Wayfinders at Fresno State
University Inclusion
Why College?
Research findings revealed that students with Intellectual Disabilities who have some type of post-secondary education were more likely to:
- Obtain Competitive and Integrated Employment
- Require Fewer Supports
- Earn Higher Wages
- Have Increased Self-Esteem
- Have Expanded Social Networks That Included Students without Disabilities
Source: Grigal, Martinez, Sax, & Will (2006). Post-secondary Education options for Students with Intellectual Disabilities. Issue Brief: Research to Practice (45)
Academic Inclusion
- Auditing or enrolling in credit-bearing courses offered by the institution attended by students without disabilities, when aligned with the student's post-secondary plans.
- Access to existing courses rather than separate courses designed only for students with disabilities.
- An inclusive campus generates natural supports within the community to meaningfully involve all students in campus life.
- Inclusive campuses provide students with disabilities the same opportunities and choices available to those without disabilities.
- Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability
Open University
Wayfinders participants are able to enroll through California State University, Fresno's Open University Program, which permits members of the general community to take University classes after enrolled students have registered and when there is still space available in the class. Admission to Fresno State is not necessary for enrollment in Open University.
University Inclusion Support through Wayfinders
Assists participant with understanding:
- Campus life
- Appropriate behavior
- How to be a successful student
- Time management
- Learning styles
- Study styles
- On-campus resources
- Self-advocacy
- Natural Support
In-Class Support
A University Inclusion Coach will sit in a course(s) with a participant(s) to help them with various skills:
- Appropriate social interaction
- Intake/relaying of information
- Communication with peers/professor
If you are interested in becoming a University Inclusion Coach, please visit the Auxiliary Human Resources website to search for open positions.
The Role of Faculty
The faculty is expected to provide reasonable accommodations when a letter of accommodation has been received. Please consult with the Office of Services with Disabilities or the Wayfinders University Inclusion Coordinator whenever there is a question concerning a student with a disability.
Contact Information
University Inclusion Coordinator brandon1280@mail.fresnostate.edu 559.278.0356 |