REAL+, Certificate

About the Program

The REAL+(Plus) program will offer an expanded college experience for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who have completed the REAL Certificate. REAL+ students will continue to participate in a post-secondary academic-, vocational- and social inclusion-focused program. Students in the REAL+ audit traditional undergraduate courses and participate in inclusive vocational and social experiences. Students have the option to live on campus or commute. An individual plan for college participation is developed for each student.

REAL+ is NOT an accredited college degree program and graduating students will receive a certificate of completion.

The REAL Program is a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Eligible students are therefore able to apply for certain types of federal aid. See the Student With Intellectual Disabilities eligibility section of the Federal Student Aid website (studentaid.ed.gov) for further information. Consolidated or Person/Family Directed Supports (PFDS) waiver and Office of Vocational Rehabilitation funding may be used to pay for the REAL Certificate tuition.

Admission Guidelines

Upon applying to the program, it is expected that students will demonstrate the following minimal requirements: 

• Be enrolled in the REAL Certificate program.

• Have met 80% of their goals in their individualized college plan for the first three semesters in the REAL Certificate Program.

• Demonstrate ability to communicate with staff, faculty, and mentors. 

• Have sufficient emotional stability and independence to participate in all aspects of the REAL+, campus environment, and local community.

• Commitment to be an active member of the workforce. 

• Be able to provide transportation to and from campus and workplace.

• Have proof of health insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, private).

• Be able to follow the University Code of Conduct and to behave respectfully towards others.

Academic Requirements and Supports

REAL+ is a two year program that requires four (4) full semesters of study and students follow the regular Fall/Spring semester calendar. Individual planning sessions guide the selection of courses, vocational placements, and activities for each semester the student is registered in the certificate. In REAL+, there is a strong focus on employment and students are required to participate in a vocational experience for 10+ hours per week. Students have the opportunity to live in residence halls or commute to campus.

The following describes the requirements that will be completed each semester (for 4 semesters):

1. Academic:

• Students will audit one to two undergraduate courses directly related to their vocational goals each semester.

• Students will receive academic support from peer tutors.

2. Vocational:

• Students will participate in employment 10+ hours per week

• Students will complete job development and career readiness activities.

3. Social:

• Students will meet with their peer mentors 3-5 hours per week.

• Students have the opportunity to participate in University clubs and activities.

Specific courses and vocational experiences will be chosen based on students’ individualized college plans.

Students should register for one of the following courses each semester to ensure that they are enrolled and can be billed appropriately:

• REAL5 Program

• REAL6 Program

• REAL7 Program

• REAL8 Program

Support is provided by the program coordinator and peer mentors. Courses will most likely be audited, but may be taken for credit if the student is capable of meeting the requirements of the course without modification of its content.  Support for accessing courses, vocational experiences and other instruction are individually addressed.

Application

Students interested in participating in the REAL+ Program must apply before May 1st of the year their fall semester begins. Students must be over 18 and have an intellectual and/or developmental disability. Students will be eligible to apply if they demonstrate the criteria listed under Admissions Guidelines. The application process will include an online application, submission of two reference forms, and an interview, all of which will be reviewed and evaluated by a selection committee.