Description: ACED offers adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to attend non-credit classes in an integrated educational and social environment. The program teaches independent living skills and provides life-enhancing experiences. ACED is offered by the Institute for Human Development in cooperation with UMKC and Metropolitan Community College. Funding is provided by EITAS (Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County), small grants, and donations.
Project Contacts: Nancy Carter 816-235-5678 carterne@umkc.edu
Project Period: 1994-2018
Annual Funding: $230,871 (FY2014)
Funding Source: EITAS (Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County)
Core Functions
Community Services and Supports: ACED demonstrates an adult education model on a higher education campus.
Information Dissemination: A brochure listing course offerings is disseminated to the community during spring, summer, and fall.
Interdisciplinary Personnel Preparation: Practicum and employment opportunities are available to students in a variety of disciplines.
Program Need and Historical Context
ACED was developed in response to requests for post-secondary educational opportunities for adults with disabilities. Jackson County parents and the Jackson County Board of Services asked the UMKC Institute for Human Development to design a program similar to CLEAR, which is offered to Johnson County residents. The project enhances high school transition and post-high school educational opportunities for people with disabilities. Institute staff established an agreement with the UMKC Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Division of Continuing Education to offer the program at the UMKC campus. An agreement was made with MCC-Longview and MCC-Blue River to offer the program on their respective campuses as well.
Consumer and Community Involvement
- Consumers consist of ACED students.
- Community members serve as ACED staff, volunteers, and advisory committee members.
- Community organizations serving ACED students, parents/family members, and consumers provide feedback.
Significant Project Activities and Outcomes
- Enhances independent living, social leisure/recreational opportunities of consumers
- Enhances skills and experiences of ACED staff, community members, and students regarding interaction with people with disabilities
Institute’s Role
- Develops the grant proposal and manages the development, administration, and delivery of courses
- Provides technical assistance to ACED staff
- Evaluates effectiveness of the project by conducting satisfaction evaluations of consumers, community organizations, and parents/family members
- Recruits UMKC faculty and students to participate in the program
Products
- Session Brochure disseminated during spring, summer and fall at www.ind.umkc.edu/default.html
- Promotional information disseminated widely in the community
- JCBS Training Program Description of courses
Impact
System:The regional system has been enhanced by adult education opportunities in university settings.
Personnel: Staff, community members, and students have gained experience working with people with disabilities.
Leveraging: Grant awarded by EITAS (Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County)