Alumni sought to help guide ASD initiatives on campus

Carroll continues to strengthen the campus culture through diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including development of programming for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD.)

As the university looks ahead to possible program development, interested alumni are invited to become involved by volunteering to serve on the Pioneers with Autism Advisory Council (PAAC). The council would guide programming and ways to heighten the inclusivity for students with ASD on Carroll campus.

Carroll’s “Pioneers with ASD” is being developed with self-determination, self-advocacy, and self-regulation in mind. The PAAC will be composed of current and past students with the support of staff and faculty from across campus. 

Faculty and staff from Carroll’s School of Education, Faculty Development, Housing, Office of Student Accessibility Services, Career Services, and Library Services will work closely with PAAC, supporting the group in its evaluation and recommendations for this student-centered program.

In Phase I, PAAC’s main task is to assist Carroll faculty and staff in building a student-driven framework and action plan for “Pioneers with ASD.” Initially, PAAC will provide specific recommendations, facilitate focus groups, conduct and analyze student surveys, and set-up a study sensory room on campus. 

This study sensory room will serve as a pilot project to determine how and how often students use this space, gather student feedback and recommendations for improving it, and provide advice on additional study or neurosensory spaces for students with ASD and other neurodiversities, such as ADHD, Tourette's Syndrome, and Asperger's Syndrome, as examples.

Long term, the PAAC, in consultation with Carroll faculty and staff, will offer recommendations and feedback in the following areas:

• Who and how to partner with Carroll faculty, local high school teachers and counselors, parents, autism experts, and local and national autism awareness organizations for additional insight and best practices.
• Contribute to and review ASD programming and curriculum.
• Serve as or recommend student mentors.
• Identify, host and co-develop training for Carroll staff and faculty.
• Recommend recruitment and outreach strategies for new students.
• Identify campus partners, such as Carroll’s new E-Sports team, Faculty and Staff Development, Career Services, Student Life, and Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
• Additional areas, as determined by the PAAC.

Currently, the PAAC meets virtually on Thursdays at 12 noon. Please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@carrollu.edu to learn more or to express your interest in volunteering with the PAAC.