BOONE, N.C.—The Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program (SDAP) at Appalachian State University presents “Coffee Talk,” a new series of monthly breakfasts designed to promote interaction with people of all abilities.

“Coffee Talk,” which is open to the public, will take place from 8:45-10:30 a.m. March 31 and April 28 in the Duke Rotunda of Appalachian’s Reich College of Education on the university campus. Participants can purchase coffee and breakfast foods prepared by students from SDAP and from surrounding middle and high schools who are part of an adapted special education program. They can also engage in conversations about issues surrounding individuals with special needs.

By presenting “Coffee Talk,” SDAP aims to create and foster a mutually beneficial environment that will:

• bring awareness to a population that is typically excluded
• change perceptions about the special needs community
• allow special needs students to gain life skills by organizing and facilitating the events
• create a social atmosphere for all who participate

About Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program

Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program (SDAP) is a campus program that provides students with intellectual disabilities access to a two-year college education. The program is inclusive, in that scholars attend all of their courses and extracurricular activities with other university students and have full access to all university programs and services. Scholars also determine their academic, career, personal and social goals throughout their enrollment in the SDA Program and determine the amount of supports they need to be successful. There is no set curriculum. SDAP began at Appalachian in the 2011-12 academic year through a five-year, $150,000 Transition and Postsecondary Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) grant from the U.S. Department of Education administered by Western Carolina University.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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