IN THEIR OWN WORDS - COLLEGE SUCCESS STORIES
Include College will be featuring stories from both students and parents describing their experiences at inclusive postsecondary colleges in Georgia. Here are some we thought you would enjoy.
Jordan Huffman, Freshman at University of Georgia’s Destination Dawgs in Athens, GA
JORDAN: I had my heart set on becoming a University of Georgia Bulldog. When I heard about the Destination Dawgs program, I knew I wanted to go there. I decided that I want to be a sportscaster for ESPN. I plan on interviewing my friend Adam, who is on the baseball team, and his teammates and coaches. I love being a Georgia Bulldog at Destination Dawgs!
JORDAN’S MOM: We started looking at inclusive college options when Jordan was in elementary school because we wanted him to have the same opportunities as kids without disabilities. We understood what the eligibility requirements for were, and made sure his IEP (Individualized Educational Program) was planned to meet those. When he got accepted, I did have hesitation because it was a new program, new teachers and a whole new environment. Once we went through the orientation and met his peer mentors, I knew everything was going to be fine.
JORDAN’S MOM: We started looking at inclusive college options when Jordan was in elementary school because we wanted him to have the same opportunities as kids without disabilities. We understood what the eligibility requirements for were, and made sure his IEP (Individualized Educational Program) was planned to meet those. When he got accepted, I did have hesitation because it was a new program, new teachers and a whole new environment. Once we went through the orientation and met his peer mentors, I knew everything was going to be fine.
Benjamin Scott, Graduate of the CHOICE Program at East Georgia State College, Swainsboro, GA
BENJAMIN: I decided to go to CHOICE because I wanted to better my life and my career. Some students might not think that college is an option because of their disability, but it is. To be successful in college, never get behind on assignments, take advantage of all the resources and support and always speak up. Attending CHOICE was the best decision I have made.
BENJAMIN’S MOM: At first, I was afraid to let Benjamin go to CHOICE. He told me about the program, and I knew this was his dream. The people at CHOICE guided him and taught him not only his schoolwork, but also how to be independent. He changed dramatically. At first, he would not speak to you, but now he has grown as a person who has confidence. This experience taught me that just because your child has a disability, it does not mean that they lack potential. You might not be able to see it, but you have to give them a chance to grow, learn and dream.
BENJAMIN’S MOM: At first, I was afraid to let Benjamin go to CHOICE. He told me about the program, and I knew this was his dream. The people at CHOICE guided him and taught him not only his schoolwork, but also how to be independent. He changed dramatically. At first, he would not speak to you, but now he has grown as a person who has confidence. This experience taught me that just because your child has a disability, it does not mean that they lack potential. You might not be able to see it, but you have to give them a chance to grow, learn and dream.
Click to view info on all GEorgia Inclusive College Programs.
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Click on each school below for requirements, applications, contact and details about their College Program.
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The Georgia Inclusive Postsecondary Education Consortium is a project of the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University. The Consortium is funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, Grant #P407A150079.