Families and professionals interested in learning more about inclusive postsecondary education options and opportunities for students with developmental disabilities graduating from high school can register for the Institute for Innovative Transition 2010 Summer Institute, "Strategies for Successful Campus-based Options for Students with Developmental Disabilities," to be held 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at the RIT Inn and Conference Center, 5257 W. Henrietta Road, Henrietta.
A group of experts on campus-based programs for students graduating from high school will offer insight on topics such as:
- college course options and supports for students with developmental disabilities
- differences between college and high school
- universal design for learning in the college classroom
- research from Think College summits
- state education standards and 18-21 standards
Special keynote speaker, Cate Weir, M.Ed., from Think College at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston, will address the importance of individualized supports and person-centered training for postsecondary education for students with developmental disabilities. Featured speaker Teri Lindner, a teacher and founder of the LifeLink Penn State University (PSU) Program, will also discuss the grassroots beginning of LifeLink PSU and share successes and challenges that the program has encountered along the way.
The 2010 Summer Institute, which is part of the new Think College NY! Initiative, is sponsored by the Institute for Innovative Transition, a partnership of the Golisano Foundation and the University of Rochester's Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities and Warner School of Education, in collaboration with the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education, located at Syracuse University.
The Institute for Innovative Transition, housed at Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities, was created two years ago with funding from the Golisano Foundation to help improve the quality of life for young adults with developmental disabilities and their families as they transition from school age to adulthood.
The Summer Institute is open to college administrators, school and adult agency staff, parents, and young adults. Summer Institute fees include lunch, and are $45 for professionals, $25 for family members, and $15 for students. Those interested must register by July 15 by contacting Kristen Love at (585) 276-3657 or Kristen_Love@urmc.rochester.edu. A registration form is also available online at www.nytransition.org.
For more information about the Institute for Innovative Transition at Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities, visit www.nytransition.org.
About the Golisano Foundation
The Golisano Foundation was founded in 1985 by B. Thomas Golisano, the founder and Chairman of Paychex. The Foundation is devoted exclusively to supporting programs for people with developmental disabilities so that they may achieve their maximum potentials by integrating independence, self-determination, and productivity into all facets of their lives. It is also dedicated to serving as a proactive partner with providers, organizations, and the community to enable those with disabilities to more fully participate in the life of the community and create an environment of dignity and care for disabled individuals and their families. The Foundation will celebrate its 25th anniversary December 24, 2010. For more information, visit golisanofoundation.org.