Minnesota State Funds $19K to Autism Friendly Austin and Riverland Partnership
Autism Spectrum Disorder Transition Program Supports Students with ASD
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Transition Program (ATP) kicks off this fall and serves high school graduates from Southeastern Minnesota identified with ASD who meet enrollment requirements at Riverland Community College and want:
- To complete an associate’s degree
- To attain a certificate in a career and technical education (CTE) program
- Training/education for a specific trade or career
Support services will be provided by a Student Success Team (peer mentors, interns, Riverland and Autism Friendly Austin staff) to 20-25 program participants.
Background: ASD affects 1 in 54 individuals. Fewer than 20 percent of students with ASD had graduated or were on track to graduate five years after high school. “One of the problems students face is the transition period and learning to navigate the college systems, “ said Jessica Rast, from Drexel Institute in regards to students with ASD.
In addition, adults with ASD have a higher unemployment rate than any other disability. College students with autism require more and different accommodations and supports than those typically standard for disabilities. Autistic students often have strengths and sought-after skills that go untapped due to social and executive functioning difficulties.
The newly funded Program is an extension of the Autism Friendly Austin initiative which aims to improve opportunities and outcomes for the autistic population in Southeastern Minnesota. It aligns well with the Austin Assurance Scholarship program, Workforce Development, Inc., Austin Aspires, and Riverland Community College missions.
Timing/Plan: The COVID-19 pandemic and staffing challenges delayed the funding award, however, efforts are currently underway to recruit students for the program, and execute the program during the 2021-22 school year. Implementation will be directed by Penny Rosenthal, PhD (Director of Advocacy Services), and Mary Barinka (Community Autism Resource Specialist/Hormel Historic Home).
Program Outcomes:
- ATP participants will identify a career path (college or employment)
- ATP participants will know support services in higher education
- ATP participants will develop social and academic skills to support their personal and academic success
- ·Community and Campus Partners will understand the unique needs of students with ASD to better support their personal and academic success
An ATP informational meeting will be held Monday, October 11, 2021, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Hormel Historic Home, 204 4th Avenue, NW Austin, MN 55912
The program was created after researching similar services at other colleges and a pilot program at Riverland over the past academic year. Critical to student progress and success, so far, have been release of information (for ease of communication between support staff) and basic autism training to involved team members.
Riverland Community College, a member of the Minnesota State system is a community college that transforms lives through excellence in service, education, and career training. Approximately 10,000 students are served annually through a wide range of credit-based educational opportunities and non-credit courses. Campuses are located in Austin, Albert Lea, and Owatonna, Minnesota. Riverland may be found online at Riverland.edu.
The colleges and universities of Minnesota State serve students at campuses in 54 communities across the state and offer 3,900 academic programs -- more than 700 fully online.
About the Hormel Historic Home:
The Hormel Historic Home is an independent 501(c)3 organization. The mission of the Hormel Historic Home is to preserve the history, accomplishments and values of the George A. and Lillian Hormel Family. The Hormel Historic Home honors the Hormel family legacy of excellence in Hospitality, Education, Music Appreciation and Community Service.
About Autism Friendly Austin:
The Mission of Autism Friendly Austin is to promote understanding of and provide supports for inclusion and acceptance for Autism and special needs through engaging, training, and educating our entire community.
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For more information on the program contact:
Mary Barinka, Community Autism Resource Specialist
Hormel Historic Home
autism@hormelhistorichome.org
(507) 433-4243
Penny Rosenthal, Ph.D., Director of Advocacy Services
Riverland Community College
penny.rosenthal@riverland.edu
(507) 433-0801