Slippery Rock to grow program that gives college, work experience to students with intellectual disabilities

Slippery Rock University is expanding its “Rock Life” program, a four-year, non-degree program for students with intellectual disabilities.

The federal government awarded Slippery Rock $300,000 over the next five years for the program.

The money will be used to hire more staff and grow vocational and other campus school and work opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the program, according to Natalie Burick, assistant dean of students and the Rock Life program director.

“The funding enables Slippery Rock to hire a full-time program coordinator for the next three years, with the hopes of making this position permanent,” Burick said. “This person will assist with student support, student employment experiences, and involvement in campus life.”

The Rock Life program provides a four-year certificate-based experience for students with intellectual disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder.

It aims to boost students’ academic enrichment, social engagement, wellness, and work toward competitive, integrated employment.

Twenty-three students are currently enrolled in Rock Life, which Burick said is the most since its inception in 2016.

Slippery Rock is one of more than 250 institutions in the country that offer this type of program on a college campus.

Slippery Rock and the Indiana University of Pennsylvania are co-recipients of the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disability grant worth nearly $1 million.

IUP will use their share of the money to start a new program for students with intellectual disabilities.

“Programs like Rock Life are essential in higher education because they create meaningful opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities to access the full college experience,” Burick said.

Other students gain experience as peer coaches, Burick said.

“By integrating students into classes, campus activities, university housing and campus jobs, Rock Life fosters a culture of disability inclusion and support that benefits the entire university,” she said.