ACCESS
What is ACCESS?
ACCESS is a program for high school age special education students that is designed
to help students obtain vocational and employability skills. ACCESS provides local
districts within the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency (AEA 9) service area with
an additional option to meet the vocational needs of students with disabilities.
Who is Eligible to Participate in ACCESS?
Only students enrolled in high school and receiving special education services are
eligible. In addition, students need to identify an appropriate career goal. In order
to identify a career goal, they should have completed career exploration activities,
as well as any high school vocational courses related to his/her career interest.
Students who enroll in ACCESS must be able to perform the essential skills of the
selected coursework with reasonable accommodations. ACCESS students MUST remain enrolled
at the high school while they are in the program. This enables the school to continue
receiving funding, which off-sets the cost of the program. Most schools allow ACCESS
students to walk with their graduation class, but they do not give them their diploma
until they exit ACCESS.
What are the Benefits of Participating in ACCESS?
ACCESS students receive a higher level of individualized support than typically provided
in a community college setting. While students are enrolled in ACCESS, they receive
one-on-one assistance with coursework, and assistance in developing skills for success
in college (time management, study skills, self-advocacy skills). The ACCESS Specialist
meets with each student on a regular basis to set goals and review progress. As students
prepare to exit the ACCESS program, they will be transitioned to support services
offered at the college. Throughout the enrollment in ACCESS, each student's progress
will be tracked in order to assist the school district in documenting progress in
the IEP.
Who Pays for ACCESS?
Participation in ACCESS is paid for by the student's school district. The approximate
cost of the program is $3,000 - $3,500 per student per semester. This amount varies
depending upon the number of students enrolled in ACCESS and the amount of credits
the student takes. The cost includes the student's tuition, books, and the services
provided through the program. Since students remain enrolled at the school district
while in ACCESS, the school continues to receive funding to cover the cost of ACCESS.
What is the Referral Process?
- The IEP team explores multiple options for vocational and employability skill development.
If the IEP team determines that the needs of a student cannot be met in the local
high school, a referral to ACCESS can be made. Referrals should be made at least one
semester before the student intends to participate in ACCESS.
- The IEP team then invites an ACCESS representative to attend a planning meeting. During
this planning time, meetings with students and parents to discuss options at the college
and tours of the selected campus would be appropriate. To invite ACCESS to a meeting,
contact 563-441-4355
- If the IEP team determines that ACCESS is the best route, the IEP should be revised
to reflect that decision.
- ACCESS Program staff will then coordinate the college application process and provide the support services indicated in the student's IEP.
For more information about ACCESS, contact 563-441-4355.
Questions? Call toll-free 1-888-336-3907, email eiccinfo@eicc.edu or contact the college nearest you and ask to speak to an advisor.
- Clinton Community College, 563-244-7000
- Muscatine Community College, 563-288-6000
- Scott Community College, 563-441-4000
t is the policy of Eastern Iowa Community College District not to discriminate in
its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual
or potential family, parental or marital status, as required by the Iowa Code §§216.6
and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and
2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational
Amendments, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C.
§ 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et
seq.).
If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please
contact EICC’s Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Equity Coordinator, Eastern Iowa
Community College District, 101 West Third Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801, 563-336-5222,
equity@eicc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of
Education, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor,
Chicago, IL 60604-7204, Telephone: (312) 730-1560 Facsimile: (312) 730- 1576, TDD
(800) 877-8339 Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.