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PAWS

PAWS
University of Missouri - Columbia
PAWS
The PAWS Program
303Q Townsend Hall
Columbia, MO 65201
icon name
Program Contact Maggie Center
Program Contact Email centerml@missouri.edu
Phone 573-540-3822
Website Program website

At PAWS (Preparing Adults for Work and Society), our mission is to create an inclusive community where students with intellectual and developmental disabilities flourish personally, academically, and socially. We challenge them to become leaders and advocates, while equipping them with the skills and knowledge for gainful academic and employment opportunities. Our commitment is to cultivate an educational community celebrating diversity, accessibility, and the pursuit of personal growth. Through our unwavering dedication to self-determination, advocacy, and skill development, we equip our students with the tools needed for individual success. Rooted in inclusion, equity, and the celebration of neurodiversity, our mission ensures every student's opportunity to succeed.

Program information submitted: January 22, 2024

General
Public or private: Public
Type of school: 4-year college or university
Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? No
Number of students: 2
Requirements
Program serves students who have left high school? Yes, all of our students have left high school
Regular high school diploma required? No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted
Criteria for admission
  • Student must be 18 or older
Accepts out-of-state students? Yes
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:
  • Intellectual disability
  • Autism
Planned program length 2 years
Cost
Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)? No
Students pay for the program in the following ways:
  • Private pay (student and family)
Academic
Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): Typical college courses for credit
More about course access: Students have access to undergraduate courses offered at the University of Missouri. They can take a variety of courses in their areas of interest, and can do so for full or partial credit, as well as having the option for modification on an as-needed basis.
Students take courses that are only for students in this program: Yes
Information on special classes: Students in the PAWS program take courses designed to support skill building in the areas of independent living, academic/work success, and social/community connection. These classes are designed to support a variety of student needs, while covering content that encourages student's development. For example, students will take classes like PAWS Freshman Seminar, Safe and Strong Relationships, and Preparing for Personal Success during their first semester of the program. During these classes, students will identify what supports them in the classroom to develop a strong foundation of self-determination, practice working towards goals in meaningful ways, and explore building social and professional networks.
Percentage of academic time spent in inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): 25-49%
Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each semester? Yes
Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: Certificate
Is the credential approved by the college/university? Awarded by program, not officially recognized by the IHE
Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services:
  • Career services
  • Disability/accessibility services
  • Academic tutoring services
  • Health services
  • Mental health/counseling services
  • Access to a transcript via the registrar
Employment
Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: 0%
Other career development activities are:
  • Internships
  • Volunteer work
  • Community Service
  • Work Study
Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: 0%
Additional information about career development and work experience: First year students participate in classes to develop workplace skills and practice in working environments. Second year students have time built into their schedules to work (paid or unpaid) to continue building their resume.
Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? Yes
Housing
Housing is provided to students: Yes
Housing options available:
  • Inclusive on campus
Extracurricular
Percentage of social time spent in inclusive activities (open to all students on campus): 50-74%
Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities
  • Registered student organizations
  • Student government
  • Club sports
  • Campus events
Students participate in these campus-wide events:
  • College/University's Student orientation
  • College/University's Family orientation
  • College/University's Graduation