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Marywood University's Transition Support Classroom
for Students with Autism

Marywood University's newest service to the special education population was created in August of 2008 with the launch of the Campus-Based Transition Program for Students with Autism. Noticing the significant need for transition services for students ages 18-21 with autism, Marywood and the Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 partnered to create a classroom on the university's campus that is tailored to fit the needs of these students in an age-appropriate setting.

The goal of this innovative program is to encourage independent living and successful vocational employment. These objectives are achieved through social interaction with other students, academic training, and vocational training. There is an emphasis on physical education, music education, art education, life skills training, and social skills training. The students are encouraged to participate in Marywood's campus life as often as possible. Moreover, the students are given the opportunity to learn valuable vocational skills through on-the-job training in the university's various departments.

Several current special education students at Marywood University are employed as work study students in the transition classroom. They apply the current theories and practices they learn directly to the needs of the transition students. Dr. Patricia Arter, who heads the project, believes that if successful, Marywood's transition program could become a national model. The classroom is an important component of special education, and the students and faculty at Marywood University all applaud its implementation and hope for its continued success.

Read an article about the transition classroom in the NEIU 19's newsletter!

Read an article about the classroom in Marywood's
Wood Word! (on page 2)























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