The Special Services Department provides services to students with disabilities. We maximize educational and career opportunities, assist disabled students with integration into the university community, and accommodate those students with services needed to allow full participation in all programs.  Our certificate program is designed for students who, with appropriate training, are able to obtain positions in competitive employment.  We currently have a three semester program, with a second year available to focus on advanced independent living skills.

Entrance Requirements:

• A vocational evaluation less than 2 years old. (Either call our office to schedule, or obtain one privately).
• Complete documentation and full disclosure of medical/developmental disabilities.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to self-medicate with no assistance.
• Independently awaken to alarm/attend classes regularly and on time.
• Maintain appropriate hygiene/laundry/dorm room.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and appropriate behavior.
• Meet minimum entrance requirements for the selected study discipline.

We have a zero tolerance for any drug/alcohol use and students will adhere to the Standards of Behavior as outlined in the campus handbook.
Certificate of Occupational Training Courses:

• Vocational classes and practicum’s/Job seeking skills/resumes
• Independent Living I, II, III and labs. Advanced IL for second yr.
• Recognizing Conflict/Conflict Management
• Physical Education (adapted)
• CPR/First Aid
• Driver’s Education (optional) with lab

The College Experience

The Special Services Occupational Training Program leads the student to a Certificate of Occupational Training (COT). There are several career programs available (see course catalog). Vocational training emphasizes hands-on instruction, including 12-20 hours per week of on-campus classroom, lab, and off-campus practicum experiences.  The technical skills taught in each career field prepares the student for competitive employment in that discipline.
Occupational Training Areas:

• Auto Mechanics
• Certified Child Care Attendant
• Floral Design
• Food Services
• Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health
• Office Skills
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Maintenance
• Sanitation, Building Maintenance, and Grounds Keeping
• Welding
• Veterinarian Technician Assistant

Special Topics (These programs are not eligible for Financial Aid):

• Animal Healthcare
• Stocking and Merchandising

Dorm Life & Independent Living

Students are provided opportunities to build positive social skills and demonstrate appropriate social behaviors by living at Sierra Vista Village.  Although supports are in place to assist our students with the social challenges of living on-campus, all students are considered adults and are expected to adhere to university policy and standards of behavior.  Our department has staff available between 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to assist students in their transition to dorm life, learning domestic skills, and making good decisions now that they are living independently. Students and parents must remember: our educational program is geared toward students with disabilities; however, all students are adults, and must be able to live in the dorms and attend all classes and work sites with no assistant.  Each student is expected to take responsibility for their educational and personal success or failure, and demonstrate maturity and behaviors appropriate for a college campus.

Although second year students are allowed to live in the apartments on campus; first year students live in the dorms and will adhere to curfew for the first two semesters.

Independent Living classes and labs are required courses for the COT program.  In addition to labs, students choose a one hour elective from the following as part of the lab requirements:

• Art
• Sign Language
• Theatre

Support from the Special Services Department:

• Academic and tutoring support is provided as needed.
• Computer Labs are open for students to use
• Limited health concerns are seen by our Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
• Campus Security 24/7

Social Events

Resident activities are held, such as movies, dances, B-B-Q’s, and day trips.  We also have Special Olympics and the snow skiing club.

Residence Hall

Our students gain independence as they display responsibility.  Staff supervision is active until curfew and, as with any college student; our student’s are expected to adhere to dormitory rules and regulations:

• Curfew: 10:00 p.m. M-TR  -  12:00 a.m. FR-SAT
• Sign in/out log
• Weekend check out
• Weekly room inspections
• No opposite sex visitation in rooms
• No private transportation for the first semester (unless required to get to a practicum site).

Graduates

Our career training allows students to learn marketable vocational skills, as well as practical life and independent living skills.  We pride ourselves on the (avg.) 75% employment placement of graduates. Graduates leave our campus with verification of training (COT), certifications, valuable life experiences, and positive personal growth.

Verification of Training

• COT from Eastern New Mexico – Roswell, an accredited university.
• Checklist showing technical skills mastered in the chosen discipline.