On a serene Missouri morning, the gentle hum of anticipation fills the air as Missouri State University-West Plains opens its doors to an initiative that is a beacon of hope and a testament to human potential: the ASCEND Program. The atmosphere is charged with an air of possibility, as families from various walks of life converge upon the university, each sharing a common thread – a loved one on the autism spectrum, ready to embark on a journey through academia and beyond.
The ASCEND Program, standing for Autism Support Can Empower New Directions, is not merely a program; it's a lifeline for autistic students navigating the often turbulent waters of college life. It’s the brainchild of a community that sees beyond labels and embraces neurodiversity as a vibrant and indispensable part of the tapestry of life.
Mikala King, the ASCEND Program Director, is the embodiment of the program’s ethos. With a warm smile and eyes that reflect a deep-seated commitment, she welcomes each attendee, saying, “This is not just an educational program, it’s a doorway to new beginnings. We celebrate not just autism awareness, but the diversity of the human mind." Her words resonate, echoing the thoughts of many in attendance, as they paint a picture of a future where differences are not just accepted but cherished.
As families tour the newly minted facility, they find spaces dedicated to serenity and collaboration – a sensory room, offices for dedicated ASCEND staff, and meeting areas where the seeds of personal triumphs will be sown. The university has envisioned a space not just for academic pursuits but for the nurturing of skills that cater to the needs of individuals with autism.
This beautiful dream scenario will soon be realized as construction is about to begin on just that dream.
The ASCEND mission is clear and profound: to nurture self-confidence, self-advocacy, and growing independence among its students. It is a mission that acknowledges the unique strengths and challenges each student brings and seeks to equip them with the tools to forge their path through college life and beyond.
Transitioning from high school to college is a pivotal moment, fraught with challenges for any student, but more so for those on the autism spectrum. ASCEND rises to meet these challenges, offering academic support, executive function development, social strategy supports, and guidance for daily living transitions. With structured supports, individual coaching, and the companionship of peer mentors, ASCEND stands as a pillar of support, fostering independence and accountability.
The program's offerings are meticulously crafted to ensure that the students feel not only accommodated but also understood and valued. This starts with the early move-in days, a thoughtful initiative that allows students to settle into residence life in a quiet, less hurried manner, providing a gentle transition from the familiarity of home to the novelty of campus life.
Personalized campus tours are another facet of this program's commitment to individualized support. Here, students are guided through the university grounds with a focus on their unique schedules and routines. This proactive approach ensures that students can navigate the campus with confidence, turning what could be a maze of buildings and pathways into a roadmap for success.
One-on-one academic meetings are at the heart of ASCEND's personalized approach. These sessions are where the rubber meets the road, with ASCEND staff providing guidance on academic projects, performance tracking, goal-setting, and the cultivation of self-awareness skills. These meetings are not just about academic advising but are a cornerstone for building the executive functions that are critical for independent living.
The ASCEND Class serves as a weekly sanctuary where students can congregate with their peers and staff in a supportive environment. Here, in a setting that resonates with understanding and acceptance, students delve into an array of topics that prepare them for college and beyond. From 'College 101' – which covers the essentials of surviving and thriving in a college environment – to the development of executive functions such as strategic planning, task organization, and time management, these classes are invaluable. They also tackle the nuances of social communication and situational awareness, empowering students to navigate the complex social landscapes of college life.
The weekly ASCEND Class is more than just an educational session; it's a microcosm of the program's overarching philosophy that every student can excel when their individual needs are met with compassion and strategy. It is within the walls of these classes that students are not only taught but also heard, encouraged, and celebrated, fostering a sense of belonging and community that is often elusive for many on the autism spectrum.
Each strand of the ASCEND Program, from the early move-in to the ASCEND Class, is interwoven with the golden thread of empathy – a recognition that while the journey through academia can be challenging, with the right support, every student has the potential to succeed and shine.
The ASCEND Program distinguishes itself with a vibrant ethos of community engagement, recognizing that the journey of education is one best undertaken with the support of a village. Regularly scheduled social events stand as a testament to this belief, creating an inclusive atmosphere where students can forge meaningful connections with peers. These events are more than just gatherings; they are pivotal experiences where students can practice social strategies in a real-world setting, fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing their social skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Proactive communication with parents is another cornerstone of the ASCEND Program's community-focused approach. Understanding that family plays an indispensable role in a student's success, the program ensures that parents are not just informed but are active participants in the educational journey. Regular updates, which occur three times per semester, keep families abreast of academic and personal progress, while also serving as a conduit for feedback and collaboration.
This symbiotic relationship between the university, students, and their families creates a cohesive support system that extends beyond the campus. It acknowledges that while independence is the ultimate goal, interdependence is the strength that underpins it. By involving families, the program underlines its commitment to a partnership model, where the success of the student is a shared endeavor, celebrated by all.
The integration of parents and caregivers into the fabric of the ASCEND Program is strategic, fostering optimum teamwork and continuity between home and university life. It’s a model that champions transparency and communal effort, ensuring that the unique needs of each student are met not just academically, but holistically. This community engagement is a hallmark of the ASCEND Program’s dedication to creating an environment where students with autism are not only educated but truly thrive.
The initiative has caught the eye and heart of Gov. Mike Parson, who attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, soon to be known as the TJ Swift House ASCEND Program. This endorsement, coupled with generous financial support, heralds a bright future for the center, which is poised to become an epicenter of understanding and growth.
Tracey Hollis, representing TJ Swift House, speaks with a voice imbued with experience and compassion, drawing from her family's extensive involvement in developmental disability services. She speaks of the potential and capabilities that autistic individuals possess, reinforcing the idea that they are not defined by their diagnosis but by the myriad of talents they bring to their communities.
The forthcoming Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, with its thoughtful design catering to sensory needs and educational pursuits, stands as a testament to the collective will to embrace and uplift neurodiversity. Its facilities, such as the sensory garden, sponsored by the Philanthropic Friends Giving Circle, are not just spaces but sanctuaries of learning and peace.
Gov. Parson’s words during the ceremony underscore a vital truth – that education and employment are the keystones of a society that values every individual’s abilities. The ASCEND Program is not just fixing a problem; it's sculpting a solution that sees the inherent potential in every student.
The genesis of the ASCEND Program is anchored in a transformative moment experienced by Chancellor Dennis Lancaster. It was a simple yet profound encounter, a silent standoff at the doorway of the Lybyer Technology Center, where the unspoken needs of an autistic student crystallized into a vision that would challenge the status quo of educational inclusivity. Lancaster's discernment of the invisible hurdles that traditional educational frameworks present to neurodiverse students became the catalyst for change.
His ensuing commitment to overhaul the conventional approach has blossomed into the pioneering ASCEND Program. This program is a beacon of innovation, providing a blueprint for educational institutions everywhere to emulate. It's a comprehensive endeavor that reshapes the landscape of support services, offering a structured, empathetic pathway that aligns with the diverse learning styles and needs of autistic students.
Under Lancaster's guidance, the program was meticulously crafted, consulting experts, integrating best practices, and, most importantly, listening to the voices of those it sought to serve. It stands as a testament to the idea that recognizing a problem is the first step to solving it, but taking action is what brings about tangible change.
The ASCEND Program, with its suite of services ranging from academic support to social integration, reflects a deep understanding of the nuanced challenges faced by autistic students. It is the physical manifestation of Lancaster’s vision – a place where barriers are dismantled, potential is nurtured, and students are empowered to navigate college life and beyond with confidence and autonomy.
The initiative not only anticipates the needs of its students but actively involves them in the development of solutions, creating an evolving program that is as dynamic as it is steadfast. It's this forward-thinking and responsive design that positions the ASCEND Program as a pioneering model, one that other universities are likely to observe, learn from, and aspire to replicate in their commitment to inclusive education.
The ASCEND Program at Missouri State University-West Plains is more than an academic program – it's a movement, a declaration that in the rich tapestry of human minds, every thread, every color, every pattern is essential and beautiful. It's a narrative of hope, a story of triumph, and a testament to the indomitable human spirit that thrives within us all.
For more information about the ASCEND Program, or to be a part of this transformative journey, contact Mikala King or visit the ASCEND Program website. Here, every step taken is a step towards a world where differences are not just acknowledged but celebrated – a world where every individual ascends to their own version of success.
