July 1, 2022, Ozark Radio News, West Plains, MO: $7.5 million in state appropriations approved for facility to house ASCEND Program https://www.ozarkradionews.com/local-news/7-5-million-in-state-appropriations-approved-for-facility-to-house-ascend-program
Missouri State University-West Plains’ (MSU-WP) ASCEND Program received a significant boost from the state Thursday when Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation earmarking $7.5 million in capital funding for a facility to house the program, which supports students with autism.
“We are thrilled to receive this funding for our new ASCEND Program, and we sincerely thank Gov. Mike Parson for providing the funding for this project,” MSU-WP Chancellor Dennis Lancaster said. “So many students – those diagnosed with autism and those who wish to work with individuals on the autism spectrum – will benefit from this appropriation.
“Our kids with autism are going to one day be adults with autism, and our community should be ready to help them succeed,” said 33rd District State Sen. Karla Eslinger (R-Wasola). Eslinger, a long-time educator and former superintendent at West Plains R-7 Schools, introduced the legislation that earmarked funding for the facility.
“The ASCEND Program will provide training and support for all individuals working with autistic students,” she added. “Most importantly, ASCEND will empower young adults with autism and learning differences to succeed in college, employment and independent living.”
“This is a fantastic program for the students, their families and our local campus,” said 154th District State Rep. David Evans (R-West Plains), who shepherded the legislation through the Missouri House of Representatives. “I congratulate Chancellor Lancaster for his hard work in turning the dream into a reality. It was my honor to work with him, Sen. Eslinger and other state officials in securing necessary state funding.”…
The ASCEND (Autism Support Can Empower New Directions) Program is designed to help students with autism transition into college and toward a life of personal success and independence. The program, which is the first of its kind in this region, will offer specialized support services for those who wish to embark on a traditional college degree path to reach personally-chosen goals.
A core team of highly trained individuals whose work will focus solely on the ASCEND Program will offer students structured support, scheduled guidance, individualized coaching, and peer and graduate mentoring that will help the students develop independence and accountability.
The new facility will house office space for ASCEND personnel, sensory space to assist students during those moments when they may become overwhelmed, and gathering space for ASCEND group and one-on-one meetings, university officials said.
“The autism prevalence rate as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates one in 44 children are identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many throughout our community are impacted by ASD. Having a program with a facility designed to focus on the specific concerns the students encounter will enable us to be the support system the students and families need to achieve their educational goals,” added Dr. Angela Totty, dean of student services….
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