Each summer, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) offers a statewide College Prep program to all ADRS consumers with a plan to attend post-secondary training.  The program originated in Birmingham in the late 1980’s and was first held on the campus of ADRS Lakeshore. The program has since been replicated in Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and Huntsville. The Birmingham program was moved to the campus of Samford University in the late 1990’s to simulate a true college experience for participants.

Serving approximately 125 participants each year, the purpose of the program is to help students with disabilities prepare for the post-secondary environment through the development of study strategies, use of technology, exposure to the college environment including classrooms and guest lecturers. In addition, students are taught the importance of self-advocacy skills and the differences between high school and college responsibilities.

Along with the support of UAB’s DSS office as well as many other campus partners, the ADRS College Prep program has moved to UAB’s campus and will be held on campus through the months of June and July. In addition to structured programming provided by the staff of ADRS, while on UAB’s campus, students will experience a state-of-the art classroom, have an opportunity to hear a course lecture from one of UAB’s instructors, dine in the Commons, and navigate the campus through riding the Blazer Express.

We are so excited to provide the opportunity for these students to experience what all UAB has to offer! This program is coordinated on campus by Disability Support Services’ Assistant Director, Valerie DuBose. For more information contact Valerie at vdubose@uab.edu or 934-5730.