Jon Michael, 19, is one of our glowing students enrolled in our college program at UA Little Rock for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Academics, Community, Career Development and Employment Program (ACCE) is an opportunity for students to have a college experience and prepare for competitive employment.
Jon Michael enjoys the social aspects of the program and the camaraderie he has developed with fellow students and Ms. Leslie, the ACCE instructor. He also is passionate about his internship on campus in IT services, helping students with their computers and setting passwords. His dream after graduation – ACCE is a two-semester program – is to work at an electronics store such as Best Buy or a phone store in customer service. In his spare time, Jon Michael likes to read and work on building his original Lego tow trucks.
“ACCE has been a blessing for Jon Michael,” his mother says. “It’s a great balance of work and college life. And he’s gained more skills toward independence through activities like learning to navigate the city bus system.”
Academics, social support, work exploration and job placement are all components of the program. ACCE is now accepting applications. Learn more at www.eastersealsar.com/acce.
