Cuyahoga DD assists individuals with developmental disabilities in embracing educational opportunities and participating in local events.
SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
INVESTING IN INCLUSION
IT FEELS SO GOOD TO HEAR PARENT FEEDBACK THAT SAYS THEIR STUDENTS ARE MAKING INCREDIBLE PROGRESS AND HOW MUCH THEY FEEL COLLEGE IS A WELCOMING PLACE.”
– Michael Morrow
RISE delivers an authentic college experience to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
BY JILL SELL
Whether navigating a bus ride across town, studying for a test or creating a resume for their dream job, students’ skills pile up quickly, thanks to their participation in Cleveland State University’s Reciprocal Inclusive Student Experience (RISE) program.
“Some days, we’ll say, ‘Let’s not do class in class. Let’s go to a coffee shop.’ We try to assimilate students not only on the campus, but to the community around campus as well,” says Michael Morrow, RISE program manager. “Or we’ll take public transportation, RTA bus or the Rapid, to go to the West Side Market or Tower City. We have taken the students to Little Italy and we all had pizza together at Mama Santa’s.”
Travel training (learning how to get somewhere) and being familiar with Downtown Cleveland, University Circle and other local destinations are important lessons for RISE students.
RISE is a transformational educational experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The collaboration between Cleveland State University and the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) allows these young adults to have an authentic college experience. Launched in 2023 with seed money provided by Cuyahoga DD, the program, which began with seven students, now boasts 13 participants.
RISE is one of “many … programs that are part of an emerging group of transition programs across the state,” according to Morrow. It is the only program of its kind within Cuyahoga County. Cuyahoga DD staff consulted with CSU on the program's design and development, and this year, Cuyahoga DD provided funding for scholarships and an additional staff position.
Students work toward two- or four-year certificates, but requirements and educational paths vary. All students follow a core curriculum that includes career development, independent living and self-determination and self-advocacy. And while general education classes are required, there are plenty of opportunities to take classes that reflect students’ individual interests or future employment needs.
“A number of students like to take courses in the history of rock and roll or jazz. But we had one student who didn’t want to take a music class, so he took physics and liked it,” says Morrow. “Another student will be taking cross-training and weight-training classes because he wants to become a personal trainer. Everything is really individualized and is all about what the student wants to achieve. That’s how we set students up for success.”
All RISE students learn how to create job resumes and are made aware of any credentials they might need for their intended future jobs. Second-semester students work toward internships. And while they have the opportunity to work on campus as paid interns, CSU also will assist in seeking off-campus employment. Cuyahoga DD also connects RISE students to employment partner, the Employment Collaborative of Cuyahoga County, to host job fairs and connect students with employment opportunities.
In addition to taking classes, students are encouraged to join clubs and organizations on campus to become more comfortable in social situations. Since it’s common for many people to feel awkward or shy when joining something unfamiliar, RISE students are often introduced to someone in the club before attending regular meetings or events.
“That way, you have a friend there already,” says Morrow.
And while it is not mandatory for RISE students to live on campus, the experience generally adds to a student’s confidence and skills.
“Last year, we had three RISE guys live together, and they were the hit of the dorm,” recalls Morrow. “They did karaoke, always got invited to parties and had a lot of fun.”
Like most parents of first-time college students, many RISE parents are a bit apprehensive about turning over their children to a college setting.
“When parents come to orientation, they are nervous and no one thinks their child [with a disability] can live on campus. But one semester into it and parents trust us with their students. Second-year parents tell them not to worry. And it feels so good to hear parent feedback that says their students are making incredible progress and how much they feel college is a welcoming place,” says Morrow.
Although CSU’s focus is on teaching and guiding current RISE students, Morrow says students aren’t forgotten once they earn their certificates. For example, he explains, sometimes an individual is employed after school for a number of years, but loses the job for whatever reason. In this case, CSU staff members may step in (sometimes with a community partner) to assist in finding that individual another job. “We are a partner for life with our students,” says Morrow.
Meanwhile, Cuyahoga DD will continue to pledge its unwavering support, as the board earmarked $300,000 to establish an endowed scholarship with College Now to assist CSU RISE students for years to come.
Morrow adds CSU is continuously looking for grants and financial assistance for RISE, as the intent is to keep tuition low for this program.
“I hope and wish more students and their families would see RISE as a major opportunity for their child,” says Morrow. “While college is an expense, the impact on your child is priceless.”
Doing the laundry may seem like a simple, mundane task, but for CSU student Destiny Rose, it is confirmation of her independence.
“No one is looking over me to see if I am doing laundry right,” says Rose, 19, who lives in Willoughby with her family when school is not in session. “I live with three roommates, and it gives me perspective. I am learning to live with people who have different personalities.”
Rose is a student in CSU’s Reciprocal Inclusive Student Experience (RISE), a program designed to give students with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to attend and succeed in college.
“Sometimes my disability affects my ability to learn as fast as others,” says Rose. “I need more time to process information in my head, while others get the answers quickly. My brain just needs that extra time.”
Rose’s mother first told her daughter about RISE and encouraged her to
I LIVE WITH THREE ROOMMATES, AND IT GIVES ME PERSPECTIVE. I AM LEARNING TO LIVE WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES.”
– Destiny Rose
enroll last year. Although she was apprehensive at first, she is now in the second semester of her first year and overjoyed with the experience. She considers RISE to be “a really helpful program to teach kids with disabilities to become independent.”
Rose attends classes every day. She takes special RISE courses, as well as some general education classes, including math, English and art. Those latter classes can be “pretty hard” at times, she says, but with support and help, she is tackling them just fine. Her dream is to become a graphic designer.
Living on campus has also allowed Rose to join a Bible study group and attend CSU events and activities. She loves going for walks on campus, and in inclement weather, she hits the school’s indoor track.
“The hardest part of this is keeping up with all the work,” Rose says. “But RISE has made me feel like I always belonged here, in college.”
Grant money funds 15 universal changing tables throughout Cuyahoga County. // BY JILL SELL
Imagine having to plan outings or vacations based on the locations of restrooms. That’s a reality for families and adults with disabilities who have diapering needs or require colostomy or catheter care. Equitable restroom access is imperative for health, safety and privacy reasons. But it isn’t always easy to find.
Too many families have to resort to spreading a blanket or mat over a restroom floor, or using the cramped space in the back of a vehicle to accommodate an adult with disabilities. But universal changing tables can make all the difference in the world.
of over $100,000 in Cuyahoga DD grant money, 15 new tables will be purchased and installed by the end of 2025. Each award was maxed at $10,000. Nonprofit and municipal entities were invited to apply for the grants, and submitted information about their work, the available space for installation and projected impact.
Grant recipients include: Achievement Centers; City of Independence; City of North Olmsted; City of Solon; City of Seven Hills Recreation; Cleveland Zoological Society; Cleveland Public Library; East Cleveland Public Library; Euclid Public Library; HELP Foundation; MMS Adult Day Center; Shaker Lake Regional Nature Center; Vocational Guidance Services; Welcome House and Westlake Porter Public Library. While the main focus of the Cuyahoga DD will always be to improve the quality of life for the region’s residents with disabilities and their families, Keeler — a psychologist — also points to tourism and the local economy as reasons the universal changing tables are vital.
WHEN BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS INVEST IN UNIVERSAL CHANGING TABLES, IT SHOWS THEY ARE WILLING TO WELCOME PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES.”
– Janet Keeler
“Universal changing tables are height-adjustable tables that are about 70 inches by 30 inches and fold up to the wall when not in use. The adult-size tables are commonly installed in singleuser, family restrooms,” says Janet Keeler, director, Community Development, for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD). “Universal changing tables meet a basic need for this population. Implementing more in the community is critical for ensuring that everyone can access and be included in the community without self-care barriers.”
Until just recently, there were only eight universal changing tables available to the public in Cuyahoga County. But because
“When businesses and organizations invest in universal changing tables, it shows they are willing to welcome people of all abilities. It allows people to participate in a community in a seamless way,” says Keeler. “People want to go where they feel valued. Adding the tables to a community makes participating there an enjoyable and safe experience.”
This past fall, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission entered a bid to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games. The eight-day event will attract about 5,500 athletes plus their caregivers from all 50 states who will participate in 18 sports. More than 125,000 spectators and 10,000 volunteers are also expected. The event is projected to have a $100 million impact.
The location of the Special Olympics has yet to be determined. Whether or not Cleveland hosts the event, Keeler wants the region be ready for one individual or thousands who need the tables.