Russian Visitors Gain Knowledge About Helping Special Needs Youth

A contingency of Russian educators and counselors representing Legacy International traveled to Radford last week to learn how Radford University helps youth with special needs make the transition to independent living and how the campus environment adjusts to the needs of students with physical and social challenges.

Legacy International’s mission statement is to “train and mentor community leaders, youth, professionals and governmental and non-governmental administrators, helping them to develop and implement practical, community-based solutions to critical issues.” The RU visit was coordinated by School of Teacher Education and Leadership faculty member Darren Minarik who has done extensive work with Legacy International.

“My goal for this visit was to expose this delegation to a variety of ways we are providing opportunities for young people with disabilities here at RU through our teacher preparation programs, partnerships with public schools and services for students with disabilities on campus,” said Minarik. 

Photo of On-Campus Transition Program

Montgomery County public school students involved in RU’s On Campus Transition Program (OCTP) and their RU student mentors gather with program adjunct faculty member Johanna Elliott (far left, second row). Representatives from Legacy International recently visited campus to learn more about the OCTP program. Photo courtesy of Johanna Elliott.

Presentations included discussions on how Radford University partners with neighboring school systems to help support young people who do not have the coursework to enroll in a four-year institution, but can still benefit from socialization and work experience.

Cody Potter and Franklin Lawson, part of RU’s On Campus Transition Partnership (OCTP), shared stories about their preparation to live independently.  Lawson, who works at a local grocery store and part-time at Chick-Fil-A, told visitors that in order for people to succeed on the job, “be on time and do your best.”

Other sessions included information on the special education teacher preparation program, the “I’m Determined” project, which is Virginia’s self-determination state directed project, a discussion by the RU Disability Resource Office, a demonstration of augmented reality curricula, and information on assistive technology.

Under the direction of School of Teacher Education and Leadership adjunct faculty member Johnna Elliott, OCTP partners with two high schools in Montgomery County. Students in the program are 18 or older, but are still considered students with Montgomery County schools.

“This program offers students with disabilities an opportunity to continue their education with their same age peers while also continuing to develop independent living skills, social skills and work skills that will help them to be successful as adults in their community,” said Elliott.  

Visitor Olga Ferapontoa said she planned to speak with her dean at Samara State University about opening an ongoing dialogue with personnel from Radford University’s teacher preparation programs.

“My hope is to look for grants to develop further relationships,” said Minarick. “Legacy has expressed an interest in furthering these types of partnerships too, and I hope this day piqued their interest as well."

Feb 17, 2011
Bonnie Erickson
540-831-5804
broberts@radford.edu