Clay Medlock, a student in Appalachian's Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program (SDAP) from Charlotte, in foreground, works in the sub shop in Appalachian’s Roess Dining Hall. Photo by Marie Freeman
BOONE, N.C. — For students in Appalachian State University’s Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program (SDAP), a campus job is a core part of the educational experience — and an opportunity to build work and life skills in a supportive environment.
SDAP is designed to provide students with intellectual disabilities access to an inclusive college educational experience that encompasses academic, social, personal and career development. Upon completing the two-year, non-degree program, SDAP Scholars receive a Collegiate Achievement Award.
As a required component of the program, each SDAP student is employed for five to 20 hours per week. Additionally, students take six to nine hours of classes, attend a required study hall with tutoring and academic support and participate in a basic skills class to support independent living skills.
“Graduates of our program are prepared to secure employment in fields meaningful to them,” said Anna Ward, director of SDAP, which is jointly supported by the university’s Reich College of Education (RCOE) and University College. “Working on campus contributes to their success. Research indicates getting a job post-graduation is correlated with having prior work experiences.”
For the 2019–20 academic year, 10 students are enrolled in the program and all have campus jobs — employed in Appalachian’s Campus Dining, Belk Library and Information Commons, Plemmons Student Union, Student Recreation Center, RCOE and/or Career Development Center. In addition to their paid jobs, some of the students participate in career development experiences on campus, in units such as the Multicultural Center, Women’s Center and Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT).
Ward said it is easier for students to meet the employment requirements of the program with on-campus jobs. “We have a complete infrastructure to support the students,” she said. “Then, once students establish basic job skills on campus, we can support our students in finding employment opportunities off campus and at home.”
A model of inclusion
“Inclusion is a goal of the university and is the underpinning of Appalachian’s SDAP,” Ward said. “Perceptions of people with disabilities, like most marginalized populations, can be biased. Our students are integrated into as many areas of college life as the degree-seeking students — including work experiences. We see people change their perceptions about those with disabilities and become more open-minded and aware of their perceptions of all people.”
“Employment gives the SDAP student a sense of confidence and competence,” said Brad Vest, associate director of the Plemmons Student Union, who has employed several SDAP students since the program began.
“Hiring those with disabilities promotes a culture of inclusiveness, which often leads to higher employee morale and improves overall productivity,” Vest added.
Pam Cline, director of campus dining at Appalachian, said employing students with different backgrounds and experiences is beneficial because of the perspective and feedback they provide. SDAP students who work for the university’s Campus Dining are provided on-the-job training and mentorship from full-time staff members, using the same process used for all student employees, Cline added.
Ward said while interns and graduate assistants working with the SDAP students occasionally check in on the students in their work environments, there is less need for the program volunteers to assist in the work setting because of the willingness of campus employers and the other student co-workers to train and support SDAP students in the jobs they hold.
Two SDAP Scholars share what the Appalachian Experience means to them.
An environment of support
Outside the workplace, SDAP relies on volunteer support within the program. This year, over 150 Appalachian students have stepped up to attend classes with the SDAP students, join them at meals and support them in activities common to all college students — attending football games, studying, doing laundry, shopping and just hanging out.
DeAnna Head, a senior elementary education major from Goldsboro, has served as an SDAP volunteer since January 2018. “I’ve tried to make sure the students’ college experience was as smooth and fun as it could be, providing a support system for them,” she said.
Head added, “My involvement with SDAP has contributed to my own education and career goals as well. I want to work with students with disabilities, and by volunteering, I’ve gotten to see the world through the eyes of someone with a disability — and have seen all the amazing things they can achieve.”
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Many Appalachian students benefit from having peers with intellectual challenges on campus
About the Reich College of Education
Appalachian State University offers one of the largest undergraduate teacher preparation programs in North Carolina, graduating about 500 teachers a year. The Reich College of Education enrolls more than 2,000 students in its bachelor’s, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degree programs, with offerings that span multiple fields — from teacher preparation, counseling, and therapy, to higher education, school and student affairs administration, library science, educational leadership and more. With over 10,000 alumni employed in North Carolina public schools, there is at least one Reich College graduate in every county in the state. Learn more at https://rcoe.appstate.edu.
About University College
Formed in 2007, University College consists of the university’s general education program, faculty and student support, and co-curricular programming and support – all designed to support the work of students both inside and outside the classroom. All students at Appalachian begin their education in University College and benefit from its programs until they graduate. Learn more at https://universitycollege.appstate.edu.
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, affordable education for all. 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.
Many Appalachian students benefit from having peers with intellectual challenges on campus
