Access Plus Program

Access Plus, a program within the Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, collaborates with key campus partners to provide social, emotional, and academic support to undergraduate students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and gathering restrictions, the Access Plus program offered the same quality and supportive services through virtual experiences. At the onset of the pandemic, we explored various virtual tools to support our Access Plus students. Peer Mentors, Social Coaches, and Faculty Administrators maintained weekly contact with students through text, Zoom, or phone calls. Additionally, regular virtual or phone meetings were scheduled with the families to support student success, maintain relationships, and discuss plans for the upcoming semesters. Even during these times, the Access Plus program continued providing quality support for students.

 

A total of seven students participated in the Access Plus program in the last academic year, with five graduate psychology students supporting them as peer mentors and spending a minimum of two hours per day with students in study hall (i.e., preparing study guides, creating visual schedules, organization, planning, and self-advocacy, etc.) Additionally, we have five Shark Teach Students in the Fischler Academy that support our students as social coaches and assist in running career development and social skills groups. We also have a weekly psychoeducational group facilitated by a faculty member to provide additional support. Opportunities for additional social engagement were made available by offering two end-of-semester gatherings where students could celebrate their accomplishments. Faculty administrators provide regular communication and support throughout the university and collaborate consistently with other university departments and colleges by facilitating informative workshops and hosting events to create awareness across campus. 

 

 

Notably, one of the Access Plus students started a Marvel Club at NSU that was very well received and sparked much interest from undergraduate students. In 2021, the Access Plus program launched an immersive simulation program to help students prepare for interviews and other job-search-related communication. Using the Mursion program, students practice and develop their social interactions and interviewing skills by participating in mock interviews with a virtual avatar controlled by an actor with realistic dispositions. We work closely with families to provide comprehensive support and offer a workshop for parents in conjunction with UM-NSU CARD providing students and families with information regarding available support through CARD. Two Access Plus students successfully graduated from NSU this year with degrees in engineering and communications with a concentration in graphic design.

 

Proudly noted, Dr. Maribel Del Rio-Roberts, an Access Plus faculty administrator, recently received the President’s Faculty Research & Development Grant award for her work titled “The Experiences and Perceptions of College Students with ASD Related to Bullying to obtain useful information about student experiences that can help inform the best practices.”