Academy for Adult LearningInstitute on Disabilities
Temple UniversityKathy Miller Kathy Miller
Home Base: The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
The Academy for Adult Learning Framework
Academy Students
Tradition of Diversity
Founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell H. Conwell who
spoke of “finding diamonds in the rough in our
own backyard”
Russell H. Conwell, Acres of Diamonds Lecture, 1870
Pennsylvania’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at Temple University
Community focused UCEDD established in 1974 with close to 40 projects and 80 multidisciplinary staff
Part of the College of Education
A two year postsecondary education experience for young adults with
intellectual disabilities ages 18 -25
39 Graduates since 2012
The program began with one cohort of ten students expanded in 2009 to two cohorts
Currently enrolled are◦11 Freshmen◦9 Seniors
Only 5% of our students are under
the auspices of IDEA
Self-DiscoverySelf –DirectionFull Inclusion Social Capital
Provide a genuine post-secondary learningexperience for students with intellectualdisabilities
Academic Engagement
AAL Core Curriculum Inclusive Temple course work
Socialization/Self-Determination
Extracurricular Activities
Career Exploration
AAL Core curriculum
On Campus Internship
Eligible for Intellectual Disability Services
A desire to continue to learn and grow
A positive attitude
A willingness to try new things
AAL Core Curriculum Non credit weekly seminars open to
Academy students, Mentors & Tutors
Academic classes◦ Continuing Education courses◦ Undergraduate courses
Student Mentors and Tutors
◦ One on One matches with Temple students
On Campus Internships◦ 15 week part time work experience during the fourth semester
Adjusting to College
◦ Identifying learning styles
◦ Problem solving strategies
◦ Team building
◦ Navigating the campus resources
Self-awareness and Personal Growth
◦ Improving communication skills
◦ Conflict resolutions
◦ Developing and Sustaining Relationships
◦ Self-advocacy skills
Community Engagement
◦ Participation and Citizenship
◦ Concerns and Issues in the Community
◦ Volunteering
◦ Voting
Career Exploration
◦ Researching career options
◦ Developing an employment plan
◦ Identifying and exploring ways to find jobs
◦ Developing skills for the interviewing process
◦ Creating: Electronic portfolios Cover letters Resumes
Computer Skills
◦ Microsoft Office:
Word
Excel
Power Point
Publications
Internet
Continuing Education Classes Include:
◦ Reading, Writing, and Mathematics◦ Intro to Criminal Justice◦ Public Speaking◦ American Sign Language◦ Acting for Beginners◦ Food, Diet and Health◦ Interior Design◦ Piano for Beginners
Undergraduate Courses Audited Include :
◦ Intro to Women Studies◦ American State and Local Politics◦ Intro to Sociology◦ Philadelphia Dance Experience◦ Human Sexuality ◦ American Political Systems◦ Blacks in Cinema◦ Intro to Criminal Justice
Accommodations are made according to each student’s individual learning style together with the student, professor, and AAL personnel.
Accommodations that have been put in place include:◦ Reading Logs Summary Reports◦ Oral exams Open book exams
Full time matriculated Temple students are matched with individual Academy students
Attend a full week of orientation Attend bi-weekly meetings throughout each
semester
Provide supports to Academy students in academic and social areas
Activities are determined and directed by the Academy students
15 week part time work experience on Temple’s Main Campus
◦ Explore Career Options
◦ Develop Positive Work Habits
◦ Work setting experiences are incorporated into
Seminar teaching and learning
Types of Internships completed by
Academy students include:
◦ Computer Business Services
◦ Campus Police Station
◦ Ambler Arboretum
◦ Independence Blue Cross Student Health Center
◦ College of Education’s Partnership School
◦ Institute on Disabilities
Families are invited to meet together twice each semester
◦ Sharing Information◦ Supporting One Another ◦ Problem Solving
Contact Information:Kathy Miller, DirectorInstitute on Disabilities Temple University1755 N 13th StreetSuite 411 Philadelphia, PA 19122215.204.9395 TTY [email protected]