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College Immersion Program for Students with Disabilities

The Summer College Program is a six-week initiative that allows high school students (junior year or older) to live on a college campus, experience college life, and earn transferable college credits at USI while developing independence and self-advocacy skills. The program is open to students with any disability, not just visual impairment, and focuses on academics, daily living skills, and technology use in a college setting. For students with visual impairment, Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training will be provided for navigating the campus environment. The program typically runs from mid-June to late July and offers opportunities for Vocational Rehabilitation funding and additional support. For more information contact: USI Disability Resources 812-464-1961.

Campus Navigation Made Easier: Introducing Aira

The Disability Resources office is excited to introduce Aira, a new tool to help blind and visually impaired members of our campus. Aira connects users with professional, remote agents through a smartphone app. By using the phone’s camera, these agents can describe surroundings in real time, making it easier to find buildings, offices, restrooms, or dining areas on campus.

We chose Aira because its agents are carefully vetted, background-checked, and paid professionals. This means our students and staff get safe, reliable, and private assistance.

Eligible students will receive 30 minutes of service each month. Aira is especially helpful during the adjustment period as students learn to navigate campus and become more independent. Getting started is simple, just open the app and connect with a live agent, who will guide you to your destination.

Program Goals & Focus Areas

  1. College Transition & Academics
    • Experience College Life: Students live in a college apartment for six weeks, fully experiencing the college environment.
    • Academic Readiness: Focus on the transition from high school to college-level academics.
    • Professional Communication: Training on how to address professors and communicate effectively in an academic setting.
    • Digital Learning Skills: Instruction on how to communicate and navigate platforms like Blackboard (or similar Learning Management Systems).
    • Earn up to 7 credit that will transfer to the college of their choice. This program is often supported/funded through Vocational Rehabilitation.
  2. Daily Living & Independence
    • Daily Living Skills: Focused training in essential skills needed for independent living.
    • Meal Preparation & Nutrition: Instruction on grocery shopping and preparing meals.
    • Money Management: Practical experience with budgeting and managing a small weekly stipend for living expenses.
    • Time Management: Coaching on organizational skills and effective time management.
  3. Campus Navigation & Technology
    • Orientation and Mobility (O&M): Extensive training on traveling around campus, learning routes, and confidently getting to different locations.
    • Technology Access & Use: Skills development in accessing and utilizing technology relevant for college classes and campus life.

The program's core mission is to offer students extra support to experience college life, equipping them with the academic, independence, and technical skills necessary to thrive during regular school semesters.

Program Overview and Testimonials

Watch this video to discover more about the program and hear firsthand experiences from students with disabilities who have participated in it.

Connect With
Disability Resources

(812) 464-1961