Grant Provides Disabled Students Better Chance at Success

Students with intellectual disabilities will have a better chance for living independently and finding employment thanks to a new state grant that Brevard Community College has received.

The $15,000 allocation will fund a program called TOGETHER that teams the college with Brevard Public Schools to assist disabled students 18 to 22-years old.

Using academic and social mentors, the students will have the opportunity to audit classes, get involved in student clubs and participate in Student Government Association events.

The goal is to help them learn employable skills through BCC’s vocation programs and use social interaction on campus to improve their ability to live independently.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for intellectually disabled students who previously have had few options after high school,” said Dr. Suzanne O’Neill, director of BCC’s Office for Students with Disabilities.

“This has very good potential to help them improve their lives and find a rewarding job that matches their abilities.”

The grant was obtained through the efforts of O’Neill, who said the program will be based on the Cocoa campus. It will start with six students in August and hopefully grow.

“We’ll work closely with Brevard Public Schools to make the program available to as many students as possible,” she said. “We’re eager to get started.”

BCC offers more than 100 two-year degree and certificate programs and will launch its first bachelor degree programs in August when it changes its name and becomes Eastern Florida State College.

For more information on the TOGETHER program, contact O’Neill at oneills@brevardcc.edu or 321-433-7008.