Analysis Of The Rech Program: REACH, Realizing Education And Career Hopes

“To Bigger and Brighter things”

What is the probem? In the past, those with developmental and mental disabilities were seen as personal problems, ones that were addressed by the individual families involved. However, in recent decades, the number of mentally and developmentally handicapped has been on the rise. This issue is no longer a personal issue, but it is a social one. Many people with disabilities require their family’s assistance to stay afloat financially because they lack the skills to maintain employment. However, there are programs looking to change this. The College of Charleston has enacted a program called REACH, Realizing Education and Career Hopes. This program aims at educating those who are mildly mentally and developmentally

It is one of five programs of its kind in the state of South Carolina (Knich). It was founded in 2010, with the help from a funding grant. However, the program has flourished, and it now is a full program at the College of Charleston (WCSC). It is a four year program, and when the four years conclude, the student will leave with a certificate from the College of Charleston in their area of concentration (REACH Program “Program Information”).According to Executive Director, Edie Cusack, the purpose of this program is to create a college experience for students who would be unable to attend college with their peers. This program supports dignity and worth and increases self-determination within the students. It allows for the student to learn how to become independent with constant support from their mentors (REACH Program “Mission and Vision”). The instructors are trained to accommodate these students, and the coursework is modified. This program prepares these students for the real world

This allows for the students to be a part of a support system of peers. Each student must take two traditional course from the College of Charleston in addition to a REACH support course. Examples of support courses include: transition to College of Charleston, writing comprehension, introduction to personal finance, interpersonal communication, community engagement, advanced person finance, career exploration, and preparing for life after college. These support courses help make the transition to the College of Charleston easier for the students. The students have access to tutors, the center for student learning, the writing lab, the center for disability services, and the library. The students receive three mentors to help guide them as they arrive on to campus. Sophomore year REACH students will decide on an area of concentration which is about the equivalent to a major. They also get to participate in personal safety groups. They learn money and time management, and they learn to become more independent. This program also offers career development opportunities such as internships and employment training. Upon leaving this program, the students have skills that can be applied in the workforce and in everyday life (REACH Program “Program