Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association - Higher Visions for Education
Providing a unique program at the University of Denver for individuals with Down syndrome to enhance life skills, independence, and self-esteem. The program focuses on personalized education, community engagement, and fostering a supportive environment. Challenges include marketing, competition for time, finding the right students, funding, and location accessibility.
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION Higher Visions for Education
HIGHER VISIONS FOR EDUCATION Life/Social Skills class Four Quarters (following the DU calendar) Engaged with the DU community Work with/utilize DU professors, athletes, administrators (health and well being, school of hospitality, LAX teams, etc.) Designed to help students gain a higher level of independence and self-esteem through tangible skills and experiences 10 years at DU Non-certification (we could issue an RMDSA Certification, but why?)
HVE: STUDENTS Must have completed H.S. Most from the Denver metro area (one from Ft. Collins) No age limit No entrance requirements, though students must be self-motivated Only students with Down syndrome
HVE: GOALS/MEASURABLE OUTCOMES End of quarter/year surveys Anecdotal: students now living independently or semi-independently. Over 90% retention rate of students Prepare students for more inclusive lives within their communities Expose students to new ideas and life situations
HVE: DIFFERENCES To date, the only program of it s type in the state Taught by a LCSW and Special Ed. teacher Partnership with DU Experience of instructors
HVE: DU PARTNERSHIP Over 10 years of a loose partnership Renewed focus on partnership in the last two years Support from parents is very strong Using what already exists, not recreating the wheel
HVE: CHALLENGES Marketing the program Competition for time: Self-advocates are busier than ever Finding the right student: do they want to be here, or is it their parents who want them to be here? Funding: some parents believe that $250 a quarter is too much to pay Location: only accessible to those that are a) in the metro area b) willing to drive
