The inaugural class of UCLA's Pathway Program is set to begin this fall. Sixteen students with intellectual disabilities including autism, Down syndrome and Asperger's syndrome will be attending classes through UCLA Extension, and they couldn't be prouder. From the story in the university's faculty and staff newspaper, Today:
Their excitement about what's in store for them this fall is palpable. It's in the eager glances and smiles they give their parents at an orientation session when meal plans, roommates and welcome week activities are discussed. It's the pride — even awe — with which their parents watch them assemble around The Bruin Bear for their official class portrait.
"It's inconceivable that our kids are actually doing this," confided parent Kathe Beltran, whose daughter Kate is in the class....
... This long-awaited program has been carefully crafted to offer students a college-going experience as well as a curriculum that blends academics with the practical skills they'll need to live independently.
... Living in apartments near campus, they will take classes in four UCLA Extension buildings and spend 60 hours a month learning to pay bills, budget, make medical appointments, use public transportation and cook, among other life skills. They will study at the library, exercise at the Wooden Center, eat in the dining halls, hang out at Ackerman and participate in campus life. Then at the end of two years, Pathway will help students transition to independent living.
For more information, see the UCLA Extension Pathway website.
Full disclosure: my husband and I are among the founders of Pathway.
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