had great success with Barb Palilis and Ruth Punt from Circle of Friends last year, and have been looking forward to receiving this grant to bring them back.

Many of our students have challenges with social interactions and building lasting relationships with peers. By facilitating relationships between Pathway and UCLA students, Circle of Friends helps build relationships and teach social skills at the same time.

This is our first grant with the Special Hope Foundation and we look forward to working with them on this project.

From the Special Hope website:

The Special Hope Foundation was formed to support the causes of the physically, emotionally, and developmentally disabled. We welcome the opportunity to fund innovative projects that challenge the prevailing attitudes towards these special people.

Internship FAQ’s

2008-12-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

As part of their participation in Pathway each students needs to complete at least one internship. Rather than a series of set internship sites that we plug students into, we start with the interests of the student and seek an internship site that can meet the student's interests.

Our students come with a wide range of work experiences - some have extensive work histories while some have little or none. Our interships reflect that range from entry-level to more advanced positions.

To answer some questions about our internships Nadith Schuster our Coordination or Vocational Services put together this FAQ.

Q: What’s the purpose of the internship?
A: To help develop and improve students’ employability skills. It also is a way for students to explore careers they might have an interest in but not sure if it’s something they want to pursue in the future.

Q: Who finds the internship sites?A: Sites are located by the coordinator based on career interests expressed by the student.

Q: Is the completion of an internship mandatory in order to graduate?A: Yes

Q: How many hours must be worked in order to successfully complete the internship?
A: Students must complete a minimum of 50 hours within one academic quarter. However, if a student begins internship midway through a quarter, the remaining hours can be completed the following quarter.

Q: Can a student complete more than one internship?
A: Yes, and students are highly encouraged to do so

Q: Are internships paid?
A: Most internships are done on a non-paid basis. The goal is to gain experience and develop employability skills. Also, an internship is work experience that can be documented on a resume. However, some internship sites might pay interns if their budgets allow for it.

Q: How do you keep track of students’ performance and hours worked?A: Students are required to turn in a weekly evaluation / timesheet that is reviewed and signed by both the supervisor and student.

Q: Are students trained by the internship coordinator in specific technical skills?A: Students receive training with things such as time management; proper work place etiquette; interview techniques; filling out job applications; resume & cover letter preparation; where to find job and how to interpret a job lead; and other soft skills. However, Pathway does not provide technical training pertaining to any specific career.

Internship Coordinator: Nadith Schuster, 310.794.4341

Parents' Weekend 2008

2008-11-03T13:03:00.000-08:00

We had a great weekend filled with activities and information for parents' and students capped off with participating in the first Dribble for the Cure fundraiser for pediatric cancer research. See pictures below.

2008-10-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

This comes from Patricia Bauer's Disability News blog - a site that is well worth bookmarking.

While this article addresses a slightly different population from Pathway, the issues are very much the same.

Students with disabilities face tricky transition to college

by Patricia Bauer

From the Washington Post, a feature on the growing number of students with learning disabilities who are entering college. Twenty years ago, only one in 100 students with learning disabilities would graduate from high school and go on to a four-year college. Today, that number is about one in nine. For many, the transition isn’t easy. Read more...

Pete Carroll and I Have Something In Common

2008-10-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

Well, not really a whole lot, but this article in yesterday's LA Times illustrates one of the issues that college administrators across the country have to deal with on a regular basis. Parents of students today are much more involved with their kids than ever before. When you add in the element of disability the level of parental involvement can be extensive.

I have taken parental calls at my son's baseball practice, returned emails at midnight, and rarely turn my Blackberry off so as to be as available as possible to students and parents. It can be a burden, but as Coach Carroll says at the end of the article it really is about a shared responsibility for the benefit of the students.

Pete Carroll's game plan includes dealing with parents
Keeping mom and dad informed is part of the job for USC's football coach, who has learned you can't keep everyone happy. More...

Tints of Autism in Daily Bruin

2008-10-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

Last week UCLA's newspaper the Daily Bruin had an article about short film Tints of Autism made by Pathway parent Kathe Beltran. Read the article here...

Higher Ed Act Reauthorization

2008-09-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

On August 14th, 2008 the Higher Education Act of 1965 was reauthorized by Congress as the College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008. This bill was passed but is still awaiting budget authorization.

The reauthorization has some very important elements that affect students with intellectual disabilities. Specifically, it would allow students with intellectual disabilities that meet this definition -

A student—
‘‘(A) with mental retardation or a cognitive impairment, characterized by significant limitations in—
‘‘(i) intellectual and cognitive functioning; and
‘‘(ii) adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills; and
‘‘(B) who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for a free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

to participate in the Work Study program, be eligible for Pell Grants and State Educational Opportunity Programs (SEOP).

Programs that would be eligible would need to meet the following criteria:

A degree, certificate, or nondegree program that is—
(A) offered by an institution of higher education;
(B) designed to support students with intellectual disabilities who are seeking to continue academic, career and technical, and independent living instruction at an institution of higher education in order to prepare for gainful employment;
(C) includes an advising and curriculum structure;
(D) requires students with intellectual disabilities to participate on not less than a half-time basis, as determined by the institution, with such participation focusing on academic components and occurring through one or more of the following activities:
(i) Regular enrollment in credit-bearing courses with nondisabled students offered by the institution.
(ii) Auditing or participating in courses with nondisabled students offered by the institution for which the student does not receive regular academic credit.
(iii) Enrollment in noncredit-bearing, nondegree courses with nondisabled students.
(iv) Participation in internships or work-based training in settings with nondisabled individuals.

We are still digesting the implications of these changes, and on first glance we would have to make some modifications to Pathway in order to qualify. We are working on this. One thing that is not clear is how this would affect Regional Center funding for families - if these grants are available would that decrease the amount the Regional Centers would contribute, is certainly one question rolling around in my head.

One positive element is that the Act also authorizes demonstration programs and technical assistance.

New Students Arrive!

2008-09-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday the 17th the 20 new Pathway students moved in and started their orientation. Here are some photos from the move-in and first orientation session.

Move-in Day

2008-09-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

Today we welcome 20 new students to Pathway. Over the next few days we have tons of orientation activities planned - moving in, getting Bruin cards, meal plans, academic advising, oh, and some fun with Jamie Hoffman from UCLA Recreation too.

On Friday, we welcome back our 17 returning students from last year. Bringing the total number of students to 37.

We are looking forward to another wonderful year - capped in June with the graduation of our first group of students.

Laurie and Nadith prepping for move-in

Pathway Students Win Award

2008-09-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Last spring in our American Government and You class we used Project Citizen a curriculum from the Center for Civic Education.

We the People: Project Citizen is a curricular program for middle, secondary, and post-secondary students, youth organizations, and adult groups that promotes competent and responsible participation in local and state government.

As part of the class, the students selected a policy area that interested them, researched the issue, proposed policy alternatives, and described how they would influence policy makers to make changes.

The Pathway students chose to focus on crime against people with disabilities. Through the latter part of the quarter students worked in groups on this project ending the quarter with a presentation of their work. The audience included representatives from Project Citizen, Pathway staff, and a group of visitors from North Orange County Community College District.

The presentation was fantastic, and the Project Citizen folks said it was one of the best projects they had seen from any student group! They were so impressed they selected the Pathway students' project as one of the 50 from around the country for their National Showcase held in New Orleans in July.

At the Showcase all of the projects were evaluated and the Pathway students' work was given a Special Recognition award.

Congratulations to the students for all of their hard work!

Congratulations also to instructor John Metza and assistant Kecia Weller.

New Programs in South Carolina

2008-09-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

The University of South Carolina and Clemson are both starting new programs for students with intellectual disabilities. I met folks from South Carolina when I was in Boston earlier this year presenting at the Council for Exceptional Children conference.

An article about the South Carolina programs is here. Below the article are comments that have been made in response - interesting reading.

While on the subject of new programs, our colleagues at the University of Iowa have just started their program. Over the last year we have been sharing information with the folks at Iowa and I co-presented in Boston with the Director, Dennis Harper. Best of luck, I look forward to hearing how things are going.

Meet the Nalkers

2008-09-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

Currently, I serve as a Director on the Board of the ANCOR Foundation. One of my fellow board members is Matt Nalker the Executive Director of the Arc of Mississippi. Recently, he and his family appeared in some public service announcements that were broadcast in Jackson during the Olympics. There are five 30 second videos you can see by clicking here.