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E4Texas Academic Enrichment Assistant

Meghan Schrader

As the Academic Enrichment Assistant at E4texas, I deeply appreciate the opportunity I’ve had to develop an Ethics curriculum for our students, and I thought a blog post about how that came about would help illustrate E4Texas’s commitment to empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 

All human beings have to make moral decisions in their lives, and that includes people with IDD. Choosing between right and wrong is a life skill that impacts the development of healthy relationships, self-respect and success at work. 

Secondly,  sometimes the powers that be express the desire to do horrible things to people with disabilities, including some ethicists with the power to influence social policy. I want our students to be aware of ethical issues that affect them, and to have a strong enough sense of integrity to say “no” to people who would like to oppress and abuse them. 

Thirdly, giving our students the opportunity to learn about morality promotes equality. Most young people who go to college receive practice in considering what they believe about right and wrong, such as by voting in an election for the first time, taking a philosophy class, having thoughtful discussions with peers, etc. I want our students to benefit from that same opportunity to develop critical thinking skills. People with IDD deserve to be as prepared to consider moral issues as their peers. 

Lastly,  I want to teach our students about ethics for much the same reason that I want to take them to hear renowned musicians at the School of Music – the world often tries to tell disabled people that we should have low expectations for what we will experience in life– that we shouldn’t bother exposing ourselves to fine music or having an opinion about important moral issues that impact what kind of world we live in. I hope that our discussions will empower our students to resist that trend and set high goals for themselves.  

Hence, my lessons give E4Texas students the opportunity to think about foundational moral skills, like following the Golden Rule. We talk about the fact that there’s a difference between moral rules that are in place to protect people’s rights, and social rules that may be less important, or may be unfair to people with disabilities. We talk about how having a strong moral identity promotes well-being and students create a Moral Vision Board featuring values that are important to them. My hope is that these lessons will instill a sense of integrity that will allow them to look in the mirror at the end of the day and be proud of the moral decisions that they made.

 In short, teaching our students about ethics is one of my contributions to our program’s mission of “educate, empower, employ, excel.” Our students deserve nothing less. 

Planning for college is happening for high school juniors and seniors right now! Some may have already applied, and some are already hearing back from schools they’ve applied to. Often, students with an intellectual disability (ID) are left out of these discussions and activities, thinking that college is not an option. Think College is determined to correct this misconception and spread the word that college IS possible for students with intellectual disabilities. So, if you think you might want to go to college after high school, here are some things you can do to get started on YOUR college planning.

Get to know the over 300 college programs that are designed for students with intellectual disabilities specifically.

They all have important things in common…

• They are located at a college, university, or community college. 
• They are non-degree programs. This means that students earn a certificate at the end of the program, not an associate or bachelor’s degree.
• There is an alternate admission process that differs from what is required to get into a degree program at the same college. 
• Supports for students with ID are provided.

But they can differ from each other in a lot of important ways…

• Programs can be anywhere from 1 – 4 years long
• Some programs offer campus housing and others do not
• Some programs are fully inclusive which means that they do not create any special classes or social experiences that are only for students in the program. Other programs have some separate learning or social experiences.
• Some programs have a general certificate that can be individually designed around the interests of students, and others offer certificates that prepare students for a specific career, such as early childhood education or hospitality, as just two examples.
• The amount and type of supports can vary. For example, some programs may have program staff available to students every day while others may not offer support on campus on weekends. Some may provide support prior to, during, and after college classes, others may provide limited support.
• Some programs accept students who are still in high school and they go to college as their transition program, and some programs accept students who are out of high school. At some programs, they may have both kinds of students attending.
• Admission processes and requirements are different at every program.
• Some programs offer access to federal financial aid, and others do not.

Just as college programs vary, so of course does every student. To begin to identify a college that is going to work, you have to start with discovering what matters to YOU.  Imagine yourself in college – what are you doing?

• What classes are you taking?
• What social events are you participating in?
• Where are you living?
• Are you close to home or far away?
• When you complete college, what do you want to do?

Visualizing college and talking to your friends and family about how you want it to be for YOU can help you learn what is most important. Now, armed with a list of things that matter to you, start exploring!

Think College Search gives you a place to start learning about the options. You can:

• Discover programs that offer the things that matter the most to you by using the “filters”.  Like for example, seeing only the programs that offer campus housing if you want to live on campus.
• Save the ones that look promising
• Compare programs on how they are the same and how they are different.

Finding the right fit takes time. College options for students with ID are a relatively new idea.

Because they are all different, it can take a bit of digging to learn enough about a program to really know if it is right for you. Use our How to Conduct a College Search Guideto review questions that were suggested by real students and families that you can ask to learn more about the college programs you are most interested in.

Here is the bottom line: students who are getting ready to finish high school start thinking about what they will do next. Lots of students begin to look at colleges and see if there is a good fit for them. Think College offers resources that can help students with intellectual disability look at lots of options. We want to make sure that if a student wants to go on to college, they can! 

Post author: Cate Weir is the project director for the Think College National Coordinating Center, a position she has held since the Center’s inception in 2010. One of her favorite parts of that job is talking to families and students as they embark on the journey to postsecondary education and finding the right college.

This blog was originally posted on ThinkCollege.net

E4Texas Senior Outreach Program Coordinator

Kathleen Hernandez

According to Rich Luecking, EdD Research Professor at the University of Maryland, the importance of paid employment experiences for youth with disabilities is the single-strongest predictor of post-school employment. In fact, students with disabilities are 3.8 times more likely to be employed one year after high school if they were employed during high school (Rabren et al., 2002). To ensure a seamless transition from secondary school to the next phase of their lives, it is crucial for students to have exposure to work experiences and job opportunities.

The E4Texas program recognizes the significance of work experiences in preparing students for successful employment outcomes. By connecting students with internship opportunities in their chosen field of study during their final semester, E4Texas aims to provide practical, hands-on experience in real-world settings. These internships allow students to develop essential work skills, explore their career paths, and identify their preferences in terms of working environments. It’s our intent that when a student officially completes the E4Texas program, they have the tools they need to seamlessly transition to employment.

Collaboration between our E4Texas staff and community partners (transition coordinators, vocational rehabilitation counselors, community rehabilitation agencies, and community employers) are an invaluable part of this transition process. By leveraging the available resources and support available through their E4Texas connections, students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work experiences that lead to post-school employment. Through these collaborations, E4Texas students gain valuable work experience, receive job coaching support, and have a smoother transition into the workforce.

By integrating work experiences into the curriculum and leveraging community partnerships, E4Texas empowers its students with the skills, confidence, and network needed to pursue their career goals. These internships not only provide practical training but also foster independence, self-advocacy, and a sense of accomplishment for the students.

The E4Texas program recognizes the importance of paid employment experiences as a crucial aspect of seamless transition for young adults with disabilities. By assisting students in finding internship opportunities and facilitating partnerships with community organizations, E4Texas equips its students with the necessary skills and support to successfully enter the workforce. Through practical work experiences, students gain valuable insights, develop work skills, and increase their chances of long-term employment success.

Want to learn more about the E4Texas post-secondary program at the University of Texas-Austin? Register for our annual Open House to learn all about this employment-focused transition program!  For additional information, visit our website or email our Program Outreach Coordinator at Kathleen.Hernandez@austin.UTexas.edu. Your journey towards growth and empowerment starts here!

The latest National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) report for August 2023, issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability brings good news for people with disabilities. The new report highlights record-breaking achievements in labor force participation and employment-to-population ratios among people with disabilities.

Labor Force Participation:

Participation in the labor force for people with disabilities aged 16-64 saw a 2% increase, rising from 40.4% in July 2023 to 41.2% in August 2023.

Conversely, the rate for those without disabilities decreased marginally from 78.4% in July 2023 to 78.2% in August 2023 (source).

Month-to-Month Comparison:

From July 2023 to August 2023, the employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities (ages 16-64) increased from 37.3% to 37.9% (a 1.6% improvement).

In contrast, people without disabilities witnessed a slight decline, with the employment-to-population ratio dropping from 75.5% to 75.2% (source, source).

Year-to-Year Comparison:

Compared to 2022, participation in the labor force for people with disabilities increased by an impressive 9.6%, reaching 41.2% by August 2023.

For those without disabilities, the rate also increased, though by a smaller margin of 0.9%, reaching 78.2%.

Total Workforce Representation:

In August 2023, people with disabilities aged 16-64 made up 4.3% of the total U.S. workforce, totaling 6,533,000 workers out of 150,594,000.

Overall, the nTIDE August 2023 Jobs Report shows positive trends in employment for people with disabilities, demonstrating their continuous growing participation in today’s work force. These findings underscore the importance of creating inclusive post-secondary education opportunities like E4Texas, and inclusive workplaces and opportunities for people with disabilities.

For more detailed information on this report, please visit the nTIDE archives. For more information about the E4Texas post-secondary program at the University of Texas-Austin, please visit the E4Texas website, where you can register for our upcoming annual Open House to learn all about this employment-focused transition program!  For additional information, visit our website or email our Program Outreach Coordinator at Kathleen.Hernandez@austin.UTexas.edu. Your journey towards growth and empowerment starts here!

At E4Texas, we are proud to support Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW), happening September 11th- 15th, 2023. This important week, formerly known as National Disability Voter Registration Week, is a nationwide effort coordinated by the American Association of People with Disabilities’ REV UP Voting Campaign. It’s a week dedicated to empowering the disability community by ensuring equal access to voting, and advocating for the rights of over 38 million eligible voters with disabilities.

During DVRW, the focus is on breaking down barriers that have historically hindered people with disabilities from participating fully in our democratic process. Discriminatory voting practices, limited registration locations, and inadequate resources have historically excluded millions of Americans from exercising their right to vote. To bridge this gap, efforts include providing assistance for voter registration, ensuring equitable access to absentee ballots and applications, and making all polling places accessible to voters with disabilities.

At E4Texas, we understand that education and self-advocacy go hand in hand, and are two things that help our students go on to lead more independent lives. An important part of our program curriculum is teaching our students about disability history, including an emphasis on legislative advocacy. The disability community has overcome many obstacles to exercise their right to vote, and we hope to shed light on this history to encourage our students to become involved themselves. A highlight of the program is the opportunity for our students to visit the Texas State Capitol every year during the summer semester to testify on behalf of a bill of their choosing, exercising their right to participate in the local government. This experience not only deepens their understanding of legislative advocacy, but empowers our students to be active participants in shaping policies that matter to them. Our students get to experience firsthand the power of legislative advocacy, the importance of speaking up for their rights, and how to be effective self-advocates. Similarly, DRVW is another opportunity for the disability community to put these skills into action, and use their voice to through the power of voting.

How to get involved during Disability Voting Rights Week:

1. Check Your Voter Registration: Verify your voter registration status, or register to vote to ensure your voice is heard.
2. Know Your Rights: Learn about your voting rights, and access accommodations and language assistance at the polls.
3. Get Involved: Participate in the Every Voice, Every Vote campaign to strengthen our democracy by encouraging and protecting voter participation.
4. Host an Event: Consider hosting a voter registration or education event to engage your community.
5. Social Media Activism: Raise awareness by activating your social media platforms to promote DVRW and its mission.
6. Spread the Word: Share your thoughts and experiences on DVRW and the importance of activism by writing an op-ed for your local newspaper.
7. Collaborate: Partner with other disability and voting rights organizations to amplify your impact.
8. Engage Local Leaders: Get involved in your local government and encourage town leaders to issue a proclamation for Disability Voting Rights Week.
9. Stay Informed: Visit Vote411.org for state-specific voter information and resources for voters with disabilities.
10. SignVote: If you are part of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, explore SignVote’s resources and instructional videos in American Sign Language.

Disability Voting Rights Week serves as a reminder that our democracy thrives when everyone actively participates, and it falters when our citizens are excluded. At E4Texas, we are committed to fostering an inclusive society where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can engage in the democratic process. We encourage our students and the broader community to get involved in DVRW and help shape a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

In closing, remember that every vote counts, and your participation can influence accessibility and issues that matter to voters like you! Whether you have a disability or not, your voice matters. At E4Texas, we are dedicated to supporting and amplifying the voices of all our students as they engage in the democratic process during Disability Voting Rights Week and beyond.

For more information about Disability Voting Rights Week, please visit the American Association of People with Disabilities’ REV UP Voting Campaign website and explore the resources available to make your voice heard. For more information about the E4Texas post-secondary program at the University of Texas-Austin, please visit the E4Texas website, where you can register for our upcoming annual Open House to learn all about this employment-focused transition program! Your journey towards growth and empowerment starts here!

[Source: American Association of People with Disabilities’ REV UP Voting Campaign]

E4Texas Senior Outreach Program Coordinator

Kathleen Hernandez

In a step towards promoting equal access to healthcare and human services, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has just announced a new proposed rule: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance. This proposed rule aims to strengthen regulations against discrimination on the basis of disability, updating provisions that help people with disabilities access health and human services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The announcement was made for immediate release yesterday, September 7th, 2023– the week before Disability Voting Rights Week (September 11-15, 2023), and 50 years after the enactment of the Rehabilitation Act, reflecting over 50 years of advocacy by the disability community.

A Milestone in Disability Rights

The proposed new rule would represent an advancement in the ongoing fight for disability rights. For many Americans, especially for those with disabilities, accessing quality healthcare can be a challenge. This rule aims to reduce that challenge, designed to ensure people with disabilities are not subjected to discrimination in any program or activity receiving funding from HHS solely because of their disability. Freedom from disability-based discrimination is a civil right, and that it could very much be a matter of life and death in health and human services programs. It reflects commitment to improve disability rights, and would be a step towards a more inclusive, equitable and accessible healthcare system for all.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Rule:

1. Eliminating Bias: It ensures that medical treatment decisions are not based on biases or stereotypes about individuals with disabilities.
2. Web Accessibility: The rule clarifies obligations for web, mobile, and kiosk accessibility to ensure digital information is available to all.
3. Accessible Medical Equipment: Enforceable standards for accessible medical equipment will be established to enhance healthcare access.
4. Child Welfare Programs: Clarifications are made regarding requirements in HHS-funded child welfare programs and activities.
5. Value Assessment: It prohibits the use of value assessment methods that place a lower value on life-extension for individuals with disabilities.
6. Integrated Services: Clarifications emphasize the obligation to provide services in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of individuals with disabilities.

It’s important to note that this rulemaking is still underway. If you believe you or someone else has been discriminated against on the basis of disability, you can file a complaint through the OCR complaint portal here.

At E4Texas, we recognize the significance of such developments in advancing disability rights. We believe in empowering our students to participate fully in society, and advocate for their rights, including in the areas of healthcare and human services.

For more information about the E4Texas inclusive post-secondary program at the University of Texas-Austin, please visit the E4Texas website, where you can register for our upcoming annual Open House to learn all about this employment-focused transition program! Your journey towards growth and empowerment starts here!

The E4Texas summer semester has now concluded, offering students a unique opportunity to delve into important subjects and build crucial skills. With a curriculum that’s thoughtfully designed, E4Texas is committed to fostering growth, empowerment, and community engagement. Let’s take a closer look at what the summer program had in store for our new students:

Summer is always an exciting and busy time for E4Texas. Our new cohort of nine students moved onto campus at the beginning of July and hit the ground running. Students have been exploring UT and the city of Austin. We saw the fireworks at Zilker Park, hung out on the rooftop garden at the Central Library, and celebrated the anniversary of the ADA at ADAPT Headquarters. Students have taken courses in Work Readiness, Independent Living, Healthy Relationships, Disability History, Disability in the Media, and Legislative Advocacy. Additionally, we had a graduate continue into his second year with E4, pursuing his Childcare Certification through UT Austin’s Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory.

Learning Objectives

The E4Texas summer semester is built on a foundation of 3 essential learning objectives. Over the summer, E4Texas students will:

1. Enhance their understanding of disability history, providing a foundation for self-advocacy skills.
2. Develop their independent living skills, enabling them to lead more self-sufficient lives.
3. Strengthen their ability to collaborate within teams– a skill that’s invaluable in any context, but will be especially important as students proceed through the program in pursuit of employment in their chosen career field.

A Comprehensive Approach

The summer semester comprises four key components that ensure a well-rounded educational experience:

1. Core Learning Outcomes: E4Texas staff performs daily student assessments on our 5 core learning outcomes for every student: Communication, workplace professionalism, problem-solving, building connections, and professional appearance. These daily assessments offer real-time insights into students’ growth, which is crucial not just for academic progress but also for data-driven personal and professional development.
2. Group Disability History Project: An introduction to disability history creates an understanding of the challenges faced and the victories achieved. This project sheds light on the legislative journey toward inclusion.
3. Legislative Advocacy Testimony: Students explore self-advocacy by practicing their advocacy skills at the Texas Capitol at the end of the Summer semester. Their empowered voices contribute to shaping policies that matter to them.
4. Classroom Assignments: From in-class activities and discussions to quizzes, tests, projects, and community engagement, these assignments provide an engaging curriculum.

Want to learn more about the E4Texas post-secondary program at the University of Texas-Austin? Register for our annual Open House to learn all about this employment-focused transition program!  For additional information, visit our website or email our Program Outreach Coordinator at Kathleen.Hernandez@austin.UTexas.edu. Your journey towards growth and empowerment starts here!

E4Texas Senior Outreach Program Coordinator

Kathleen Hernandez

As Texas experiences an aging boom and an increase in individuals with disabilities, the demand for personal care attendants has skyrocketed. These compassionate individuals play a vital role in helping people with disabilities or chronic illnesses maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. In this post, we will review the growing demand for personal care attendants and how the E4Texas program is making a positive impact in addressing this critical need.

The Growing Need for Personal Care Attendants:

Texas is at the forefront of an aging population, with both older Texans and elderly individuals from across the nation choosing the state as their home for their golden years. As residents age, their health may decline, necessitating assistance with daily living tasks. Individuals with physical disabilities may also utilize personal care attendants to support them in their daily routines, such as dressing, bathing, and transportation. These attendants empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives within their communities and contribute to society. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of home health and personal care aides is projected to grow 25% through 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Enter: The E4Texas Program

The E4Texas program helps address the growing need for personal care attendants by providing a structured career training track that equips students interested in a career as a personal care attendant with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to meet the demands of the role. Through classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and access to community partners, the program prepares students to deliver high-quality care and support to members in the community seeking care. By actively engaging with the community and fostering partnerships, E4Texas empowers students to find job placement and career advancement, ensuring a supply of qualified personal care attendants to meet the increasing demand in the field year after year.

Recruitment and Training:

The E4Texas program aims to attract people with or without a disability, who are over the age of 18, who have a high school diploma, and are employment-focused in the areas of Personal Care Attendant, Child Care Attendant, or Paraprofessional. Through targeted recruitment efforts and partnerships with community organizations, E4Texas encourages students to consider a career as a personal care attendant as a means of developing a more independent life with a rewarding role. The program highlights the flexibility and rewarding nature of this career, emphasizing the positive impact attendants can make in the lives for whom they care.

Conclusion:

As the demand for personal care attendants continues to rise in Texas, the E4Texas program serves as a community asset connecting students with the opportunity to fill an in-demand role. Students attending E4Texas are offered specialized career training in a growing field so they can develop marketable skills, and go on to lead a fulfilling, independent life in a career in which they can be proud. The program’s dedication to enhancing the workforce in this field is an important part of meeting the growing demand and improving the overall well-being of students interested in pursuing this career path.

To learn more about the E4Texas program, please visit our website or email kathleen.hernandez@austin.utexas.edu