The Inclusive Digital Expression and Literacy (IDEAL) Program offers a 2-year course of study where the students: (1) Enroll in or audit courses offered by GSU colleges and academic departments; (2) Complete work-study and internship experiences related to media, communications, and/or the arts; and (3) Participate in a variety of extracurricular activities on campus.

1. IDEAL PROGRAM
GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
FALL 2016

2. The IDEAL Program @ GSU
Goal: To implement an inclusive postsecondary program for students with mild
intellectual disabilities at Georgia State University
The Inclusive Digital Expression and Literacy (IDEAL) Program offers a 2-year
course of study where the students
◦ Enroll in or audit courses offered by GSU colleges and academic departments;
◦ Complete work-study and internship experiences related to media, communications, and/or the arts; and
◦ Participate in a variety of extracurricular activities on campus.

3. The IDEAL Program
Need: Each year there are approximately 2000 high school graduates with intellectual
disabilities in Georgia who might qualify for a participation in postsecondary education, but
there currently are only 30-35 annual openings in the state’s inclusive postsecondary programs
(at Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State, Columbus State and East Georgia State).
Program Focus: IDEAL will leverage GSU’s resources in media and the arts as well as our location
in a global hub for journalism, music, art and design. The program will be novel in its focus on
digital/media literacy, technology use, and communication skills.

4. IDEAL Curriculum
Students audit two courses per semester for five consecutive semesters (including two summer sessions).
Complete a core curriculum (six courses) that focuses on technology use, digital/media literacy, communication
skills, success in the college environment, self-determination, and career development.
Audit an additional four elective courses to build knowledge and skills in their selected areas of interest (e.g.
film/TV, music, art and design). Both core and elective courses will be part of the general undergraduate
curriculum and students with mild intellectual disabilities will participate in the classes alongside their peers with
and without disabilities.
Participate in a weekly (non-credit) program seminar which will focus on a variety of topics
◦ identifying learning strategies and supports,
◦ career development and job-related “soft skills,”
◦ awareness of and involvement with existing campus activities, organizations, and resources, and
◦ development and promotion of the self-determination and self-advocacy skills.

5. IDEAL Work Experiences
During the first 12 months (i.e. spring, summer, and fall semester) of the program,
IDEAL students will participate in an on-campus, part-time work experience.
During the spring and summer semester of their second year in the program, each
IDEAL student will be take a capstone experience that will include two components:
◦ participation in an internship in a local business or arts organization related to his or her identified
career goals; and
◦ development of a digital portfolio of his or her work. The internship will provide an opportunity for
on-going experiences and mentoring/coaching in an aspirational work context.

6. IDEAL Staff
The program will have at least three professional staff members.
Program Coordinator responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the program including
admissions, student advising, and supervising peer mentors. He/she also will help students with
creation of their capstone projects/digital portfolios.
Credentialed masters-level special educator responsible for providing academic support, including
identifying and implementing needed accommodations and modifications to facilitate student
success in college courses
Vocational rehabilitation counselor responsible for coordinating field experiences and internships
with campus in community media/arts entities for IDEAL students. He/she also will help students with
creation of resumes and other documents to facilitate their future job search, applications, interviews
and eventual employment.

7. IDEAL Staff
For every two IDEAL students, the program will recruit an undergraduate peer mentor
◦ will attend to the classes audited by the IDEAL students(as needed) ,
◦ help integrate IDEAL students in the campus community by engaging in campus activities and
organizations with other GSU students.
◦ We will explore funding options (e.g. AmeriCorps, federal work-study) to support stipends for
student mentors.
The IDEAL program will have at least one graduate program assistant (16 hours/week)
who will assist with the admissions process, recruiting and supervising undergraduate
peer mentors, program evaluation, and other administrative functions.

8. IDEAL Mission Statement & Goal
The mission of IDEAL is to provide students with intellectual disabilities with educational
opportunities, job-focused training, and access to resources and supports that lead to meaningful
employment, greater independence, and a higher quality of life.

9. Potential Supports Provided
to IDEAL Students
Accommodations (note takers, tutors, readers, scribes, extended time on assessments, etc.)
STAR (ongoing development and tracking of academic and career goals)
Peer Mentors (GSU students who volunteer to assist students on campus, in class, or with social activities/outings)
Workshops (Agency sponsored workshops on a variety of topics: APD, VR, Medicaid, Social Security, Career Expos,
Financial Literacy/RealSense)
Social Events (GSU cultural and sporting events, community/neighborhood festivals, student-planned community
outings, etc.)
Work Experience (on and off campus internships, employment placement assistance)
Health & Wellness Activities (structured opportunities for students to exercise and/or learn about healthy living habits)