Summer 2016 Robert in the “Valued Role” of College Student
Rob had always wanted to go to College, in fact towards the end
of his senior year at high school he even went to his Dad and asked: “when
am I going to look at Colleges like my cousins?” Three years later Rob has
completed a variety of undergraduate classes at Bridgewater State
University including: Introduction to Acting, Creative Dramatics,
Introduction to Public Speaking, Theatre Appreciation, World History to
1500, Drawing 1, Multimedia Storytelling, Play Production and Jazz, Pop
and Show Choir. Rob has also had the opportunity to participate in
several job internships on campus.
In Massachusetts and across the nation there is a growing
movement of people with developmental disabilities wanting to go to
College. In fact there is a pending piece of legislation at the
Massachusetts State House that will make it more accessible for all
students with disabilities, including those who have not passed MCAS or do
not have their High School Diploma, to get a further education in a College
setting.
Rob is a typical college student in what he likes to do on campus: going to the cafeteria for lunch with
his friends, exercising at the gym, doing his homework, reading and checking his email at the campus
library. This year he also went to the homecoming football game and several theatre productions. Rob
would tell you however, that the best part is the classes. He especially likes being on campus in the evening
because “it makes me feel grown up”.
Rob is part of the state funded Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative that offers public high school
students with significant disabilities, ages 18-22, who have not passed MCAS, the opportunity to participate in
inclusive college courses (credit or non-credit). Preliminary research has shown that students benefit
academically and transition to young adulthood more readily when they have the opportunity to engage in
all college related activities (e.g. establishing new social networks, participating in campus-wide events,
learning to use public transportation to and from campus, completing course assignments, obtaining
employment) rather than staying at high school.
Rob acknowledges that going to College has helped prepare him for the
future. Jim (Rob’s Dad), has also noticed the changes. “The program has
been phenomenal for Rob…he has an older brother and has always wants
to do what his brother did. This program has allowed him to do this at the
University level. Rob has grown immensely. His confidence has blossomed, he
is more independent, he looks you in the eye when he speaks now. He has
been able to express himself much better, and has taken control of
conversations and opportunities and friendships.”
Rob’s support on campus is provided by the ICEI program in
collaboration with the Building Futures Project of The Nemasket Group. Sarah,
Rob’s educational coach has supported him at BSU for the past two years.
“Rob has been fortunate to be involved both socially and academically. I
remember when Rob had difficulty speaking to his professors after classes
due to his shyness. And now at the end of his two years he was presenting to
his class independently”. Rob is a true member of the Bridgewater student
community.
Written by: Ross Hooley
Our “VISION for the future”……… The Nemasket Group envisions individuals leading successful lives that are rich with meaningful roles NON PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE PAID
NEW BEDFORD, MA
PERMIT NO. 651
56 Bridge Street
Fairhaven, MA 02719
Tel: 508-999-4436
Fax: 508-997-9239
www.nemasketgroup.org
People who fill roles that are valued by others (example: photographer, employee,
co-worker, voter, musician, college student) will be granted the good things of life.
We are happy to announce that The Nemasket Group will
be moving to The Pines in Mattapoisett by this fall. Being
unsure where we will be in August, we have made the
difficult decision to cancel this years’ Summer Sizzler.
However, rest assured that there will be other opportunities
to gather together as we are planning an “Open House”
and possibly other events before the end of the calendar
year. Stay tuned!
We invite you to participate in our “Pathway to
Opportunity” Brick Program. Your personalized brick will
become part of the lasting pathway at The Nemasket
Group’s new home. It’s a unique opportunity to celebrate
a special occasion, mark a special anniversary or make a
dedication. Honor a friend or a loved one, or celebrate an
Important milestone in your life and the lives of those close
to you.
Visit our website for more information: www.nemasketgroup.org or call Pat Janiak: 508-999-4436
Join us for a great day of golf at the
Bay Club in Mattapoisett.
The day includes lunch, golf, dinner,
auction & prizes!
For more information, visit our website
www.nemasketgroup.org
or call Patricia Janiak
at 508-999-4436 x101