Inclusive Insights with Kellyn, Michael and Gabe

Kellyn 0:06
Career and Community Studies [is a] program for people with intellectual disabilities here at ��ֱ�� State University. It is a non-degree program for ages 18 to 26.

Gabe 0:17
And welcome to our first podcast!

Michael 0:20
Today's topic will include, what is it like going to college with an intellectual disability?

Kellyn 0:27
Hi, my name is Kellyn, and I'm a sophomore at ��ֱ�� State University, and I'm from Lakewood, Ohio, which is west side of Cleveland.

Gabe 0:35
My name is Gabe Ropchock. I'm a senior, and I'm from Broadview Heights, Ohio.

Michael 0:40
Hi, my name is Michael DiFilippo, and I'm a sophomore, and I'm from Olmstead Falls, Ohio. We are now going to start off by talking about our journey to college.

Kellyn 0:50
So, I chose ��ֱ�� State because of three reasons. One, I have a food allergy, and that's why I chose ��ֱ�� State, and two, I love the program at ��ֱ�� State, which is CCS, obviously, and the third one is because I have family close by. I don't live that far away.

Gabe 1:07
After high school, I didn't know whether I wanted to go to college or not, so, I took a few years off, and I went to a few other programs, and then fall of 2020, I decided I'd come here.

Michael 1:25
I chose ��ֱ�� State because I've had some family members at ��ֱ�� State before, and now I realize there's a program with intellectual disabilities, and like, this is a perfect place for me. Like, there's so much out there to do. I first thought I would probably not be able to go to college because most programs require certain ACT or SAT scores, but that isn't the case here. Like, I'm glad I found this right after I graduated high school. I didn't take any years off. I am glad to find this place — a new home.

Kellyn 1:59
I... since when I was growing up, all my siblings went to college at different schools in different states. And I have watched my siblings grow older and achieve what they wanted. And I want to [add] to that. And I also wanted to go to college because my siblings went to college and I wanted to do that.

And I have found my place at ��ֱ�� State as a home as well. And I feel like... since the beginning of freshman of high school, I have heard about ��ֱ�� State and the Career and Community Studies program here as well. And I was really wanting to go to college because I want that independence, and I could find my own friends, and so forth, and I was hoping to go to ��ֱ�� State, because I love the campus so very much.

Gabe 2:55
I give all the credit to my grandparents. From the time that I was little, they, I think from what I understand, they had saved up from the time that I was little. So, I gotta thank them.

So, yeah, I've been taking a lot of business classes for the last couple of semesters. And I think that that's my calling. I really enjoy the independence.

Kellyn 3:23
My life as a student here is very busy, because I'm so involved. I'm in Dress Up for Downs. I am in an honors fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi. And I am also in the Flasherbrass Pep Band. And I'm also involved in the Newman Center, which is a church on campus for Bible study, and also altar serving as well. [I am] very involved because I want to make as much of a difference as I can, and I am very busy. I also want the independence and I could find my career, and my focus is education. After I get out of my, out of my sophomore year, my focus is education because I am passionate about my education.

Michael 4:08
My life as a college student, it's very active because I also am very involved in so many clubs. I mean, there's a ton I could list right now, including University Band, [I] do Club Dodgeball for open gym. I'm also part of the National Honors Fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi. Also involved at the Newman Center and Best Buddies. And I've tried other clubs, too, and like... There may be more clubs for me to join later, so you should always take advantage of what you have on campus.

Kellyn 4:38
There are so many clubs that you can join. You can name them all and it's all at ��ֱ�� State. What good services do we have at ��ֱ�� State?

Gabe 4:46
I feel that the campus escort for, like, if you ever don't, like, know where to go. Like, they can really be helpful.

Kellyn 4:55
Yeah, and also they can also drive us to our dorm if need be, if it's late at night from somewhere on campus.

Gabe 4:59
Right.

Michael 5:00
When the buses aren't running anymore.

Gabe 5:02
Yeah, when the buses aren't running anymore.

Michael 5:06
Or if you're too scared to ride the SPIN bikes or scooters.

SAS is like, you get modifications, accommodations for all your classes, CCS and KSU primary classes.

Gabe 5:18
It's called Student Accessibility Services.

Kellyn 5:22
And that's where, um, some, so for example, I have an advisor who is through SAS, and he helps me with my accommodations for my classes.

Michael 5:31
For my KSU primary class, you can even do in person, online, or even partially in person. For me, my KSU primary class is partially in person, which, even though it meets only one day a week, I have a little bit more outside work.

Kellyn 5:46
I, last semester, took rock climbing as my first KSU primary class. Well, actually, last year. This year, I'm doing American Sign Language. And it's the, my two, my two classes are very fun. But also, I have, I found some of my friends in those classes. And we kept our friendship.

Michael 6:08
I mean, don't be shy to make new friends. Don't always try to hang out with the same friends all the time. I mean, you may think it's hard, but... Once you get a good conversation going, you can probably try to remember them, you know, by following them on social media.

Gabe 6:22
Yeah, like exchange numbers.

Michael 6:24
Yeah.

Kellyn 6:25
Yeah, also, when we do primary classes for CCS, we take one for every semester. And through CCS, we have to talk to our advisor to help us figure out which one, which KSU class we want to take. For example, I'm looking at, for this next semester, for the spring, I'm looking at photography, other types of education, public speaking. And, you have to get our advisor or our professor to help us get in that class. We have to ask the professor for that specific class if they are allowed to have somebody with a disability to let us to be in that class.

Michael 7:23
I mean, you could have the same career as somebody else. Like, I mean, even though it may seem like a sophomore year, you, only one CCS student could be in a specific class, but that doesn't mean you can't have the same career as somebody else.

Gabe 7:39
Right, yeah, you could meet someone with your same career, and then maybe, like, bond over it.

Michael 7:45
Honestly, it is hard to find a career after CCS, but I'm looking at, like, marketing, media kind of stuff, like, business, you know. Financially or technology or maybe with sports, you know, something like that.

Kellyn 8:01
Yeah, mine is obviously education is my high priority. Cause it's my passion. And also, as like side stuff, like photography, public speaking, sports administration stuff. Some of the side notes besides education.

Gabe 8:24
And then, like the last semester and this semester, I've been taking a lot of business classes, so I may go into retail.

Michael 8:33
I mean, you're not going to have reminders by your parents unless you text or call them, obviously.

Kellyn 8:40
Yeah, I had challenges as well. I went through a hard roommate situation last year, and I had to go through a lot of challenges. And I have been doing coping skills, and I tried to use my resources in asking around for help with that. And I overcame that, and I'm now... I have done a lot of self advocacy of that, obviously, and I got removed from that, and I am off to a better year now this year.

Michael 9:20
I mean, you don't always have to hang out with your roommate, or don't always rely on your roommate in what you do. Do what's the best for you.

Gabe 9:26
Right, yeah.

Michael 9:28
Unless it's really helpful for you.

Gabe 9:31
I've also learned how to advocate for if there's a new building on my schedule or a classroom that I've never been to before.

Michael 9:40
I mean, you are allowed to go explore the buildings if they're open.

Gabe 9:44
Right, yeah.

Michael 9:45
My favorite part about being a college student is being independent and having more equal opportunities like most college students, but like, getting more of the support you need, you know. Not every college has like that.

Kellyn 9:58
Yeah, I agree. I would say, I, again, I'm passionate about my education, so I'm so thankful that there's a program here at ��ֱ�� State. I just love being here.

Gabe 10:10
Yeah, I'd just say, yeah, you know, take advantage of the resources and the help.

Kellyn 10:16
There are so many people who are here to support you.

Gabe 10:18
Yeah, there are so many people who are here to help.

I would say maybe the best part is either, is either all the different places to eat on campus or the sporting events. I can't really decide.

Kellyn 10:32
I love going to all the games here at ��ֱ�� State, and it's really fun. You cheer for your team, which is ��ֱ�� State. It's just a blast to be a part of ��ֱ�� State.

Let your voice be heard, because that's the biggest thing of all time, because in CCS, we have to advocate and speak up for ourself and tell them what we need and want because when you do that, then you'll be more successful in CCS and also here at ��ֱ�� State.

Michael 11:01
I mean, some of the main things we learn in CCS includes self determination and the five P's.

Kellyn 11:08
Which is..?

Michael 11:10
Self advocacy, self awareness, self regulation, problem solving, choice making, decision making, goal attainment. Goal setting...

Kellyn 11:23
Self advocacy.

Michael 11:26
It sounds the same!

Kellyn 11:29
[laughs] ...self advocacy. Um, there's just so many. There's punctuality, performance, propriety, participation. Those are all the self determination and the five P component.

Gabe 11:42
What they're saying, you learn that in... [whispers] What's the name of that class?

Michael 11:49
Academic Experience.

Gabe 11:51
Yeah, Academic Experience I.

Kellyn 11:53
Mhm, yeah. And also, the biggest thing is knowing our disability. And we do a bunch of, but we do some classes as sophomores for that class. And we explore different jobs around ��ֱ�� State campus. Like...

Michael 12:09
The Rec Center, Eastway/DI Hub, Rosie's, anything with food...

Kellyn 12:14
Eastway Market, the Eastway... the market in the Student Center...

Gabe 12:20
The Bursar's Office...

Kellyn 12:22
EHHS Office in White Hall...

Michael 12:25
The Greenhouse... Right now, I'm the first CCS student to be a tour guide, and I'm doing a pretty good job with that.

Kellyn 12:36
Yeah, I'm actually at the... I also work on Monday [and] Wednesdays at the main rec center, and also Fridays at the Tri Rec.

Gabe 12:45
And I also work all week at Rosie's. Different times, though. Every day, it, it varies. It's one of the main places on campus to go and eat. They have like, uh, pizza. They have...

Michael 13:04
They call the numbers or whatever.

Gabe 13:05
They call the numbers... They have—

Kellyn 13:07
Subs!

Michael 13:08
"Number 70!" [laughs]

Gabe 13:10
So they basically have everything imaginable that you could ever... Like, whatever you're in the mood for, they have it.

Michael 13:18
You are most likely to have a job during the day. Even if it looks hard to schedule your class. But, what I do usually is try to make sure my class fits in my schedule. And honestly, I have a little more anxiety about having a job during the evening because it's... that would be a waste for me because I wouldn't be able to get involved.

Kellyn 13:38
Yeah, I agree. I also want to be involved and I want a job here at ��ֱ�� State in the daytime. Like Michael said, I'm trying to have my own life and how to have, make these fun events that I'm in and other clubs and I admire my education. Otherwise, it's just, sometimes it's difficult to prioritize which one comes first. Obviously, it's education.

And don't be afraid of coming to college. It's, you are not, you do not want to regret [not] doing it because it's best for you if it's that what you want to do.

Michael 14:16
Because you could be in your own community. I mean, most of the classes, you're graded based on your effort, not really accuracy. Well, sort of, for your KSU primary class, but the effort grade is what really matters.

Kellyn 14:29
Yeah, it's based on your effort, and your effort is basically on how you do a lot of things in [regards] to are you really taking your time in everything, understanding the concept. Fully engage in the class, finding the friends and everything to find the classmates to work with when you're there when there's classwork you have to do with them and stuff like that.

Gabe 14:54
So yeah, even if, like I said, even I had to take a few years off after high school to try a few different things. And if you want to apply, I mean, just yeah, give it a go, I mean.

Kellyn 15:07
If you want to go to college and everything, if that's what you want, then you should do that. And I, again, I love ��ֱ��, and I like the program. It's just, it's best for you if that's what you want to do.

Uh, not everyone wants to go to college because there's not a lot of programs for people with intellectual disabilities all around the states. [But] I can tell you, there are a lot of programs in Ohio. Or even out of the states. Some of them, like, ��ֱ�� State, Ohio State... There's Cincinnati, some of the programs.

Michael 15:44
Cleveland State...

Gabe 15:45
OU?

Michael 15:47
Uh, Toledo!

Kellyn 15:48
So, take that advantage to do that, cause there's a lot of opportunities out there in the world for you guys to find colleges. You are not alone in this. Just put that in your head and remember that you're not alone.

Michael 16:01
Like, it wasn't that hard as I thought. I thought it would be really hard for you to pass the ILI program for some reason, but I somehow did it.

Kellyn 16:08
I was really impressed with how [much] hard work I'm doing and it's sometimes... for people it can be hard to advocate, but again, don't be afraid because they are welcoming and the best thing you can do possible is to let your voice be heard.

Michael 16:24
Thank you for listening to our very first podcast and a friendly reminder, Homecoming is October 21st!

Gabe 16:31
For the second straight year, CCS will be in the parade.

Michael 16:36
[whispers] Spoiler alert.

Come back for episode two. Stay tuned for it. Peace out!

Kellyn 16:43
Go Flashes! Let's go ��ֱ�� State! Let's move forward!

Gabe 16:46
Go Flashes.

Michael 16:47
Ba da da da da Ba da da!

Kellyn 16:51
��ֱ�� State Flashes! Woohoo!

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