We know families have a lot of questions about the benefits of Huskies BELONG – and the day-to-day activities and support.
We caught up with the program leader, Associate Professor Bryan Dallas, to learn more!
Why is it important for students with disabilities to have access to a program like Huskies BELONG?
Students with disabilities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) fields. Huskies BELONG aims to increase participants’ understanding of STEAM majors and career opportunities, as well as their belief that they can succeed in college. Career exploration and college planning take time, and students with disabilities might have additional transitional needs that their nondisabled peers might not need. Examples might include requesting academic accommodations from faculty members, acquiring audio books, or hiring and scheduling a personal care attendant.
Disability laws and procedures change as students graduate from high school and enter college. It’s a big learning curve, and this program aims to help students navigate that process. Huskies BELONG will engage students with hands-on STEAM activities, interaction with STEAM professionals, and provide mentorship and guidance on applying and setting up supports in college. The ultimate goal is for participants to be successful in college and enter the workforce after graduation.
What are some of the activities the students can expect in the academic portion of the camp?
All portions of Huskies BELONG aim to be activity oriented and hands-on, with minimal sitting and listening to presentations. The academic portion of the camp will include hands-on STEAM related activities such as programming gyroscopes to follow directions, abstract painting, stop motion animation and use of “green screens,” creating products using 3D printers, and using assistive technology for academics.
Other sessions will include role playing scenarios: For example, how to discuss accommodation needs with faculty or instructors. Participants will also interact with current NIU students with disabilities and the NIU Disability Resource Center staff. Participants will also have the opportunity to have one-on-one discussions with NIU faculty and instructors to discuss various undergraduate majors, minors and careers. The aim of these activities is to allow for career exploration and increase self-efficacy in pursuing college.
What are some of the social and leisure activities campers can expect to participate in?
Each day of the summer camp will include a lot of time for social and leisure-related activities, such as free access to the NIU Recreation Center, horseback riding and animal encounters, game night, movie night, karaoke and bowling.
The aim of these activities is to help participants test out the college experience, staying and dining in campus residence halls, and developing a sense of belongingness on a university campus. We want to help participants build their confidence in pursuing academics as well as a social network in college.
Do the camp staff have special training to work with students who have disabilities? Is there anything you’d want parents to know to help them feel safe entrusting their children to the counselors and instructors for a week?
NIU has great infrastructure for running these types of programs and NIU STEAM has been facilitating different types of camps for several years. Huskies BELONG employees and volunteers will go through background checks and orientation and training, ensuring equity-driven practices. Many camp counselors and volunteers will be NIU students pursuing degrees in disability or health related fields (e.g., Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Counseling). Camp counselors will stay overnight in the residence halls with participants.
Additionally, personal care attendants will be available for participants who need specific services, and a nurse will be available throughout the five-day camp for any health care related needs.
What activities should the students expect to participate in during the school year following the camp program?
Huskies BELONG is a yearlong program. In the spring, program staff will initiate an assistive technology evaluation for each participant, and families will be invited to a Family Fun Day to promote initial connections before the summer program in July.
After the five-day summer program, Huskies BELONG staff and partners will stay connected with participants as they enter their senior year of high school. Huskies BELONG staff and partners will work with participants throughout the fall to help identify postsecondary institutions of their choice and navigate processes for admissions, financial aid and postsecondary support services. Participants will also be invited back to NIU in September to participate in NIU STEM Fest.
Can you share some additional information about the main program facilitators?
Bryan Dallas, Ph.D., CRC, LCPC is the principal investigator for Huskies BELONG and oversees the program. Dr. Dallas is an associate professor of vocational rehabilitation counseling at NIU, which prepares graduate students to serve individuals with disabilities in educational, work and/or independent living settings. Dr. Dallas has served Illinois college students with disabilities for several years, including facilitating transitional programs for new students.
Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to contact Professor Bryan Dallas! He’s happy to talk with you about the program.
