Vision:
To promote successful transition outcomes for all.
Mission:
The Zarrow Institute on Transition and Self-Determination implements innovative research, puts findings into practice, and disseminates knowledge through high-quality products and professional developments.
History:
The Zarrow Institute on Transition & Self-Determination was established in 2000 through an endowment gift from the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation and the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation which were matched by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
Dr. Kendra Williams-Diehm was appointed Director and Endowed Chair in January 2018.
Excellence:
We commit to excel in our mission of research, practice, and dissemination.
Integrity:
We commit to establish and maintain the highest moral and ethical practices for ourselves and our partners.
Inclusivity:
We believe that every individual has the right to achieve their transition goals and aspirations. We value and treat others with compassion, empathy, civility, dignity, and fairness.
Elucidation:
We strive to provide information in a clear, concise, user friendly format that is easily understandable for individuals, practitioners, and family members.
Collaboration:
We strive to work across partnerships, as we realize we are stronger, better, and can accomplish more together.
The Zarrow Institute on Transition and Self-Determination recognizes and aims to work towards the highest quality of research surrounding transition and self-determination. We define the term “transition” as the process and time in which individuals develop the skills necessary to move from being in a child/dependent role to that of being in an adult role. We define self-determination as the ability to propel your life in the direction of your choosing (Lead On, University: Pillar 1).
Strategy 1: Increae and diversify external funding
Tactic 1. Increase external budge to $2M annually; $10M in submissions by 2026
Tactic 2. Examine and submit to new funding sources (i.e., NSF, NIH)
Strategy 2: Approach and secure foundation funding to invest in key center positions
Tactic 1. Determine ways to increase endowment and foundation support to propel center activities
Tactic 2. Establish two foundation partnerships by 2026
Strategy 3: Cultivate and establish a network of partnerships locally, nationally, and globally
Tactic 1. Establish Advisory Board and annual review process
As a leader in transition and self-determination, the Zarrow Institute strives to take evidence-based practices and put them into practical application. We at the Zarrow Institute pride ourselves on remaining on the front line by continuing to serve and assist individuals with disabilities. Therefore, we ensure continuing commitment to practicing transition and self-determination (Lead On, University: Pillars 2 &4).
Strategy 1: Create and establish national models of inclusive postsecondary education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Tactic 1. Fully establish and expand Sooner Works to 45 students
Tactic 2. Become the first state recognized program through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
Tactic 3. Create Camp Works with kickoff Summer 2023
Strategy 2: Create and establish national model for higher education support for degree seeking students with high support needs
Tactic 1. Begin *OU Transition by Fall 2023, a program for degree seeking students at OU who needed additional support.
Tactic 2. Expand OU Transitions to support an estimated 15 students per freshman class.
The Zarrow Institute strives to elucidate research and practice through a variety of different means to reach all stakeholders. We at the Zarrow Institute pride ourselves on remaining on the front line by continuing to serve and assist individuals with disabilities. Therefore, we ensure continuing commitment to practicing transition and self-determination (Lead On, University: Pillars 2 &4).
Strategy 1: Diversify and increase dissemination efforts.
Tactic 1. Redesign and launch new Zarrow Institute website
Tactic 2. Increase quality and quantity of dissemination in Zarrow Institute Email List
Tactic 3: Built out all Zarrow Institute social media and content calendar
Action 1: Establish social media calendar
Facebook: 1. Zarrow Institute, 2. Sooner Works
Twitter: 1. Zarrow Institute, 2. Sooner Works
Instagram: 1. Zarrow Institute 2. Sooner Works
Tactic 4: Establish and increase quality of the Zarrow Institute Summer Institute
Tactic 5: Establish and market the Zarrow Institute Transition in Practice Journal
Tactic 6: Align and budget Zarrow Institute Recharge Center
Strategy 2: Rename and market Zarrow Center as the Zarrow Institute
Tactic 1: Rename and market to Zarrow Institute on Transition and Self-Determination
Tactic 2: Pilot conference vendor booth to determine effectiveness (2 conferences per year for 3 years)
