College Experience Students Connecting With More Communities

Ontario ARC’s College Experience program, with locations at Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) and Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) is an innovative approach to post-secondary education for individuals with disabilities or other challenges. These college campus environments provide personal growth opportunities surrounding work, life, and social skills with the end result being employment, just like traditional college students. Options available to enhance the experience include auditing classes and access to campus extracurricular activities, athletic facilities, and other student life activities.

The College Experience is a growing program that continues to evolve around the needs of the students through avenues such as connecting with service-learning students, and matriculated classmates. In 2019, Ontario ARC’s College Experience began participating in U.N.I.T.E. (Unified National Inclusion Through Exercise) a locally-created endeavor that organizes college-level sports programs for students with special abilities. U.N.I.T.E.’s fully integrated athletic competitions inspire families, college students, and entire communities. In March, College Experience participants and students from FLCC, MCC, Roberts Wesleyan College, and HWS gathered in Spencerport for the program’s first inter-collegiate bowling tournament. Fifty-five bowlers competed in the incredibly successful event hosted by Roberts Wesleyan. The event attracted a large assembly of spectators, including families, friends, and Roberts professors, administrators, and athletes. A post-tournament pizza party and medal ceremony cemented new friendships and paved the way for future collaborations on and off the playing fields.

The College Experience programs at FLCC and HWS continue to grow each year. Traditional college students are involving their supported peers, forming friendships, and creating an environment that is accepting of difference.

Specific to HWS, students enrolled in the Transition and Disability class are being paired up with the College Experience students, working together outside of class on readings, projects, and homework assignments. These expanding friendships have been a valuable experience for everyone involved.

New this year, The Best Buddies program and the College Experience Outreach (CEO) Club has enhanced the on-campus engagement and resulted in building excitement and community among all the young people who are learning, and growing, together. Students of all abilities are supporting one another and making friendships and memories that can last a lifetime.

To learn more about the College Experience program at Ontario ARC, contact Wendy Nelson at wnelson@ontarioarc.org or (585) 919-2163.