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ASD Affinity Program

Defiance College's ASD Affinity Program is a comprehensive, fee-based support program for Defiance College students with autism spectrum disorder. Students who are accepted to the program have demonstrated that they are academically capable by meeting the Defiance College admissions requirements.

As students transition into their role as Defiance College students, our goal is to support the development of the skills necessary for navigating college academics and campus life. As students prepare for their transition from Defiance College to their chosen profession, our goal is to support the further development of self-advocacy skills, self-determination, and the ability of students to be able to articulate their strengths and support needs as professionals.

SUPPORT SESSIONS

Students attend regular 1:1 support meetings with the Program Coordinator or peer support staff each week.

Each session is adjusted based on student support needs but may include the following:

Academic Success

Development of academic time-management plans
Review of class syllabi and discussion of academic expectations and progress
- Goal setting for academic success
Discussion of available accommodations and processes for using accommodations
Clarification of communication from campus faculty/administration
- Support to communicate with campus faculty/administration
Review of course-specific or campus policies and procedures as appropriate
Skill building focused on individual student goals by request

Campus Engagement

Notification of upcoming student organization meetings and campus social events
- Peer support staff are available to attend events with students by request and if schedules allow
Support to navigate campus relationships

Campus/Community Life

Goal setting for personal goals
Selection, creation, and instruction to be able to use support tools such as Google Calendar, phone alarms, visual schedules, etc.
Instruction to be able to use community resources by request
Skill building focused on individual student goals by request

PAID CAREER EXPERIENCE

Second semester sophomore year, students are eligible to participate in a semester-long, campus-based employment program. During the first four weeks of the semester, students will be matched with on-campus employment opportunities related to their field of study, apply to appropriate positions, and participate in interviews. Once a student is hired to fill a position, he or she will work 3-5 hours per week for ten weeks.

Support provided during the experience includes:

On-site training for DC faculty and staff who supervise career experiences
On-site training and supervision for participating students
Weekly performance-specific feedback focused on the national Association of Colleges and Employers career competencies
Performance review meetings with employment supervisor and ASD Affinity Program coordinator mid-way and at the end of the career experience
Action plans created as needed to support students in developing career readiness skills

OTHER PROGRAM BENEFITS

ADVISING PLUS
The Director of the Hench Autism Studies Program serves as a second advisor for all ASD Affinity Program participants. The Director works collaboratively with the student’s faculty advisor to support the student in selecting, navigating, and completing their college journey.

ASD AFFINITY LOUNGE ACCESS
Located in Defiance Hall, the ASD Affinity Lounge is a dedicated space with ID access. Participants can use the lounge as a meeting space with Peer Support Staff, to study on their own, or as a quiet place to decompress and watch TV between classes.

PEER SUPPORT STAFF
Peer Support staff are Defiance College undergraduate students who have been selected to work for the ASD Affinity Program based on faculty recommendations. All Peer Support staff are trained and supervised by the Program Coordinator.

OUR STAFF

Clarissa Barnes, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Associate Professor of Special Education
Director of Hench Autism Studies Program
Phone: 419-783-2355
cbarnes@defiance.edu

Stacy Adams
ASD Affinity Program Coordinator
Director of Hench Summer Program
Phone 419-783-2525
stadams@defiance.edu