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Dalton Wolf works on a 3-dimmensional perspective drawing during art class at Edison State.
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EAGLE Program Takes Flight at Edison State, Homan Pilots Program
With a $50,000 grant from The Ohio State University, Edison State
Community College has been afforded the opportunity to provide
postsecondary education options to individuals with intellectual or
developmental disabilities through the EAGLE Program.
Students of the EAGLE Program are supported through interactive career
assessments, academically inclusive courses with Edison State students,
supplemental and life skills courses, peer tutors and mentors,
internships, and financial assistance to those who qualify.
With the goals of the EAGLE Program in mind, Edison State Community College has hired Ashley Homan, of Houston, as Director.
“This is a great program because it allows students with disabilities
the opportunity to attend college. They take general education classes,
as well as a few classes based on their interests, to complete a
certificate. Once they complete the program, they will have the
opportunity to walk at graduation just like every other Edison State
student,” said Homan.
Homan, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Wright State University,
brings more than a decade of experience to the table, most recently
working as a Service and Support Administrator at the Shelby County
Board of Developmental Disabilities. In that role, Homan was charged
with coordinating services for adults with disabilities.
“I am still working with individuals with disabilities, which is what I
love. It is nice to be able to place more focus on one area of the
person’s life, which is taking college courses and pursuing their
dreams. Becoming a college student is something they are excited to
do,” added Homan.
Homan’s hopes for the future of the program not only include helping
students achieve success in the workforce but also sustaining program
growth.
“We are piloting this semester with two students. One student is
interested in biology and the other is showing interest in animation
and has been taking art courses.”
“I am hoping to potentially get Edison State students involved in the
future to become social coaches for the EAGLE program participants. It
would be nice to have students who were willing to step in and attend
campus functions with the participants.”
The grant is supplemented by funds from the Miami, Darke, and Shelby
County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and Edison State Community
College.
“I have done a lot of outreach with the County Boards. They are
familiar with the program and can help us make the connections needed
for this program to succeed.”
Edison State Community College serves as one of only eight
postsecondary program hosts in the State of Ohio to have such a
program. Other program hosts include, The Ohio State University, the
University of Toledo, and the University of Cincinnati to name a few.
For more information about the EAGLE Program at Edison State, contact
Ashley Homan by emailing ahoman3@edisonohio.edu or calling 937.778.7995.
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