Chatlog 6-6-06 akimball says to (18:51): Does Ace-It have a website? admin says (18:51): We are revamping the website and it should be up in August, look for it at www.vcu-pda.org laheneh says to (18:53): I may have missed you discussing this at the beginning, but how is the ACE-IT program funded and what office at the University operates the program? admin says (18:53): ACE-IT is currently funded by the Dept. of Rehab. Services, Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative. (the CNI website is listed under the Resources on the webcast page).The VCU RRTC is located in the School of Ed. Gus says to (18:55): Who provides fancial support for the services provided by ACE-It? admin says (18:55): We currently are funded by a grant. However, the resources that the students discussed we always look to our funds as a last resort. We try to collaborate with other organizations/agencies for funding, if it is not available we will fund it. carol says to (18:55): do you only fund employment related items/services or for academic too? Admin: We fund both academic and employment related services. DS says to (18:56): How long has the ACE-IT program been in existence? How did it get started? thank you admin says (18:56): We have been working on academic/career supports for over 10 years, however through our current funding we combined the academic and career creating the ACE-IT program which is currently in its 3rd year. Louise says to (18:59): How many students take advantage of Ace-It in an academic year, and how many staff members does the program have? admin says (18:59): Today's presentation focuses on students with TBI, SCI, and other physical disabilities. These populations in college are not highly represented in college settings. Over the past 3 years we have served 28 students with 1 1/2 FTE staff. carol says to (19:00): is it at other schools? admin says (19:00): Yes. We have through this project replicated ACE-IT in 2 universities and 1 community college in Virginia. carol says to (19:00): which schools? i am interested in that too admin: Virginia Union and Virginia State University (both are historically black colleges and universities), and John Tyler Community College Donna K says to (19:01): Can you contract with other professionals to meet the needs of students. One of students mentioned a physical therapist who came to her home. Was the PT a staff person or a contracted professional? How was payment handled? DS says to (19:02): Does the program also work with students who have LD or ADHD? Admin: Yes. We started the program working with students with LD and ADHD—and combined the academic and career elements to form one program to work with students with TBI, SCI and other physical disabilities. Gus says to (19:02): How do students qualify for services? What kind of documentation is required? admin says (19:02): We are not the legal entity on campus that determines accommodations (Disability Support Services Office). We work closely with our DSS office and receive a large # of referrals from them, and use their documentation - if student gives permission. carol says to (18:54): RRTC? admin says (19:04): Rehabilitation Research and Training Center - a grant funded center working with individuals with disabilities carol says to (19:04): Is ACE IT a separate service from DSS, Career Services, and the Academic depts.? admin says (19:04): Yes, but we work very collaboratively with each of these entities. We do not duplicate services. kkimes says to (19:05): As both Jennifer and Andrea both indicated that they received supports and services from ACE-IT! Then what services and supports were used. It has to begin somewhere-- what have been most effective? carol says to (19:07): are you under the VCU RRTC admin says (19:07): Liz Getzel is a faculty member at VCU, and one of the students graduated with her MSW from VCU, and the other is pursuing her PhD from VCU. admin says (19:09): The concept could be used in state and fed grants that look to serving students with disabilities in higher ed programs. currently we are funded from a state grant. DS says to (19:11): Does ACE-IT collaborate with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors? If so, how does this collaboration occur? admin says (19:11): We have advertised our services through networks with such agencies as DRS. we have counselors that contact use directly, when they learn about our program, and we have referred some students to DRS and maintained a collaborative relationship. kathy says to (19:11): Do you find most students struggle with the disclosure issue? What have you done to help the students decide about disclosure? admin says (19:15): We help students understand their disabilities, strengths, and how to compensate. We make it very clear that it is their decision about how they want to handle disclosure. laheneh says to (19:16): What resources would you recommend to a university that is interested in starting a similar program? admin says (19:17): We have found that seeking grant funds to demonstrate success is one approach to getting university buy in to continue a program. However there are other approaches looking at funds thru DSS office, Career Center, or other entities. Gus says to (19:19): Do you know of similar organizations in other states? admin says (19:19): We are aware of support programs that direct their services for students with LD or ADHD. we have not come across a program that deals with students with TBI, SCI, or other physical disabilities in higher ed. carol says to (19:19): are you under the VCU RRTC admin says (19:19): yes kkimes says to (19:22): All I want to know is "What type of services and supports have you found most beneficial for students with TBI." admin says (19:22): It is hard to answer because it's very individualized. We have found that introducing Assistive technology is critical as well as assistance on internship sights and learning effective strategies to manage information, and communication skills. carol says to (19:25): I am interested in your equipment loans - do you purchase technology with your grant $ to loan- like the palm pilot Jennifer talked about? admin says (19:25): We do both , it depends on the individual. we have loaned equipment to allow students to try it out and have purchased equipment for students. But in order to purchase equipment the student signs a contract to use it and to provide evaluation info. DS says to (19:27): What can be done for students to help them increase self-advocacy skills? admin says (19:27): Helping them be able to communicate with professors and employers in the right way. sometimes this means practice and role playing. understanding their disability and strengths builds strong skills. DS says to (19:27): Where can we get information on any upcoming webcasts? admin says (19:27): visit worksupport.com carol says to (19:28): do you have a high incidence of students with TBI, SCI, and other physical disabilities at VCU? admin says (19:28): I believe we run close to the national average of students attending post sec programs. carol says to (19:30): thank you - are we able to access the upcoming webcasts? admin says (19:30): Yes, some require a registration fee.