Autism Support Program for OU Students to Launch for Fall 2023
To facilitate the needs of OU students with autism, the Zarrow Institution of Transition and Self-Determination implemented a new program called IMPACT360.
The program is designed to support students with autism seeking undergraduate degrees in, but not limited to, a STEM field. Fall 2023 will mark the program’s first cohort.
“Our students will be set up for successful and fulfilling independent living and be their own best advocates,” said Angela Barbour, the director of IMPACT360. “They will know and be comfortable with using strategies and workarounds that will enable their success in the workplace, in new situations, and when feeling overwhelmed.”
Students interested in participating must apply; applications for the fall 2023 cohort are due by Aug. 4. Learn more about the program, including how to apply, here.
IMPACT360’s goals of building a positive and encouraging environment for students in need are all-encompassing. The program will provide full-circle support, including academic planning, independent living guidance and social development, addressing students’ needs on a person-to-person basis as well as employment development. Some students may need help on how to get involved on campus, while others may need support with the transition to college. Other students may need the most help with making and maintaining social relationships. No matter the situation, IMPACT360 and Barbour hope to make sure every student’s needs are met.
“IMPACT360 is all about person-centered planning, which allows our team to meet each student where they are,” Barbour said. “Each student in the program will go through a person-centered planning process with their IMPACT360 counselor at the beginning of each semester to determine in which areas the most supports are needed. Goals and strategies for achieving them will be set in this meeting and will serve as a roadmap for the semester.”
Among the requirements to participate in the program are a formal diagnosis of autism, maintaining a 3.0 GPA, four hours per week of study hall, the expectation of joining and participating in at least one student-led organization and attending hosted social events. IMPACT360 also designates life coaches for students to help them in their academic journeys whom students will spend an hour with each week.
The program is geared to attract first- and second-year students, but juniors and seniors can request participation if the space allows.
IMPACT360’s work seeks to accent those services provided by the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center. IMPACT360 participants who require accommodations for equal access should register with the ADRC, but this is not a requirement for program participation.
“An estimated 44% of neurodivergent high school students will begin higher education, yet less than 20% of them will continue through graduation,” Barbour said. “Disability resource centers are wonderful for providing academic accommodations to students with disabilities who need them for equal access, but oftentimes the supports needed by these students extend beyond the scope of what they are intended to provide.”
As the program begins its first cohort this fall, IMPACT360 is expected to serve up to 20 students. Over time, IMPACT360 hopes to grow and allow more students with ASD to participate in the program.
IMPACT360 is funded completely through participant program fees; however, with additional support the possibility exists to reach more students. Interest in contributing to IMPACT360 growth can come in the form of tax-deductible donations.
“Donations can be made to the program through the OU Foundation by writing in IMPACT360 as the recipient under ‘Search Other OU Foundation Funds,’” Barbour added.
Optimism surrounding the program serves as another example of OU’s constant pursuit of excellence.
“I am excited to be adding the University of Oklahoma to the growing number of postsecondary institutions that are providing autism support programs for degree-seeking students,” Barbour said. “This program is much needed and will benefit not only our students, but also the university and beyond.”
By Brady Trantham
