The Campus to Community Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to provide weekly respite care to a local family raising a child, adolescent or adult with an intellectual or developmental disability.
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COMING SOON
The Program
Students from a variety of academic majors are matched with families of children, adolescents, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These students engage with the care recipient providing caregivers a much-needed break from their caregiving responsibilities for 2-3 hours per week throughout the semester. (e.g., after school, evenings, weekends).
This respite care program offers temporary relief or support to caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It is invaluable because it allows families to take a break while ensuring their loved ones are cared for in a safe and supportive environment.
Students participate in the program through a service-learning course or as an internship. At the start of the semester, they receive basic respite care provider training. Those enrolled in the service-learning course also participate in weekly discussions with peers and an instructor.
By participating in this program, students gain valuable experience working with individuals who have IDD and contribute to the well-being of those in need of care. The weekly time commitment of 2-3 hours allows students to make a meaningful difference without disrupting to their own schedules. Moreover, students develop important skills in caregiving, communication, and empathy.
What parents are saying…
What students are saying…
“My son has problems with socializing and confidence and talking and going for walks with the students helped him feel happy. They were so kind to him.”
“This program has made a huge difference in our families well being!”
“I have improved my active listening, compassion, and empathy skills from this experience. I believe these skills are incredibly important and will be useful as I find future employment and work with others.”
“It was such a meaningful experience!”