Beyond Access Programs
Strategic Education for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (SEAD)
Exciting News!!!
The Center for Students with Disabilities is excited to announce the new identity of the Beyond Access programs!
Currently Beyond Access features the following programs:
- BOLD (Building Opportunities for students with Learning Disabilities)
- Connect 4
- FAST (Focused Academic Skills Training)
- SEAD (Strategic Education for students with Autism spectrum Disorders)
These programs will now all be known as Beyond Access (BA) and will aim to provide a more personalized and comprehensive experience for all students participating.
Beyond Access will offer students access to more resources, strategies, and technologies. All students enrolled in BA will be involved in the design of their own program and can choose to focus on building a variety of learning and social skills based on their individual, academic, and personal goals.
All students in BA will have the opportunity to meet with their Strategy Instructor for up to 3 hours a week depending on which Track they chose! Please check back for more specific information soon or feel free to contact Christine Wenzel, Program Coordinator, at Christine.wenzel@uconn.edu.
What is the SEAD Program?
The SEAD program focuses on assisting students on the autism spectrum with understanding, achieving and developing a pathway to success.
Participants in the program will meet with a Graduate Assistant on a weekly basis to assist in building social and interpersonal skills, understanding how their disability can affect their transition to college, and to provide campus support while promoting autonomy of each student. As this program goes beyond the legislative mandates, in order to provide the necessary materials and resources, participation in this program includes a rate of $3,200 per semester. For students who may need a less intensive program, they can still participate in SEAD on a reduced level. The rate for Track II of SEAD is $1,700, per semester.
Please be advised, fees for Beyond Access programs are subject to change.
Goals of the SEAD Program
The main goal of this program is to provide the support needed to the student and their family in order to facilitate a smooth transition to the postsecondary environment. In accomplishing this goal, students will also learn more about themselves, their disability, and how to be autonomous individuals.
By participating in the SEAD program, it is our goal that students will:
- Have a smooth transition into the college atmosphere.
- Increase awareness of strategies and skills for application in the social college atmosphere.
- Make connections with both students and staff to maintain support throughout their college experience.
- Have the self-determination needed to advocate for themselves on campus.
As a part of the SEAD program, our goal is also to:
- Increase awareness and training of faculty and staff regarding Autism Spectrum disorders.
- Facilitate a positive environment for academics.
- Improve coordination of Accommodations & Services.
- Respond to the individualized needs of the students.
How can students apply?
PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION AND QUESTIONNAIRES ONCE YOU HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TO UCONN OR IF YOU ARE ALREADY A STUDENT.
- Interested students and parents/family members can complete the following application and questionnaires:
- SEAD Application Form - PDF, Word
- Student Questionnaire
- Parent/Family Member Questionnaire
- Applications are also available at the Center for Students with Disabilities (Wilbur Cross Building, Room 204)
- Once the application is completed and returned, a SEAD review board will meet to review all applications. Due to the highly individualized nature of this program, students will be selected based on specific need.
Autism Spectrum and the Implications in the College Setting
Within the past ten years, the numbers of students on the autism spectrum attending postsecondary education has increased dramatically. In addition to living away from home, the transition from high school to college can be difficult in changing daily routines and social interactions. While many students are intellectually adept, they may struggle in their new academic arena.
In the past, Accommodations & Services at the higher education level to address the needs of students with autism spectrum disorders were not effective. SEAD is a program that was developed by Jane Thierfeld-Brown, Ed.D. and Lorraine Wolf, Ph.D. In implementing the SEAD program at the University of Connecticut, a support system will be available to facilitate growth and development within students, allowing improved access to education at the postsecondary level. Our goal is for students to be able to complete their college education, graduate and lead independent lives as successful adults.
If you have any questions regarding the SEAD program, please contact Christine Wenzel, Assistant Director, at (860) 486-2020 or csdbeyondaccess@uconn.edu.