National,+State+&+Local+Post-Secondary+Education+&+Training+Models+&+Practices

===National, State & Local Post-Secondary Education & Training Models/Practices designed for youth and/or adults with ASD (to include models or practices developed by any transition stakeholder such as schools, advocacy organizations, universities, agencies, community providers, etc., that could be replicated in other sites. Information to include: title of program, supporting organization(s), key program components, & web link)===

**Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism** is a consortium of organizations with the goal of increasing both private and public support specifically for adults with ASD. AFAA's website has more information about their goals, resources and news, as well as links to an active Facebook page. **Autism After 16** is a website for individuals with ASD and the families and professionals who support them. It includes extensive information about transition, postsecondary life, employment, housing, finance, health, and more. Autism Speaks highlights stories about employees with ASD and testimonials from their employers in their **Autism in the Workplace** section. The **Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)** is a nonprofit organization run by and for Autistic people. ASAN is advancing the disability rights movement for those with ASD. The organization organizes local chapters, resources, and several projects, including Autism Campus Inclusion and the Autistic Leaders Project. The **Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services** provides support for the employment, independence, and housing needs of individuals with ASD. The **Arc of Virginia** advocates for individuals with disabilities and helps promote disability related legislation and policy. The Arc has several local chapters and ongoing community projects. || autismcenter@vcu.edu ||
 * ==**TITLE OF PROGRAM**== || ==**SUPPORTING ORGANIZATION(S)**== || ==**KEY PROGRAM COMPONENTS**== || ==**WEB LINK**== ||
 * Project Access || Howard County Autism Society & Howard County Community College || The purpose of Project Access is to improve the delivery and outcomes of postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. Project Access is designed to significantly facilitate the transition of high school students with disabilities into postsecondary education, to increase the success rate and retention of freshman students with disabilities at Howard Community College, and to improve career counseling and job placement services for students with disabilities. || [|Click here: Autism+ HCC] ||
 * Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities || United States Department of Education || Provides grants to institutions of higher education to enable them to expand a comprehensive model for post secondary education programs and transition for students with intellectual disabilities. Eligibility, applicant information, funding, laws, and resources are provided. || [] ||
 * Mason Life || George Mason University || The Mason LIFE Program serves students with autism spectrum disorders and other disability who desire a university experience in a supportive academic environment. The mission of the Mason LIFE Program is a dual purpose; the program provides academic support and internship. || [] ||
 * Inclusive Individual Support Model || Autism Speaks || Students receive individualized services (e.g., educational coach, tutor, technology, natural supports) in college courses, certificate programs, and/or degree programs, for audit or credit. The individual student's vision and career goals drive services. There is no program base on campus. The focus is on establishing a student-identified career goal that directs the course of study and employment experiences (e.g., internships, apprenticeships, work-based learning). Built on a collaborative approach via an interagency team (adult service agencies, generic community services, and the college's disability support office), agencies identify a flexible range of services and share costs. || [|http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/transition-tool-kit/post-secondary-educational-opportunities] ||
 * Vocational Independence Program (VIP) || New York Institute of Technology || VIP is a three-year Comprehensive Transition and Post-secondary program in NY that focuses on academics, independent living, social skills development, and vocational exploration and training. The program admits students with special needs who have demonstrated motivation to learn and become independent despite their learning difficulties. VIP also offers "Introduction to Independence" which is a summer work-study-recreation program for students ages 16 to 22 who have moderate to severe learning differences. || [] ||
 * Hussman Center for Adults with Autism || Towson University || The Hussman Center for Adults with Autism brings together Towson students and young adults on the autism spectrum to create a mutually-rewarding learning environment. Social, educational and fitness programs support student learning and adults with autism as they develop the tools needed to lead meaningful lives as engaged members of their communities. || [] ||
 * HEATH Resources Center at the National Youth Transitions Center || The George Washington University || The HEATH Resources Center serves as a resource for students with disabilities to continue their education and obtain employment. It is a clearing house that has educational and training resources to support students in improving their lives and transitioning from one phase to the next. The George Washington University has partnered with HEATH and manages the program || [] ||
 * Virginia Commonwealth University || The VCU Autism Center for Excellence (VCU-ACE) is a university-based technical assistance, professional development, and educational research center for Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Commonwealth of Virginia. VCU-ACE is dedicated to improving services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and to the implementation of evidence-based practices in schools and the community. || **The VCU Research and Training Center (VCU-RRTC)** is a national center of excellence providing support for professionals, individuals with disabilities, and their representatives. VCU-RRTC hosts several research projects focusing on supported employment and workplace supports and offers web-based training on a variety of relative topics.
 * Autism Now || Autism Now || Autism Now provides a transition program guide that could be replicated at any school or other transition organization. It outlines key techniques in planning and transitioning into a school setting for an individual with ASD. It also provides ways these ideas can be implemented. || http://autismnow.org/articles/transition-planning-and-college-for-students-with-autism-spectrum-disorders/ ||