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Name of Program: OSU - Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings (TOPS)

 

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College/University: The Ohio State University 
 

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Contact Information:

 

 

Website: go.osu.edu/tops 

 

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Blog: https://u.osu.edu/tops/

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Comprehensive Transitions and Postsecondary Program (CTP) Status: Approved

 

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Annual Costs:

  • Tuition and Fees: $3,929.96

  • Program Fees: $11,022

  • Room & Board: Coming Soon*

 

*OSU - TOPS has a partnership with an off-campus apartment complex, University Village, that those interested in housing may utilize. Please visit their website for more information about the complex: http://universityvillage.com/

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Entering freshman students must enroll in a summer Campus Experience and Transition Assessment (COTA) residential program. $1,500

 

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Program Description:

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The OSU - TOPS Program is a 2-year or 4-year Workforce Development Certificate program that focuses on 4 basic transition areas: Academics, Employment, Campus Membership, and Self-Determination.

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  • Workforce Development Certificate (4-Year Program): Students in the 4-year program must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours (an average of 30 semester hours annually) across the four transition areas (i.e., inclusive academic classes, internships and employment, independent living & campus membership, self-determination) to receive the certificate and electronic portfolio.

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  • Workforce Development Certificate (2-Year Program): Students enrolled in the two-year program are required to earn 60 semester hours of TOPS program credit and participate in four transition areas and develop an electronic portfolio.

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Describe the academic services:

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  • Educational advising provided to assist students to select a minimum of 24 semester hours of audited General Education Courses (GEC) for the Workforce Development Certificate 4-Year.

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  • Educational coaching supports provided pre-, in-, or post-class by students enrolled in Disability Studies Internship course. (e.g., assist with note-taking, highlighting keywords/concepts, and clarifying difficult concepts).

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  • Assistance using universal and assistive technology (e.g., iPad app (Quizlet) to practice vocabulary, scheduling using Google Calendar, and storing and organizing assignments).

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  • Academic Center for one-on-one and group tutoring (e.g., writing papers and completing project activities).

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  • Extra time on tests or reader scribes (e.g., students received time and a half and/or reader scribes).

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  • TOPS Learning Community offered to provide direct instruction with technology, personal adjustment, and job readiness skills.

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  • Sample of inclusive classes required within the core course of study include:

    • Personal Growth to Increase Career Competencies – self and career exploration

    • Online Learning Strategies and Skills – Explores how to use the web successfully

    • Individual Learning and Motivation – Teaches strategies for success in college

    • Technology Enhanced Learning Strategies – Imparts specific and general strategies for using technological tools

    • Disability Studies – History, meaning, and impact of disability

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  • Building a network of natural supports through the use of OSU students, serving as educational coaches, tutors, and social or community service volunteers. OSU students are enrolled in the Disability Studies specialization internship course (DSABL5191).

 

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Describe employment experiences and outcomes:

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All TOPS students participate in either an unpaid/paid internship for 10 – 20 hours per week every semester. Internships designed to teach transferable skills and hard skills related to career areas of interest, as well as to help students learn more about themselves as a worker and their preferences. Students complete career exploration activities throughout their time in the TOPS Program to gain exposure to and make informed decisions about their career choices through informational interviews, job shadows, career research, and company tours. During the second year in the program, we try to place students in paid internship positions. Staff continually work to develop new opportunities so that student experiences align as much as possible with their career goals.

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Types of Internships/Paid Employment:
 

  • Athletics communications

  • Audiovisual technician

  • Clerical assistant

  • Customer service

  • Environmental services

  • Food preparation

  • Teacher’s aide

  • Therapy aide

  • Museum education assistant

  • Retail associate

  • Sterilization technician

 

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Describe how employment services and supports are provided:

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Students receive supports and opportunities necessary to seek and sustain competitive employment, including:

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  • Person-centered planning to identify career goals and to develop, match, and coordinate experiences

  • Access to job coaches and developers who receive ongoing training and supervision

  • Group instruction on career exploration and workplace readiness

  • Individual career advising appointments with job development staff

  • Participation in time-limited internships or work-based training in inclusive settings

  • Opportunity to participate in academic courses aligned to career goals

  • Participation in paid work experiences related to personal choice and career goals, such as paid internships, work-study, service learning, or other paid work on- or off-campus

  • Connection with rehabilitation and DD adult service providers to sustain employment

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Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) has recognized Ohio State with four consecutive "Employer Partner of Inclusion Awards" for our commitment to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workplace and for being a leader of diversity and inclusion best practices in Ohio (October 2020).

 

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Describe the independent living and residential services:

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TOPS students engage in learning communities designed to teach the skills required to live independently and socialize successfully in the campus and surrounding communities. Off-campus apartments are available for students who need housing.

 

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Describe the counseling and supports that are available for your students with ID:

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Students in OSU or Capital University Social Work programs with a specialization in IDD provide counseling services to students on a limited basis. TOPS program staff help connect students to counseling services provided through student services or other community organizations.

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