Dub-C Autism Program (D-CAP)

HYPE - School Year Program Goal and Objectives: September- June

Participants: Junior and Senior High School students. Note: Year 1 of HYPE is only open to high school juniors. You must enter HYPE at the onset of your junior year.

Location: SPARC at 1160 McDermott Drive, West Chester, PA 19383

Dates:    September-June

Duration: Students: Two hours, 1 night a week throughout the school year program 

              Parents: Two hours, one time a month through out the school year program

Goal: To provide students with ASD meaningful educational activities and supports, enabling them to maximize their independence and help them become prepared for university life.

Student Objectives

• Increase self-determination abilities
• Enhance communication, social and problem-solving skills
• Improve management and organization of time, as well as materials related to school or work
• Augment skills related to independent living (e.g., money management, weekly schedule planning, meal planning/preparation, cleaning and organizing living areas, laundry, self-care)
• Increase skills related to community integration and the ability to live with roommates in a dormitory/apartment setting
• Help individuals prepare for post-secondary education and employment
• Develop routines that increase health and safety (e.g., healthy eating habits, exercise, hygiene, managing medical appointments)

 

Parent Objectives

• Increase knowledge of post-secondary education laws
• Prepare and promote strategies for parental change of role as student turns 18 and increases independence
• Improve communication skills between parent and student
• Provide support for various emotions associated with these transitions

HYPE Summer 1 -  July 17-28 

Participants: HYPE Students who have completed School Year 1 program at SPARC

Location: West Chester University

Dates:    July 17-28, 2023 

Duration: 10 days ( Week 1:  Commuter style M-F 9-3,  Week 2:  Residential overnight M-F).

Goal:  To prepare students with ASD for college life by providing them with an on-campus experience, generalizing the acquired skills from the HYPE school year program.

Objectives

• Experience campus life, commuter style and residential style
• Access dining hall options
• Generalize skills acquired in HYPE school program (self determination, social, time management, independence, community integration, safety, problem solving, and communication)
• Acquire information and experiences with Campus services including: Health and Wellness Services, Psychological and Counseling Services, OSSD, Trans and Queer Advocacy, D-CAP, and LARC
• Tour and experience various on-campus facilities including the Student Recreational Center, the Library, the Student Union Building, the Student Bookstore, Dining Halls, Residential Buildings and Academic Buildings
• Participate in a variety of Classroom/Activity formats (e.g. lecture, lab, studio, structured, unstructured)
• Acquire, practice, and/or generalize college classroom etiquette and communication skills
• Create and deliver a presentation on experience as well as skills acquired and needed to transition to college
• Learn the difference between entitlement and eligibility (IDEA vs ADA) for high school to higher education.

HYPE Summer 2 -  July 10-21, 2023

Participants: HYPE Students who have completed School Year 2  program at SPARC and graduated high school (18years+)

Location: West Chester University

Duration: 2 weeks, including weekend residing on campus.

Goal: To prepare students with ASD for college life by providing them with an on-campus experience, generalizing the acquired skills from the HYPE school year program.

Objectives

• Experience campus life, residential style
• Generalize skills acquired in HYPE school program (self determination, social, time management, independence, community integration, safety, problem solving, and communication)
• Access meal plan options (dining hall, Rambucks, Meal swipes, and cash).
• Attend workshops via campus resources to acquire/review skills in the areas of resiliency, stress management, study skills, budgeting, self-advocacy, and classroom etiquette.
• Participate in activities and workshops to learn more about majors-to-careers, employment opportunities, volunteer experiences, and early start programs.
• Identify, locate, and receive information on the different campus resources including the career development center, writing center, tutoring, public safety, counseling, and LGBTQ
• Develop a schedule that includes time set aside each day for activities such as meals, selfcare/ downtime and transition from one activity to the next.
• Create a schedule that incorporates time for group projects or meet-ups with individuals having various schedules
• Create and deliver a presentation on experience and skills acquired and needed for the transition to college
• Practice skills for problem solving and self advocacy via scenarios associated with entitlement vs eligibility (IDEA vs ADA) for high school to higher education.