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2928 Integrated On-campus Residential Opportunities for Autistic Individuals at Taft College*

Thursday, July 12, 2007: 3:00 PM-4:15 PM

Lowell A & B (The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa)

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Taft College’s Transition to Independent Living (TIL) program was begun in 1995. This highly successful residency program for developmentally disabled adults is the only one of its kind on a community college campus and has received both local and national recognition for its outstanding accomplishments. The TIL graduates are tracked for 10 years after their completion of the program. The positive results on the autistic population will be outlined in this session. Transition to Independent Living Program Celebrating 10 years of Dreams and Successes! Autistic Student and Graduate Profile

When thought and action are combined, the results are powerful among the most powerful things on earth.

It all began with a dream The Taft College, Transition to Independent Living Program (TIL) began in August of 1995 with funding from Kern Regional Center.

Since the beginning, 131 students have graduated. Of these students, 32% are autistic and 68% have other developmentally disabilites. This report will reflect the 30% autistic students that include current students (3%) and graduates (27%).

Student and Graduate Profiles

71% of the students and graduates are males. 29% of the students and graduates are female. Their ages range from 18 to 36 years. 78% live alone. 22% live with a roommate. 98% are single and 2% are married. 34% have a boyfriend or girlfriend they met at Taft College while attending the Transition to Independent Living Program. 100% use public transportation (bus and/or train). 18% have a drivers' license.

Independent Living Information

84% receive supportive or independent living skills assistance. This assistance may include: housekeeping, mobility training, money management, personal care, shopping, meal preparation and scheduling and attending medical appointments. The graduates' ILS monthly hours varies from 0 to 30 hours depending upon their individual independent living skills ability. 80% live within 0-30 miles of their circle of support people. 95% socialize with their friends and family each week. 91% find help from their parents and 65% find help from their ILS or SLS person. 98% have a telephone and 75% have a cell phone. 32% have email and 6% have a fax machine. 95% continue to socialize with their TIL classmates. 62% visit TIL classmates. 64% telephone TIL classmates. 42% email TIL classmates. 82% are involved in various activities that include Special Olympics, sport teams, and social groups. 98% are registered to vote.

Vocational Information

100% are employed. Their hourly wages range from below $6.75 to $13.50 per hour. 29% receive job benefits that include sick leave, vacation and medical insurance. The job classification varies. 5% work a competitive job with no job coach and 92% work a competitive or individual job with a daily or weekly job coach. 3% work in a small work group or enclave with a daily job coach.

Financial Information

95% pay for all their living expenses. All the students and graduates receive Social Security benefits. Their monthly income varies from $700 to over $1,500. 100% have a checking account. 100% have a savings account. 97% have an ATM card.

TIL Graduate Housing

33% live in Section 8 or Low-Income housing. 3% live in Senior/Disabled housing. 14% own their own home. Their monthly rent varies from $0 - 300 to $600 - 700 per month.

Student and Graduates Success

88% live independently. 100% are employed. 94% receives no financial assistance from their circle of support. 100% pay monthly bills with or without assistance. 100% plan and prepare weekly meals with or without assistance. 98% apply safety habits at home. 97% access their community safely. 98% apply safety habits at work. 95% take care of their health & safety needs with or without assistance. 95% report they are very satisfied with their adjustment to their adult life. 97% report they are very happy with their current living arrangement. 95% report they are very happy with their job. 97% of the graduates report they received the proper amount of independent living skills training from Taft College to live independently.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will gain an understanding of the availability of post-secondary options for individuals with autism.
Participants will explore the measured outcomes of graduates of the Transition to Independent Living program at Taft College
Participants will explore the feasability of replicating this program in their geographical area.

Content Area: Transition Planning and Options for Adulthood

Presenters:

D. Roe Darnell, Ed., D.
President/Superintendent
Taft College/West Kern Community College District

Dr. Darnell received his BA degree from Oklahoma Christian College, his MS from Pepperdine University and his Doctorate from the University of La Verne. Roe served in various academic and administrative capacities at Pepperdine University and Cerro Coso Community College. Roe currently serves as Superintendent/President of Taft College. At TC Dr. Darnell initiated a $100 million renovation of the campus. Roe spearheaded the college's effort to redefine itself as a Learning College. This leadership is also reflected by the college's hiring of professional positions from underrepresented groups and has gained national recognition of the TIL program for disabled students.

Jeff Ross, M.A., Ed.
Director of Student Support Services
Taft College/West Kern Community College District

Jeff Ross has served as Director of Student Support Services at Taft Colelge since 1976. Jeff is a Learning Disabilites Specialist. Jeff spearheaded the establishment of the Transition to Independent Living program for individuals developmental disablities. This highly successful on-campus program for young adults with DD is the only one of its kind on a community college campus and has received recognition for its outstanding accomplishments. Among Jeff's other notable contributions is co-founder of the "California Post-Secondary Education for Students with Developmental Disabilities Workgroup." Jeff received his MA degree from CSU Bakersfield,and his BS degree from CSU Pomona.

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