Life after the IEP: Jaguar Jumps, a Bridge Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Many students with mild to moderate disabilities have difficulty figuring out life after high school. Governors State University has initiated a bridge program to help these students develop a pathway to a meaningful future. GSU Jaguar Jumps students are registered with the University thus able to participate in all student activities, and enroll in the JJ class thru the extended learning system. In the JJ program, students learn how to navigate the college environment including how to arrange necessary accommodations, figure out transportation, work on focus and executive function needed for post high school demands, learn about employment training programs and academic options and create work study or internship opportunities for themselves. All students are encouraged to develop social relationships as well as explore living in the residence hall. Positive outcomes include students earning paid internships, creating small business opportunities, participating in general college activities, participating with the athletics department and campus theater, and enrolling in for credit college classes.