| This Just IN!
Special Graduate Edition
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Making History!
In this special edition newsletter we are recapping their final semester of college and celebrating this major accomplishment!
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Ashley, UCCSComprehensive Higher Education Certificate, concentration in Advocacy and Human Services
Seniors that participate at UCCS with services from the Office of Inclusive Services all do a capstone project that aligns with their career goals. Ashley's capstone project, "The I in IEP", is part of a year-long SARTAC fellowship she is completing with the The Arc Pikes Peak Region. Ashley believes all students should have a say in their IEP meeting. Based on research she conducted this semester, Ashley is "creating easy to use tools to help students be self advocates in their IEP meetings to build self esteem and teach them to speak up for themselves." Did you know that students who lead their IEPs are more likely to enroll in higher education and be employed?
To stay up-to-date with Ashley's project and to learn more, check out her YouTube page.
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Kacie, ACCAssociate of Arts - Communication
Kacie, whose dream job is to become a librarian, was recently accepted to Colorado State University!
To prepare for the transfer to CSU, Kacie visited the campus for a tour. She had the opportunity to look at some of the residence halls and to meet with staff from Opportunities for Postsecondary Success, a program for traditionally enrolled students that "offers comprehensive, customized support to students with unique challenges." We wish Kacie all the best in her pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree!
As part of a final project for a communications course, Kacie interviewed Jazmine and Vince as they prepared to graduate. Read the story here.
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Mia, UCCSComprehensive Higher Education Certificate, concentration in American Sign Language and Education
During her time at UCCS, Mia completed three internships with local schools. Mia's capstone project was titled "Fun Things with Sign Language". For this project, Mia created American Sign Language (ASL) lessons, worksheets, and games, covering topics like counting, colors, days of the week, months, and more. She used the lessons to teach students at two local elementary schools. While the pandemic took her out of the classroom, Mia continued to keep her skills sharp by teaching sign language to her family and friends. She is looking forward to getting back into the classroom when schools reopen.
"I want to continue teaching ASL to kids. Sign language is my gift. It is my passion and I loved doing it." ~Mia. For more about Mia, click here.
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Jazmine, ACCComprehensive Higher Education Certificate; Nurse Aide Certification
Jazmine's dedication to caring for others has fueled her passion for the nursing field. During her time at ACC, Jazmine completed the required courses and exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. As her time at ACC came to a close, she looked at options for employment and began a job at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. Jazmine loves taking care of children and seeing people recover brings her joy.
Over the past few years, Jazmine has become an inspiring speaker for future students with disabilities. Most recently, Jazmine spoke on a panel about preparing for college. You can watch the recording here. “My advice for high school students is to pursue their dreams and know that they can accomplish anything that they want to." ~Jazmine
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Nick, UCCSComprehensive Higher Education Certificate, concentration in Photojournalism
Nick’s commitment to inclusion and desire to go to college led him to be among the first students with Down syndrome to attend UCCS. Nick's capstone project, titled "Photoworks", blended many of his passions and skills he learned during college. Nick is a talented photographer who specializes in landscapes and cars, and doesn't miss a chance to tell you the story of his photographs. As part of his project, Nick created a website to showcase his photography. The website is influenced by some of the classes he has taken at UCCS, for example: Keeping Colorado Weird and Arts and Activism (did we mention, Nick loves college classes?). His future plans include expanding his entrepreneurial endeavors, including selling his photos online and at art shows.
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Vince, ACC
Graduating Winter 2020
Vince studies music at Arapahoe Community College and will graduate in December with a Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate. Throughout his time at ACC, Vince has continued to develop his passion for theater. Some of his favorite classes include Film and Choir. Vince has used his outgoing personality to give back to the campus community. He has held leadership positions with Student Government and the Elevate Club. Upon graduation, Vince plans to transfer to Red Rocks Community College and enroll in their theater department. His dream is to act, sing, and dance in musicals.
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Help spread the word!
We need your help to spread the word about Colorado's first graduates and to honor these trailblazers! They have truly paved the way for future college students with intellectual disabilities. Here are three ways to share about the recent graduates:
1. Share a post on social media. Click to share a pre-written Facebook post.
2. Share a story via email directly with colleagues, friends, family, etc.
3. Forward this newsletter. At the bottom of the email look for the icons under "share this email".
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YOU can help honor the graduates and support inclusive higher education in CO
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Donate (click here) Consider a one-time donation of $6 to honor the first six graduates of inclusive higher education pathways in Colorado. Your donation will allow our state to continue to ensure quality programs for students with IDD, work towards expansion of inclusive higher education, and provide community trainings on college options available to students with IDD.
Monthly Giving (click here) Four years ago, college was not an option for students with IDD in Colorado. Today 80+ students are enrolled across three schools. Your investment will ensure this number continues to grow for the next decades to come. Become a member today!
Board of Directors As a non-profit, our Board of Directors plays an important role in our organization. The board is now accepting new members. If you are interested or want to learn more, send an email to tracy@inclusivehighered.org.
Young Professionals IN!'s Young Professionals Board works to raise awareness about inclusive higher education via events and social media. They are a group of young people with a true commitment to inclusion and passion for brainstorming. If you're interested in joining or learning more, send an email to shelbyb@inclusivehighered.org.
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