West Chester University (PA) DCAP Program - 2024 College Autism Network Program of the Year!
About Inclusive Academia Welcome to "Inclusive Academia," your guide for neurodiverse high school students and their families navigating post-graduation options. Join us, as we explore autism and neurodiversity support programs at U.S. colleges, as well as other alternatives that graduating seniors should consider. Our goal is to offer practical advice and lessons learned from top experts about options for neurodiverse students after high school. We will provide you behind-the-scenes deep dive interviews with directors and students at incredible college autism and neurodiversity support programs around the country. From academic assistance to housing to social integration, we'll get your questions answered. We hope to make this life decision a little less stressful and a lot more exciting for the whole family. Subscribe for exclusive insights and join us in empowering neurodiverse individuals to thrive after high school! In This Episode Cherie Fishbaugh, Director of the DCAP Program at West Chester University in the Philadelphia area, highlights some of the principles and services of her award-winning autism support program. The DCAP program, which stands for the "Dub C" (as in "West Chester") Autism Program was recently named the 2024 Outstanding Program by the College Autism Network. Cherie helped start the program in 2016 which has now grown to support about 100 members at WCU. The program is organized around six key areas: 1.) Executive functioning 2.) Independence 3.) Self-Advocacy 4.) Social Integration 5.) Career Development 6.) Academic Support On the career development front, Cherie is a founder and board member of the Neurodiversity Employment Network in Philadelphia that helps create internship and career opportunities for neurodivergent graduates. Cherie has also created a popular summer study abroad program which has supported autistic learners in cities like London, Rome, and (coming soon) Dublin. Cherie's special sauce seems to be the high-level of student feedback and involvement in the planning for the DCAP Program. Run of Show 0:03 - Cherie's introduction 0:08 - West Chester University and the surrounding community 1:37 - DCAP Program overview 3:06 - Six pillars of support services 5:25 - DCAP Program size 7:01 - How students find and join DCAP and college transition programs 13:03 - Supporting DCAP student mental health 14:24 - Supporting DCAP student career development 19:02 - Summer study abroad opportunities 23:36 - DCAP was recently named the College Autism Network's 2024 Program of the Year Link to West Chester University's DCAP Program website: https://www.wcupa.edu/deputy-provost/... Link to Neurodiversity Employment Network website: https://neurodiversityemploymentnetwo... Contact Matt: [email protected] @collegeautismnetwork2095 @WCUofPA @neurodiversityemploymentne7444