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University of Nevada, Las Vegas Located in the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders CEB 115 702-895-5836
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- Fall 2018 -
WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
The fall semester came and went! It was an exciting semester with continued progress throughout our program. We came into the semester riding high from a very successful summer camp where students got to see firsthand what it’s like to work in various positions at the Wynn Resorts. We’re thankful for the Wynn and their partnership in that adventure. That momentum carried throughout the summer and into the semester where we welcomed 10 new REBELS into the program. This semester saw incredible levels of determination in many of our students. In particular, Ali Barber was determined to be successful in each of her classes. When she needed help, she was determined to find the proper resources for help. Her determination paid off as she passed each of her classes! Connor Whitehead started his third semester at UNLV. Juggling classes and a new internship was not easy but Connor made it look easy. There are not many people more positive than Connor. He see’s the good in everyone. Connor was recently HIRED at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center where he interned this semester! These are only two examples of the incredible growth we saw. There are countless instances I could share about each of the students in Project FOCUS. We are excited to see the growth as we continue to move forward in the spring semester. I am not only thankful for the opportunity to work with students in Project FOCUS but I am thankful for the many hard-working staff members that put in long hours to ensure the success of our program. I wish a happy holiday season to all and can’t wait for the spring semester! -Ryan
Project F.O.C.U.S. Newsletter
Angelic Thomas Community Outreach, Project F.O.C.US.
Rebeca Candel Educational Coach, Project F.O.C.U.S.
Carina Law Educational Coach, Project F.O.C.U.S.
meet the team
"To provide an inclusive, accessible, and productive career education program for college aged students with Intellectual Disabilities in the Las Vegas valley that promotes self-determinations, community engagement, job readiness and transitions to adulthood through person-centered planning, inclusive teaching, evidence-based research and positive behavior supports."
mission statement
Cori More, Ph.D. Co-Director, CASD
Joshua Baker, Ph.D. Director, Project F.O.C.U.S. Co-Director, CASD
Rory Carmer Educational Coach, Project F.O.C.U.S.
Brigitte Sison Coordinator, Project F.O.C.U.S.
K. Ryan Wennerlind, M.Ed Associate Director, CASD, Project F.O.C.U.S.
Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders & Project F.O.C.U.S. Staff
intern spotlight - Dominique martinez
adults. They have become more independent and self sufficient in such a short amount of time. I have been able to see some students go from timid and shy to seeing students participate in class discussions and socialize more than ever before in and outside the classroom. Friendships were made within Project Focus and I am so grateful I had the chance to be able to grow right along side the students this semester. I feel like I have learned more than ever before about patience, kindness, determination, success and appreciation from this program alone.
My name is Dominique Martinez. I am a senior here at UNLV majoring in Human Services. I recently completed my minors in marriage and family therapy and sociology. I had the absolute pleasure of working for Project Focus as an intern for the Fall 2018 semester. I also had the chance to be a summer camp counselor before school started for the program and absolutely fell in love with everything the program stands for. Having the opportunity to work with the students and staff throughout the summer and fall has been an absolute delight. I have been able to see the students grow socially and academically right before my eyes. I have been able to work one on one and in a group setting with the students in the program and I have really been able to see the students blossom and grow as young
I am sad to leave Project Focus but I am so eager and excited to see the students continued strides within school, social settings and out there in the working world. This program really is a great foundation start for students with learning disabilities being given the opportunity of inclusion and independence in hopes to become more self dependable and determined. Thank you Ryan, Josh, Brigitte, Rory and Carina for all your amazing hard work done in Project Focus. I enjoyed this semester more than I could have ever imagined!
student experience - first semester
"My favorite classes this semester are guitar and basketball. I liked going to the UNLV Creates at the beginning of the semester. I enjoyed meeting new people. My favorite event was going to the Karaoke with my friends. My go-to song is Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran." - Solade Adams
"I enjoyed meeting new friends and teachers at UNLV. I like taking dance lessons here. I love going to football games with my family and friends." - Mia Fertitta
"On a scale of 1-10, my experience at UNLV is 100. I enjoyed meeting new people at UNLV. My favorite class this semester is Cycling because it helps me release my stress. I want to thank my friends for helping me throughout the semester." - Ali Barber
State of the art conference
The State of the Art Conference is one of the premier conferences on postsecondary education and individuals with intellectual disabilities. We have been fortunate to attend this conference many times over the years. The conference provides an opportunity to unite as colleges, universities, researchers, program staff, parents, and self advocates. During the conference we have the opportunity to learn from each other, particularly the latest research and effective practices used in the field. Over the years, we have had the opportunity to present on numerous occasions. The conference added an important component last year as they began a Student Leadership strand for students in postsecondary education programs. This year we were fortunate to have Clayton Rhodes and Kayla Kincaid (pictured below!) join us in Syracuse and attend the Student Leadership strand. Keynote Speaker, Sean McElwee from A&E’s Born This Way, shared his motto “It can happen” through examples in his life where he showed determination and perseverance. We also learned from Kayla Mckeon, the first registered lobbyist with Down Syndrome about self-advocacy. During the Student Leadership strand, Clayton and Kayla had the opportunity to learn about leadership, advocacy, using technology in writing, supported decision making, and much more. We are excited about the possibilities of the conference coming out west (hopefully Reno, NV!) next year and we look forward to the opportunity for more Project FOCUS students to attend. Next years dates for the conference have not been officially announced but students should plan for attending in either October or November!
semester highlights
To celebrate Halloween, FOCUS had a movie night complete with with costumes, candy and Hocus Pocus!
FOCUS attended the Senior Salute Soccer game in October. Everyone had lots of fun cheering for one of our interns, Isabella Myers. UNLV Women's Soccer team won with a score of 2-0! Way to go ladies!
Garrett Williams having a blast at our Dave and Busters night!
With 10 brand new students in the FOCUS program this semester, we were busier than ever! Of course, we made sure to have some fun as well. Here are some highlights from a few of the awesome events our team planned this year, thanks to everyone who helped make each of these events happen!
unlv women's soccer game
Dave and busters
Halloween movie night
FOCUS participated in the Glittering Lights 5k Walk at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Glittering Lights is Nevada's largest drive-through Christmas light show with millions of LED lights and hundreds of sparkling light displays. Participants ran, jogged or walked the course in their pajamas! The money from the entrance tickets went to Speedway Children's Charities!
FOCUS hosted Karaoke Night this semester at one of our favorite spots, GoGo Karaoke!
F.O.C.U.S. bake sale
karaoke!
Glittering Lights @ Las Vegas motor speedway
Our Annual Project F.O.C.U.S bake sale was successful! Thank you to those who came out and supported the program!
"I felt the food was great, and everyone had a good time. There were lots of team spirit and excitement. I enjoyed the football game despite our team's lack of offense and defense." - Kyle Booth
F.O.C.U.S. tailgate !
We had our 4th Annual FOCUS tailgate party at the UNLV vs. New Mexico game this year and it was one of our best yet! Coming together to eat and cheer for our Rebels is always a great time. Special thank you to the Rhodes family for always helping to make sure our tailgate menu a success! We can't wait for the next one.
"It was an amazing experience. I had a blast and everyone was awesome. The food was great! I talked to everyone at the tailgate and I enjoyed cheering for our UNLV football team." - Connor Whitehead
END OF THE YEAR holiday party
Special thanks to the Dugan family for hosting our Holiday Party this semester. We had great time celebrating the year with everybody and are so grateful for such an awesome group of people. Happy New Year from the FOCUS family!
Interested in becoming a rebel?
Join us! Feb. 5th 2019 7:00 PM
FOCUS INFO SESSION - 2/5
FAMILY WORKSHOP - 1/15
Join us for a family workshop hosted by the UNLV Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders & the R.A.D. Foundation! WHAT: Leisure activities provided by Las Vegas Parks & Rec WHEN: Tuesday, January 15th at 6:30 PM WHERE: Hendrix Auditorium (HEA) at UNLV Rm. 105 to RSVP: call 702-463-6723 or email: coordinator@radlv.org
This spring we will be hosting an informational session for students and families that would like to learn more about Project FOCUS and the application process. The session will be on campus at UNLV in the Hendrix Auditorium Room 105. Email focus@unlv.edu to RSVP!
upcoming events
