Access Plus Program
Celebrating Progress and Achievements
As we reflect on the 2023-2024 academic year, we are thrilled to share the remarkable successes and advancements of the Access Plus Program, a vital component of NSU’s Autism Institute. This program continues to lead the way in ensuring collegiate success and holistic development for our students.
Internship Spotlight: Bryan Pekar
We are excited to highlight Bryan Pekar, an art major with a concentration in graphic design, who is interning with NSU’s Office of Printing and Publications this summer. This fantastic opportunity will provide Bryan with hands-on experience, working alongside industry experts. His projects will include designing the 2025 editions of various annual event suites, such as electronic save-the-dates, printed invitations, and wayfinding signs.
First day of internship.
This experience will not only help Bryan build his portfolio but also enable him to network with professionals in the industry. Bryan is set to graduate in May 2025, and we can’t wait to see the incredible work he will produce. A special thank you to the Executive Director of Publications, Bernadette Bruce, for creating this career development opportunity and fostering an inclusive work environment for individuals on the spectrum.
Exciting Community Partnership
We are delighted to announce that the Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice has joined the Southeast Florida Workforce Ecosystem with Dr. Larry Rothman, Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of “Helping Adults with Autism to Perform and Excel” (HAAPE). This partnership is dedicated to creating meaningful and sustainable career opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent individuals in our region.
By joining this innovative Ecosystem, NSU reaffirms its commitment to fostering inclusion and diversity in the workforce. NSU’s involvement is pivotal in bringing together all relevant stakeholders to address the unique challenges autistic individuals face in accessing employment opportunities.
A particularly exciting development in this partnership is the designation of NSU as the “Employer Center of Excellence” for the Ecosystem. This prestigious role underscores NSU’s leadership and sets a high benchmark for other employers in Broward County and beyond. Together, we aim to create effective pathways to employment that will positively impact the lives of neurodiverse individuals and their families.
Expanding Awareness and Support
We are pleased to share the success of a recent training initiative aimed at enhancing support for NSU’s Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) student population. This training program was approved by the NSU Division of Research (DoR) for the Robert E. Dooley Trust NSU Center for Autism Endowment Fund award and was developed by faculty members Dr. Maribel Del Rio-Roberts and Dr. Timothy Scala of the Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. It represents a crucial component of our ongoing efforts to ensure that students with ASD successfully transition into higher education and feel fully supported in their new environment.
Understanding that students diagnosed with ASD often display remarkable academic and creative talents, yet may face challenges in social settings, self-advocacy, and problem-solving, NSU has proactively equipped its faculty and staff with essential skills and knowledge through a comprehensive 2-hour training program. This program provided valuable insights into the nature of ASD and the unique challenges faced by these students.
Participants, including faculty, support services staff, and public safety staff, engaged in psychoeducation and immersive simulated learning activities. These sessions were designed to offer a strong foundation in understanding autism spectrum disorders and effective strategies to support students with ASD. Through these immersive simulations, staff members experienced real-life scenarios, enhancing their ability to respond effectively to the needs of ASD students.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in enhancing their ability to provide meaningful support to ASD students. This initiative underscores NSU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students, ensuring our campus community remains a welcoming place for everyone.
Not only has the Access Plus program secured funding for our ASD training program, but we’ve also received additional support from the Robert E. Dooley Trust NSU Center for Autism Endowment Fund for Access Plus participant scholarships. This translates to more opportunities, greater support, and increased chances for students on the spectrum to thrive here at NSU! With this funding, we’re able to award scholarships to two amazing students, equipping them with the tools and support they need to excel in their studies. So, let’s celebrate this milestone together and continue embracing our unique strengths and talents. NSU is committed to being an inclusive and supportive community for all of us, and we’re incredibly grateful for opportunities like this that make it all possible.
A Cornerstone of NSU’s Autism Institute
Access Plus is a cornerstone of NSU’s Autism Institute, designed to pave the way for collegiate success while nurturing holistic development. Beyond its focus on academic excellence, Access Plus is a personalized program meticulously crafted to empower students on their journey within NSU. The program’s evolution over the past four years highlights our commitment to offering professional training and collaborating with advocates to increase awareness and support for our students.