Panel Discussion About NCC ASPIRES Program
in Recognition of Autism Awareness Week

Program Helps Students on the Spectrum Thrive in Their Studies

April 22, Garden City, NY – In recognition of Autism Awareness Week, Nassau Community College recently held a panel discussion about its ASPIRES (Autism Spectrum Program Initiative for Retention and Educational Success) program.

During the event, Program Coordinator Prof. Fran Viscovich, Social Worker Dr. Orval Jewett, Center for Students with Disabilities Liaison Prof. Seeta Ramprasad, and Psychological Counselor Prof. Michelle Seufert spoke about how they work closely with Strategic Educators and Peer Mentors to help eligible students thrive in their studies at NCC.

The mission of ASPIRES is to give support with transition to college and managing the college campus for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The program provides academic support, assistance in executive function skills, and social relationships. These components are facilitated through Strategic Educators. Peer mentors incorporate social relationship models with ASPIRES students. The goal of ASPIRES is for each student to graduate with an associate degree and then have the option to continue their education and/or be competitively employed.

Applicants for the ASPIRES program must first apply to NCC and take the placement exam if required by Admissions. In addition to a diagnosis of high-functioning autism from a physician/neurologist, they must have received a Regents diploma, local diploma, or GED. Other criteria must also be met. Once a student is accepted into the program, they begin at the college part-time and work closely with Stategic Educators and Peer Mentors for maximum success. They may eventually become a full-time student.

About Nassau Community College

Nassau Community College, a campus of the State University of New York, provides a comprehensive public college experience designed to prepare students to start, and continue, their successful journey through higher education. Serving over 17,000 full-time and part-time students annually, NCC offers over 70 associate degree programs and 25 certificate programs. Through on-campus and online offerings, the College educates local and international students and boasts over 163,000 alumni. Situated on 225 acres in Garden City, Long Island, the college grounds reside in historic Nassau County, one of the most desirable locations to live in the United States and an epicenter for business and careers. Since 1959, NCC has earned a nationwide reputation for academic excellence and ease of transferability to four-year schools. 

Media Contact:  Brett Spielberg | brett.spielberg@ncc.edu | (516) 572.9634
ncc.edu/newsreleases

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