The Arc Jacksonville
A partnership between The Arc Jacksonville and UNF
For almost
fifteen years UNF and the Arc of Jacksonville have had a profound impact on Arc
students and the UNF campus. The OCT mission is to provide an
innovative college experience for young adults with intellectual disabilities
or differences, while providing transformational learning experiences to
university students, college educators, and community leaders.
A COMMUNITY WHERE DISABILITY IS A DISTINCTION WITHOUT A DIFFERENCE
The Arc in collaboration with UNF students, staff and faculty create a community
where disability is a distinction without a difference. The partnership
provides an innovative college experience for young adults with intellectual
and developmental disabilities, while providing transformational learning
experiences to UNF students, educators and community leaders. Arc students
participate in all aspects of college life by auditing UNF courses, joining
campus organizations and clubs, and participating in recreational and leisure
activities that are enjoyed by all UNF students.
IMPACT ON THE OCT STUDENTS
The Arc Jacksonville On Campus Transition at the University
of North Florida (OCT) was created to provide young adults with intellectual
disabilities with vital missing services and supports that will assist them in
successfully transitioning into adulthood and to live a productive life within
the community. Students participate in all aspects of college life by auditing
UNF courses, joining campus organizations and clubs, and participating in
recreational/leisure activities that are enjoyed by all UNF students. Students
are mentored in academic, social, and recreation activities through mentoring
programs with UNF student peers.
UNF IS “ALL IN.”
The campus is deeply engaged in this process. By 2018, almost 200 faculty members have had
OCT students in their classes; more than 1.200 students have served as mentors;
10 AmeriCorps members support the partnership.
PREPARING OCT STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE
Individuals with disabilities have significantly higher rates of
unemployment than others. The OCT program focuses on self-determination,
independence and self-sufficiency, with an emphasis on developing skills that
can lead to employability. It is difficult to measure the OCT students’ sense
of accomplishment as they learn to adapt, thrive and "graduate" from
the program. The program provides a stepping stone to quasi-independent living
with respect to both skills and credentials. OCT students have been employed by 25
local businesses, including the Mayo Clinic, Baptist Hospital, YMCA, Publix,
First Coast Service Options, New Step Community Home, Texas Roadhouse, W&O
Supply Company, SAFE Management, UNF Fine Arts Center, UNF Human Resources, UNF
Student Accessibility Services, Sam's Club, Mary Kay, Gerald P. Jones CPA,
Winn-Dixie, XP Events, Starbucks, and McDonald's.
For more information on The Arc Jacksonville, please visit: https://www.arcjacksonville.org/
