2019 Annual Conference

Learners with Disabilities and Special Needs

Concurrent Session (45 minutes)

Overview of a community education program at an urban community college that focuses on adult students with intellectual disabilities.  Discussion includes program components, the impact of the program on the students and their families, and the impact of the program on the student population and staff at the community college.

Adult educators who believe in social justice and inclusion for adults with intellectual disabilities

Special education teachers who are working in literacy, transition or workforce programs for adults

Anyone interested in learning about an integrated and unique program that serves an often forgotten population of adults -- those with intellectual disabilities

Define different levels of intellectual disabilities
Identify and describe an inclusive community environment in and outside of the classroom
Recognize potential partners for creating an inclusive community of adult learners
Replicate program components in their own educational setting, even if their program does not work with intellectually disabled adults
Apply adult learning principles to an under-served population of adult learners

The non-credit Skills for Daily Living program at Morton College in Cicero, Illinois, has positively influenced the lives of its students and their families over the three years it has been in existence.  Serving adult students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, the core class provides physical fitness opportunities and academics to students who otherwise would not be able to have a college experience.  In addition to the core class, students have the opportunity to participate in Panther Adventures (field trips) to off-campus athletic, cultural and seasonal activities. 

CAB (Campus Activities Board) includes the students in their social activities.  The interaction and friendships that have developed between Skills for Daily Living students and credit students demonstrate the true meaning of inclusion.  In addition, other college departments have become involved with the students, including the Art Club and Campus Police.

Recent additions to the program include parent meetings in partnership with a local social service agency, and a Work Skills Experience for the students.  Other agencies may offer some or all of these components; however, what makes Skills for Daily Living unique is its inclusion in the everyday activities of life on campus.

The presentation of this session will be informal, with interaction encouraged from those in attendance.  The session will begin with some background to introduce listeners to the definition of intellectual disabilities, followed by how Illinois handles transition after high school for these students.

The reasons the program got started, along with a timeline, will be next.  The primary focus of the session will be adult education principles being demonstrated (self-direction, choice, prior knowledge, etc.) in program design, plus the components themselves.  Use of visuals,including pictures, and anecdotes will keep the presentation interesting.