PROJECT PANTHER LIFE Learning is for Everyone

1. PROJECT PANTHER LIFELearning is for Everyone Florida International University Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Parent to Parent of Miami

2. How we got started • Parent to Parent initiates meeting with interested parties in the community • Initial presentation attended by representatives of Parent to Parent, M-DCPS, FIU • FIU designates Dr. Valle-Riestra as principal investigator for the TPSID grant. Grant is awarded. • Representatives from the three partners worked to develop the program (develop cooperative agreement and application, identify program coordinator and assistant, identify courses, advertise and secure academic mentors and peer coaches, develop and schedule student/family seminars, etc.)

3. Basic Overview • The first inclusive post secondary program for students with Intellectual Disabilities on a university campus in Miami. • The recruitment, preparation, and program delivery to 8-10 students with ID that meet project eligibility criteria. • Initial and ongoing advising, academic mentoring, peer coaching support, faculty advising and job shadowing/job coaching. • The development of self-determination and advocacy skills for students and families enrolled in the program. • The development and generalization of independent living skills in the community. • The successful completion and potential for paid employability of students with ID from the program.

4. Eligibility Criteria Students in the Project Panther LIFE program at Florida International University will be deemed eligible upon meeting the following criteria: Have finished the necessary credits for graduation with a special diploma Be18-21 years of age Have a desire to receive transition services in a college setting Have a documented Intellectual Disability Will benefit from participation in a variety of non-paid internships Are interested and capable of using public transportation to access Project Panther LIFE (travel training to be provided by the program during the summer prior to the beginning of the school year) Have a desire to work competitively at the end of the Project Panther LIFE program Be able to communicate effectively with others Display a level of social maturity conducive to a college environment Be able to maintain personal self care and hygiene appropriately Have satisfactory attendance from previous schools

5. SampleSchedule

6. Systems of Support for Students and Families FIU MDCPS • Waived Tuition and Fees for year 1 • Faculty Advisors • Academic Mentors • Peer Coaches • IDs and Access to all Student Activities • Best Buddies • Project Coordinator • Full-time assistant • Transition Specialist • Travel Training • Social Worker • Job Coach(es) • Textbooks and supplies • Parent Seminars provided by Parent to Parent of Miami • Vocational Rehabilitation

7. Success Stories • Unique job shadowing opportunities (Dean’s office, equipment manager in athletics, Children’s Creative Learning Center (CCLC), Fitness Center • Daily workouts • 5 students and 1 peer coach attended and presented at the 2nd Annual Hartwick Symposium • Added an art experience component for the students • Special Olympics

8. Success Stories Professor Feedback “… it was obvious that he was proud to be in Project Panther LIFE.” “He was not in the least intimidated by the class or by participating.” “He did well on class assignments and even wrote an extra paper on his FIU experiences.” “In class, she interacted with group members in a way that demonstrated a higher level of friendship than simply a class group member relationship.”

15. Now What? • Add two additional student slots for next year • Additional job shadowing/internships • Phase II (students over 22yrs) • Reapply for TPSID grant for upcoming year

16. PROJECT PANTHER LIFELearning is for Everyone Questions??? Florida International University Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Parent to Parent of Miami