FAQ

In view of budget constraints affecting the State and the University System of Maryland, we regret that UMBC will not be accepting Fall 2015 applications for the SUCCESS pilot program. The decision is based on an assessment of campus priorities, resources, and the prospect of further budget reductions. Current SUCCESS students will be able to complete their program. The pilot will be phased out over the next three years.

Does a student need a diploma?

The program is intended for students with intellectual disabilities, e.g., Down Syndrome, who do not receive a diploma, but instead exit school at 21 with a certificate. The SUCCESS program is not designed to provide credits that result in academic degrees, SUCCESS is a non-credit non-degree program. We encourage any student who is able, to obtain a high school diploma instead of a certificate. A high school diploma offers an individual many more options.


Why are individuals with autism, learning disabilities or other developmental disabilities not eligible?

This program is designed specifically for individuals with intellectual disabilities who exit high school at age 21. For additional information on the definition of an intellectual disability, go to: http://www.aaidd.org/content_104.cfm


Can my son or daughter exit school early and enroll?

The SUCCESS program doesl not accept students prior to age 21, unless the student agrees to use private pay to cover all program costs. Students who leave school prior to age 21 will not be eligible for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) funding for the SUCCESS program and it may delay their eligibility for DDA funding for Supported Employment.


Funding

529 Plans

Families interested in college for their child with intellectual disabilities should consider saving and investing in Maryland’s 529 plans. The SUCCESS program at UMBC is an eligible program. Information on 529 plans can be found at http://www.collegesavingsmd.org/.


What may DORS pay for?

Individuals are encouraged to apply to the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) services and develop a plan for employment.  Depending on disability factors, there may be a waiting list for services. DORS will make funding determinations on an individual basis.  DORS only provides funding in support of services that lead to competitive employment. It is important to note that DORS’ current policy for individuals who are approved for 4 year postsecondary education is to pay for the equivalent of community college tuition funding for 2 years and the equivalent for tuition at University of Maryland, College Park for 2 years.  DORS utilizes a sliding scale to determine if a consumer/consumer’s family will be required to contribute to the cost of services. In addition, all DORS consumers requesting assistance with costs of post-secondary education are required to apply annually for grants and scholarships for which they may be eligible. It is very unlikely that any individual would qualify for a funding level that would cover all of the costs of the SUCCESS program. Contact your DORS Counselor for more information.


What may DDA pay for?

Again, individuals are encouraged to apply and DDA will make determinations on an individual basis. It is very unlikely that any individual would qualify for a funding level that would cover all of the costs of the program. Residential costs will not be covered. For more information regarding DDA eligibility and funding, contact your Resource Coordinator or Danielle Lyons, Statewide Coordinator for Transition and Supported Employment at DDA by phone at 410-767-5631 or by email at danielle.lyons@maryland.gov.


How do I apply to DORS and DDA?

To apply to DORS:

https://www.dors.state.md.us/dors/referralform/referralformpage.aspx

To apply to DDA:

http://dda.dhmh.maryland.gov/SitePages/howtoapply.aspx


When should I apply to DORS and DDA?

If you have not already applied, you can apply to DDA at any time. You should apply to DORS in the fall 2 years prior to exiting school.


What should parents anticipate paying?

Parents will need to cover any costs not covered by DORS or DDA. The tuition and fees are set by UMBC annually and SUCCESS students pay the same amount as other UMBC students. For FY 13, the cost was $9764 and includes all curricular components of the SUCCESS program and allows participants access to facilities, event and activities including athletics, the Commons, the UMBC shuttle, and student activities. Currently, there is no on campus residential option. If families want to pursue a residential option in off campus private housing, they should plan to pay between $20,000 and $30,000 per year. For more information on the private residential options, go to the Important Information document in the SUCCESS application packet.

SUCCESS participants have several options if they choose to purchase a UMBC meal plan ($1830 for 2012-2013 includes lunch 5 days a week and flex dollars for snacks) or to bring their lunch. Costs may change in the new academic year.

Will transportation be provided?

Door to door transportation will not be provided. Families not choosing the residential options are responsible for ensuring students are able to get to the campus no later than 9:30 am and are picked up at 4:00 pm Monday through Friday in accordance with the UMBC academic calendar. Students will be provided a UMBC student ID card and are able to access the UMBC shuttle service if they choose the residential option or live on a UMBC shuttle line. If you live in the Baltimore metro region, you may want to apply for reduced fare or paratransit.

Reduced fare application:

http://www.mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/ReducedFareApplicationGuidelines_%2011-15-11.pdf

Paratransit application (for individuals unable to use the fixed route system due to disability):

http://www.mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/Mobility_Application_V%206-6-12%20%282%29.pdf

You may also want to contact your local Center for Independent Living for Travel training at:

http://www.mdod.state.md.us/Get%20Informed.aspx?id=900


Is other financial aid available?

Not at this time. UMBC does hope to eventually be able to apply to the US Department of Education and be approved as a Comprehensive Transition Postsecondary Program (CTP).


Curriculum and Related Components

Is the program year around?

No, the program is 9 months and follows the UMBC academic year calendar. Parents will need to plan for any supports and services needed during the summer months and also for the periods of time that school is closed for holidays, semester, and spring breaks.


What will the curriculum entail?

The curriculum includes academics, service learning, independent living skills, social/recreational experiences and employment.


Will accommodations be in place to assist students (like those provided via FAPE/IEP)?

The program is designed to provide intensive supports to the SUCCESS students. However, the IEP/FAPE approach to determining and providing services is required only in elementary through secondary education and is not applicable to post-secondary education or the SUCCESS program.


Will Personal Attendant Care be provided?

Families will be responsible for arranging for personal care and for any costs associated with provision of such care not covered by State Agencies.