WCU Hosts Area High Schoolers on Autism Spectrum to Help Prepare Them for College Life

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Image via West Chester University.

Rising high school junior and senior students on the autism spectrum are getting ready for college life through four weeklong, on-campus, overnight experiences that are being held at West Chester University.

The high school students are participating in the College Autism Readiness Retreat (CARR) and the High School Youth Preparation for Higher Education (HYPE) Program. Both summer programs are being coordinated now through July 29 by West Chester University’s Dub-C Autism Program (D-CAP), which supports and advocates for the success of the university’s degree-seeking students on the autism spectrum. WCU students in the Dub-C Autism Program are acting as camp counselors for the high school students.

The summer sections are as follows: CARR 3 for recent high school graduates (running through July 22 with 13 students); CARR 2 for rising high school seniors (running July 25 – 29 with 11 students); and HYPE (running through July 22 with 7 students). CARR 1 for rising high school juniors ran June 26 – 28 with 10 students.

From living in the residence hall to accessing the dining hall, the high school students are practicing skills of self-determination, social, time management, independence, community integration, safety, problem solving, and communication.

In addition, by attending classes and speaking with university students who are on the autism spectrum, the high school students are acquiring and/or practicing classroom etiquette.

Fun times are also scheduled with scavenger hunts, ice cream socials, recreation fun, and more. Some downtime is even being spent in the Relaxin’ Rammy Corner in the university’s FHG Library. Tranquility is found in the Relaxin’ Rammy Corner through a comfy hammock swing, lounger beanbag chairs, gel floor tiles, fidgets, noise cancellation headphones, and more.

“WCU’s inclusive campus community is a welcoming environment for all students, including those who are on the autism spectrum,” said Director of D-CAP Cherie Fishbaugh. “We are especially happy to host a number of area high school students on our campus for both CARR and HYPE summer experiences. With a variety of support and transition services, the University takes pride in empowering students who learn differently and works to help them succeed. In addition to West Chester University, D-CAP continues to be grateful for its support from the PA Labor & Industry’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).”

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