(June 13, 2023) – Access ETSU, a program that has provided critical support to young adults with intellectual disabilities the past four years, has earned a sizable grant to continue its mission of serving the university and the region.
The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities awarded East
Tennessee State University a $400,000, three-year grant aimed at guiding students
into competitive employment and independent living.
“The term inclusion conveys students with disabilities are a part of a larger social,
community and societal system. This is a core value of ETSU. We work so hard to make
sure that everyone on our campus, including individuals with intellectual disabilities,
feels a sense of belonging,” said Dr. Melody Blevins, project manager for Access ETSU.
“This funding will help us carry our mission further developing a stepwise support
system to enable students to gain access to the support needed after college to ensure
full inclusion in their communities.”
The grant means that Access ETSU will partner with Core Services of Northeast Tennessee
with a goal of offering transitional support to students. That includes community
navigators and job coaches to encourage long-term success of students beyond their
experience at ETSU.
“Access ETSU is such an incredible program,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “I congratulate our faculty and staff who worked so hard to see us win this competitive grant.”
Long celebrated on the university’s campus as a deeply helpful and inclusive program,
Access ETSU partners with area school systems, local agencies and much of the ETSU
community to connect students to many opportunities related to academics, career development
and social skills.
Participating students are part of a two-year education plan that is personalized
and planned based on the individual’s needs. Students enroll in courses at ETSU and
take part in vocational preparation related to their interests and strengths. These
students are also assisted by a BucMate, a fellow ETSU student who offers daily support,
including organizational and time management assistance.
“It is difficult to put into words the significance of Access ETSU,” said Dr. Janna
Scarborough, dean of the education college. “Our faculty, staff and BucMates work
hard to see every student receiving services via Access be successful, and this grant
will only serve to improve that mission.”
Testimony from Access ETSU students speaks for itself.
“They were helpful. They have been supporting me since day one,” Fergus Carleton said
earlier this year. “Even the BucMates help me out in my classes.”
“I think the people are sweet and kind and want to be my friends,” added Abigail Sanders.
Former student Clint Barrett attended an on-campus career fair and ultimately secured
a job. At ETSU, he trained with the Facilities Management team.
“Together, everyone achieves more,” he said.
Access ETSU is open to potential students between 18 and 25 years old who have graduated
from high school and/or exited from special education services, have a documented
intellectual disability and a personal desire to continue their education.
Learn more about the program at etsu.edu/coe/access.
“So many at ETSU and in the broader community passionately support Access ETSU,” said
Dr. Pamela Mims, associate dean of Research and Grants and a professor of special education. “We
are so thrilled to receive this grant and look forward to the good it will accomplish.”