Mentoring/Educational Coaching
For many people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities, there may be the need for supports above and beyond what is available through the college and its disability services office and tutoring center. While it is important to take advantage of the natural supports already available on the college campus, when more is needed, a "mentor" or "educational coach" can be a valuable addition to the team. With the support of an mentor/educational coach, many students with intellectual/developmental disabilities have been successful in typical college courses.
Mentors are often described as a trusted friend, counselor or teacher, supporting those others by offering advice and serve as examples.
Coaches are sometimes described as detectives & anthropologists, identifying a variety of strategies and methods which will allow the person to be a valued and accepted student/worker, with the absolute minimum of support provided directly by the coach.
Successful mentors/coaches:
- Help students to understand themselves as learners
- Help students to understand and express their support needs
- Teach students how to advocate for themselves
- Work towards the inclusion of students into typical college settings
- Utilize the available natural supports
- Provide the absolute minimum supports possible
- Fade support over time
Here you will find helpful resources to train and support mentors or educational coaches.
