Documentation

Prospective Students

Academic Enhancement Center

The Office of Disability, Access, and Inclusion (DAI) collaborates with partners across campus to provide equal access for students. Disability is a vital component of diversity on our campus, and we honor the rights of our students by actively and respectfully addressing disability related barriers in living and learning environments at URI.

Getting Started

S.T.A.R.T. URI program is in a separate directory listing

The Transition Academy is designed for students with disabilities 18 to 21 who:
· Have an IEP, are currently enrolled in high school and are near completion of their academic program.
· Are eligible for Office of Rehabilitation Services
· Need a community-based functional skills/vocational curriculum
· Can achieve independence (with initial support)
· Can become semi-independent on a college campus

OVERVIEW

The Transition Academy is located on the campus of Roger Williams University where students prepare for the world of work and access the college community. The Transition Academy is designed for students with disabilities 18 to 21 who:

• Have an IEP, are currently enrolled in high school and are near completion of their academic program

• Are eligible for Office of Rehabilitation Services

• Need a community-based functional skills/vocational curriculum

• Can achieve independence (with initial support)

• Can become semi-independent on a college campus

The Academy Programs @ Roger Williams University are unique educational programs that provide motivated students an opportunity to complete their high school education while building transition skills on a college campus and in the community.

Additional Information FAQs

West Bay Regional Transition Center
Therese Curran
Director of Transition & Vocational Services
144 Bignall Street
Warwick, RI 02888
P: 401-941-8353 x124
F: 401-941-8535
tcurran@westbaycollaborative.org

Northern RI Regional Transition Center
Jennifer Doucette
Director of Regional Transition – Northern Region
10 Memorial Ave
North Providence, RI 02911
P: 401-465-2466
F: 401-941-8535
jdoucette@westbaycollaborative.org

For more information go to RI Secondary Transition & Employment First

Southern Regional Transition Center
Kerri Collins
Director of Regional Transition – Southern Region
859 Nooseneck Hill Road
West Greenwich, RI 02817
P: 401-481-5161
kcollins@westbaycollaborative.org
 

East Bay Regional Transition Center
Meaghan Gilmartin
Director of Regional Transition – East Bay Region
144 Bignall Street
Warwick, RI 02888
P: 401-941-8353 x123
mgilmartin@westbaycollaborative.org

In order to assist Local Educational Agencies in meeting the secondary transition requirements, West Bay Collaborative maintains four Regional Transition Centers (RTCs). These centers assist middle and high schools regionally and statewide through coordination of the four Regional Transition Coordinators.

The services provided through the RTCs include service to public, non-public and charter schools serving youth eligible under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and work in partnership with adult service agencies, higher education institutions, training programs, and parent advocacy organizations serving young adults with disabilities.

New students at URI with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

START URI is a full-year, no additional cost, leadership and community-building transition enhancement program, designed to foster identity-focused community, promote academic achievement, professional readiness, and provide authentic, respectful, student-driven social experiences for autistic individuals. We know that STARTing with the right information and an affirming community, students who might have faced accessibility barriers academically or socially in the past, can experience great success, and positive outcomes in college.

Bentsen Learning Center provides 3 Tiers of Support

The program offers a customized, individualized approach that provides opportunities for students to learn in different ways and apply academic skills to the college setting.

Thames at Mitchell College link 

Thames at Mitchell College is a holistic college transition program for students with learning differences or students who would benefit from additional preparation to succeed in college—and it’s right on the campus of Mitchell College, which has been long-recognized for its innovative support for students with learning differences. This unique program offers a highly individualized learning environment and a strong social network that feels safe and supportive.

The Mystic Program

Mystic is a fee-based program available to first-year Mitchell College students who are ready for college, but who would benefit from added residential support during their first year on campus. 

The goal of the Bentsen Learning Center (BLC) is to assist students with diagnosed learning differences and attention deficit disorders in developing study and self-advocacy strategies to enable them to survive and thrive in the college environment. The overarching goal communicated to students is that of independence and empowerment in their academic pursuits.

A fee-based comprehensive academic support program, the Bentsen Learning Center fosters a holistic approach by continually assessing students’ progress in developing their academic skills. The program assists students in learning and applying strategies that will move them toward effective learning and independence.

• community-based residential transition programming
• employment services
• advocacy services
• benefits counseling
• arts and recreational programming. 

Vista Life offers programs and pathways to independence
for young adults with neurological disabilities.

Additional location

1356 Old Clinton Road, Westbrook, CT 06498

If you have applied to BC and been admitted, you are eligible to apply to join the BASE program.

Students in the BASE program should be able to live semi-independently on a college campus, while attending and fully participating in academic life as well as the BASE program.

The BASE program helps students learn and apply skills and strategies needed to navigate all aspects of college life, both academic and social, and prepare for their chosen careers and life beyond college.

• Mentor
• Academic Support
• Residential and Social Support
• Vocational Support

The Bridgewater Academic and Social Experience (BASE) program at Bridgewater College is a student-centered, individual support program for students on the autism spectrum or other students who feel they may benefit from the support provided.

Margaret Benavides
Disability and BASE Program Coordinator
540-828-5660
mbenavides@bridgewater.edu

Academic Support and Disability Services
540-828-5660
disabilityservices@bridgewater.edu

UNH-4U is a program for students with an intellectual disability. UNH-4U is for students who:

• Are 18-24 years old (students cannot turn 26 before the end of the 2-year program)

• Have a documented intellectual disability

• Are eligible for special education and/or related services under IDEA (now or in the past)

• Are eligible for New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation Services

• Are eligible for New Hampshire Area Agency Services

UNH-4U is a 2-year program for students with an intellectual disability. UNH-4U students take classes at the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Durham campus that prepare them for meaningful careers. UNH-4U students participate in campus activities and college-level classes. FAQs

The mission of UNH-4U is to support students with intellectual disability to achieve academic, life, and career goals.

UNH-4U supports students through a person-centered planning process, individualized courses of study, immersion in college life, and meaningful employment supports. UNH-4U also works to increase access to higher education for students with intellectual disability across the state of New Hampshire.

Ages 18-23, students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Provides a four year postsecondary curriculum of study to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Services Include:

• Person Centered Planning
• Support staff attends the class with the student
• Additional assistance through a two hour support class.
• Work specialty area. Most students are placed on-campus with a support staff member in their first year and gradually they have the opportunity to explore off campus placements.
• Students live on and off campus.

Students completing their four years with the Mason LIFE Program will graduate with a George Mason Certificate of Completion with a catalog concentration and a work specialty area.