April marks World Autism Month, and Northeast State continues to strive to create a college community that is inclusive and provides a variety of accommodations to all students.
Autism is characterized by a broad range of conditions, including challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication, according to the nonprofit organization, Autism Speaks.
Coordinator of Accessibility Services Heather Harvey says the College provides services to over a hundred students on the autism spectrum. Assistance options range from class scheduling, managing deadlines, staff mentor services, and more.
“These students want the full college experience; they aren’t looking for someone to hold their hand,” Harvey said. “They want to do it themselves, and many of our students are very capable of that. We are here to provide support and help them become independent and navigate college.”
As no two autism diagnoses look the same, cases at Northeast State’s Accessibility Services are no different. Staff work individually with students to help them determine the best paths to achieve their goals.
“You cannot put labels on autism,” Harvey said. “It is a spectrum. When a student diagnosed with autism meets with me to discuss their barriers and limitations, it is different case by case.”
Revamping available resources for neurodivergent students gives more people the opportunity to further their education and open new doors.
“There has been a rise nationally of students on the spectrum pursuing a college education, and this may be attributed to the increase in opportunities and the inclusivity on college campuses, especially community colleges,” Harvey said. “For some reason, here at Northeast State, our number of students on the spectrum is above what is seen at other higher education institutions.
The calming room at Northeast State’s Accessibility Services features low lighting, fidgets, weighted blankets, and other items that help provide a soothing effect.”
In addition to counseling services and classroom accommodations, Accessibility Services also offers a calming room for students who need to unwind from the stresses of college. It features low lighting, weighted blankets, fidgets, and other sensory tools that work to improve focus, add stimulation, or promote relaxation.
Accessibility Services are available for every student to ensure all learners at Northeast State have an equal educational opportunity. The office also assists first-generation college students, student-veterans, and any qualifying student who stops by to request help.
Northeast State will host an autism workshop, Navigating the College Journey: Strategies for Success for Students with Autism and Boundary Issues, on April 21 at 9 a.m. in room L226 at Basler Library.
For more information about Northeast State’s Accessibility Services, visit NortheastState.edu/Accessibility or call 423-279-7640.
April marks World Autism Month, and Northeast State continues to strive to create a college community that is inclusive and provides a variety of accommodations to all students.
Autism is characterized by a broad range of conditions, including challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication, according to the nonprofit organization, Autism Speaks.
Coordinator of Accessibility Services Heather Harvey says the College provides services to over a hundred students on the autism spectrum. Assistance options range from class scheduling, managing deadlines, staff mentor services, and more.
“These students want the full college experience; they aren’t looking for someone to hold their hand,” Harvey said. “They want to do it themselves, and many of our students are very capable of that. We are here to provide support and help them become independent and navigate college.”
As no two autism diagnoses look the same, cases at Northeast State’s Accessibility Services are no different. Staff work individually with students to help them determine the best paths to achieve their goals.
“You cannot put labels on autism,” Harvey said. “It is a spectrum. When a student diagnosed with autism meets with me to discuss their barriers and limitations, it is different case by case.”
Revamping available resources for neurodivergent students gives more people the opportunity to further their education and open new doors.
“There has been a rise nationally of students on the spectrum pursuing a college education, and this may be attributed to the increase in opportunities and the inclusivity on college campuses, especially community colleges,” Harvey said. “For some reason, here at Northeast State, our number of students on the spectrum is above what is seen at other higher education institutions.
In addition to counseling services and classroom accommodations, Accessibility Services also offers a calming room for students who need to unwind from the stresses of college. It features low lighting, weighted blankets, fidgets, and other sensory tools that work to improve focus, add stimulation, or promote relaxation.
Accessibility Services are available for every student to ensure all learners at Northeast State have an equal educational opportunity. The office also assists first-generation college students, student-veterans, and any qualifying student who stops by to request help.
Northeast State will host an autism workshop, Navigating the College Journey: Strategies for Success for Students with Autism and Boundary Issues, on April 21 at 9 a.m. in room L226 at Basler Library.
For more information about Northeast State’s Accessibility Services, visit NortheastState.edu/Accessibility or call 423-279-7640.
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