Florida International University Miami-Dade County Public
Schools Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Parent to Parent of
Miami
Slide 2
Parent to Parent initiates meeting with interested parties in
the community Initial presentation attended by representatives of
Parent to Parent, M-DCPS, FIU FIU designates Dr. Valle-Riestra as
principal investigator for the TPSID grant. Grant is awarded.
Representatives from the three partners worked to develop the
program (develop cooperative agreement and application, identify
program coordinator and assistant, identify courses, advertise and
secure academic mentors and peer coaches, develop and schedule
student/family seminars, etc.)
Slide 3
The first inclusive post secondary program for students with
Intellectual Disabilities on a university campus in Miami. The
recruitment, preparation, and program delivery to 8-10 students
with ID that meet project eligibility criteria. Initial and ongoing
advising, academic mentoring, peer coaching support, faculty
advising and job shadowing/job coaching. The development of
self-determination and advocacy skills for students and families
enrolled in the program. The development and generalization of
independent living skills in the community. The successful
completion and potential for paid employability of students with ID
from the program.
Slide 4
Students in the Project Panther LIFE program at Florida
International University will be deemed eligible upon meeting the
following criteria: Have finished the necessary credits for
graduation with a special diploma Be18-21 years of age Have a
desire to receive transition services in a college setting Have a
documented Intellectual Disability Will benefit from participation
in a variety of non-paid internships Are interested and capable of
using public transportation to access Project Panther LIFE (travel
training to be provided by the program during the summer prior to
the beginning of the school year) Have a desire to work
competitively at the end of the Project Panther LIFE program Be
able to communicate effectively with others Display a level of
social maturity conducive to a college environment Be able to
maintain personal self care and hygiene appropriately Have
satisfactory attendance from previous schools
Slide 5
Sample Schedule
Slide 6
FIU MDCPS Waived Tuition and Fees for year 1 Faculty Advisors
Academic Mentors Peer Coaches IDs and Access to all Student
Activities Best Buddies Project Coordinator Full-time assistant
Transition Specialist Travel Training Social Worker Job Coach(es)
Textbooks and supplies Parent Seminars provided by Parent to Parent
of Miami Vocational Rehabilitation
Slide 7
Unique job shadowing opportunities (Deans office, equipment
manager in athletics, Childrens Creative Learning Center (CCLC),
Fitness Center Daily workouts 5 students and 1 peer coach attended
and presented at the 2 nd Annual Hartwick Symposium Added an art
experience component for the students Special Olympics
Slide 8
it was obvious that he was proud to be in Project Panther LIFE.
He was not in the least intimidated by the class or by
participating. He did well on class assignments and even wrote an
extra paper on his FIU experiences. In class, she interacted with
group members in a way that demonstrated a higher level of
friendship than simply a class group member relationship. Professor
Feedback
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Add two additional student slots for next year Additional job
shadowing/internships Phase II (students over 22yrs) Reapply for
TPSID grant for upcoming year
Slide 16
Florida International University Miami-Dade County Public
Schools Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Parent to Parent of
Miami Questions???