Graduating high school is a milestone, one that often serves as a launching point to college. This episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio explores that transition for students with intellectual disabilities and how post-secondary programs can lead inclusively.
Hosted by Novie Craven, this episode features two guests: Molly Shawhan, Program Director of the VUnited Scholars Program at Villanova University, and Victoria Pepper, a Special Olympics North Carolina athlete and college student at North Carolina State University. They both share their campus experiences and discuss how education is a critical part of their lives, the areas in which they have succeeded and how educational institutions can best serve students with intellectual disabilities.
Through the VUnited Scholars Program, Molly aims to give students with intellectual disabilities a full college experience, which includes attending classes, building relationships on campus and planning future careers. Amid her own college journey at North Carolina State University, Victoria works as a Campus Enterprises intern for Talley Student Union. Victoria has also started two student clubs, made the honor roll in high school and in college, and represented Special Olympics New Jersey at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
Novie makes the message about college and intellectual disabilities clear when she says, "College is not off-limits for people with intellectual disabilities. That's not a fact, it's a choice, and we can change it."
As a recent graduate of William Peace University, I can say that inclusion is about accepting people for who they are, which is the most powerful message being shared. As someone with autism who competed in Special Olympics, I felt like I was part of an inclusive community where I belonged, was active and could thrive. Throughout college, I was able to make new friends, join clubs and network with others. Now, working with Special Olympics as an intern is one of the best opportunities I have ever had, and it’s a story I’ll be proud to share with my network, future coworkers and the rest of the world.
