This Just IN!February 2023 Edition
Today, February 17th, is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and we invite you to thoughtfully make someone's day better in your community. We believe in the ongoing power of kindness and how it can ignite compassion in ways we never imagined. So, today, join us in pursuing kindness for those you know and for those you do not, and let's continue being inspired, invested, and inclusive together.
In this newsletter, you will find:
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SENIOR STORY: Laura @ UNC!
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Meet Laura, a senior at UNC getting ready to graduate with her Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate in Sports and Exercise Science! Laura has always known her love for sports, but since being included in college she has also learned that she loves participating in clubs across campus and living independently. While attending the UNC GOAL program, Laura has grown in independence and has developed many new friendships. As she looks ahead to graduation, she is very excited to reach this milestone and begin planning life after college. Laura's post-graduation goals include working at a recreation center and living with a roommate - and we are confident that she can reach them! Check out her video below to find out more about her college experience and what's next.
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Expansion is Happening!
We are passionate about expanding inclusive higher education pathways for students with ID throughout CO. And thanks to the passing of House Bill 22-1107 and the countless people that have advocated alongside us, we are excited to announce that IN! will be facilitating the Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program beginning this March dedicated to opening more doors for students with ID to pursue their college dreams.
This grant program allows institutions of higher education to apply for funding to develop inclusive higher education programming. We encourage all community partners to begin connecting with the inclusive champions and colleges/universities in their regions in order to take advantage of this opportunity. Grant details will be updated and shared on our expansion webpage, including eligibility information, Q&A sessions, and more. Click the image below to download our community flyer and help us spread the word!
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Experience Inclusive Higher Education This Summer!
The Office of Inclusive Services (OIS) at UCCS is hosting a free summer institute for young adults with intellectual disabilities that are interested in seeing what inclusive higher education is all about and how to best prepare. Be sure to review the details on their webpage and submit your application!
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IN! Webinar Series
This semester, we are offering three different webinar tracks - General, Educator, and Family - in order to offer more specified resources to you.
These interactive webinars allow you to ask questions surrounding inclusive higher education and work to best prepare your student(s) for this post-secondary pathway. Click the image below to download the flyer and register for the webinars that catch your eye.
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Bonus Webinar with PEAK Parent Center: March 9th
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Community Resources For You
We love being a part of a much larger network of passionate organizations. Check out these amazing opportunities to learn and engage with resources in our community.
- CDE's Transition Series Lunch & Learn: If you are like many parents, the topic of Transition is full of unknowns and for many, a launch into a whole new world. CDE seeks to support parents in learning about the transition planning process, goals, and expectations so you can partner with your teen's school team to help your student succeed in high school and beyond. Click the 1st flyer below to see details and register.
- COEF's A Brighter Futures Youth and Family Training Series: Participate in this interactive curriculum and training dedicated to educating youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families/care providers about Employment First, about the possibilities, processes, potential services, systems navigation, and strategies for securing work. Click the 2nd flyer below to see details and register.
- Untapped Learning's Summer Resources: Untapped Learning, a fee-for-service organization supporting neurodiverse students to develop executive functioning skills and ultimately college preparation skills, offers several summer programs for a wide range of student needs covering topics such as transitioning to college, helpful routines in college, advocacy strategies, and study skills. Click the 3rd flyer below to see details and register.
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You Can Still Apply!
While application season for inclusive higher education programs has been well underway and several prospective students have begun their interview process, we want to remind you that there is still time to apply at ACC, UNC, and REGIS! For ongoing application updates and additional resources for families, check out IN!'s Application Information blog. Also, feel free to access our weekly office hours, available every Tuesday from 3-5pm, to ask our Community Engagement Coordinator general questions and feel equipped to take the necessary next steps. Sign up here.
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Job Opening Within Inclusive Higher Education
The UCCS Office of Inclusive Services is hiring an employment coordinator to provide meaningful career development and job experiences for students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in their program. Join this collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment that has a deep commitment to position their graduates for success in their professional and personal lives. Click here to learn more about this position and submit your application.
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We invite you to give to our mission and help us continue opening doors and paving paths to inclusive higher education in our state.
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