ICE Partnership ProgramOpening Doors for Students with Disabilities

part·ner·ship   (pärt'nər-shĭp')

A relationship between individuals or groups that is characterized by mutual cooperation and responsibility, as for the achievement of a specified goal

Belchertown Public Schools – Federation for Children with Special Needs – Holyoke Community College – Institute for

Community Inclusion – Monson Public Schools – South Hadley Public Schools – Westfield Public Schools – Willie Ross School

for the Deaf

Overview

DESE funded grant

Developed to create equal access to postsecondary education for all students

Students with significant disabilities, ages 18-22, are offered dual enrollment/early admit opportunities

Benefits

Academic and advising support Free tuition, fees, textbooks & materials,

transportation expenses 1:1 Ed Coaches, provided by the sending high

school Social opportunities in age-appropriate settings

1

Create Student Vision & Goals

2

Develop Flexible Services & Supports

3

Assist Students to Access College & Employment

4Evaluate Outcomes

Interagency Transition Team Interagency teams work collaboratively to support individual

students’ transitions Representation includes:

High school liaison Higher education liaison Educational consultants Educational coaches Student mentors Parent liaison Adult agencies Employment specialists

Monthly meetings, organized by partnership coordinator, address topics specific to student and program issues

Enrollment Requirements

Eligibility under the DESE’s enhanced eligibility criteria. Unable to achieve the Competency Determination necessary for high school graduation by passing the MCAS exam.

Completion of the HCC Early Admit application. Submission of a completed Person Centered Plan

(PCP). Participation in an intake meeting with the Office

for Students with Disabilities and Deaf Services (OSDDS).

Submission of the individual’s documentation of disability.

Assistive technology assessment, as needed.

Person Centered Plan

A results oriented process that empowers a student to dream

A process that is focused on engaging students in their own futures planning

Planning that is directed by the student and assisted by a neutral facilitator

Planning that results in an action plan

Supports at HCC

Office for Students with Disabilities/Deaf Services CAPS Center for Academic Program Support Career Services Counseling Services Student Activities Bartley Athletic and Recreation Center

Course Offerings Art Business & Technology Communications Culinary Arts Dance English Geology Health & Fitness

Human Services Martial Arts Math Music Psychology Sociology Spanish Theatre 

Universal Course Design

Diversified instruction in order to effectively reach and actively engage all students, including those with disabilities

Provide alternative ways students can engage the learning process

Deliver course information in a customizable format without watering down the content

Remove barriers to information access

A thought, even a POSSIBILITY,can shatter and transform us.

- Frederick Nietzche

For more information on the ICE Partnership Program please contact: Maureen Conroy (mconroy@hcc.mass.edu), Ty Hanson (thanson@hcc.mass.edu), or Carla Katz

(ckatz@hcc.mass.edu).