Access ETSU opens the doors for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have a similar college and life experience as their peers.
Access ETSU began in fall 2019 to help students with a documented intellectual or developmental disability continue their education at East Tennessee State University. The first student in the two-year program is Garrison Buchanan, a 20-year-old student with Down syndrome.
Buchanan is enrolled in a physical education and sports course on campus with other college students. Buchanan aspires to become a football coach or work in another field closely related to athletics.
The reason Buchanan wants to coach is rooted in his love and respect for Buccaneer athletics and the coaches.
“Coach is a name; coach is a good name,” said Buchanan.
The program provides an individualized curriculum that supports the student’s career, academics and social goals.
“There can be pathways to professions that are not necessarily traditional pathways,” said Dr. Brandi Eveland-Sayers, Buchanan’s teacher. “This program gives instructors, administrators, and most importantly, students the ability to create those pathways and excel.”
While the program focuses largely on helping Buchanan get prepared for his career of choice, it also supports him in gaining important employment skills.
Buchanan was recently taught interview skills for a job offer he received at Campus Recreation on campus. Buchanan interviewed and received an intern position at the Basler Center for Physical Activity.
Access ETSU is helping break down long-held misconceptions about people with disabilities. The program aims to highlight the similarities rather than the differences between the Access members and the rest of the campus.
Access to college has not always been an option for all students attending high school. Access ETSU plans on allowing more students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to join the program in the coming years.
“I want us to be known for being a very inclusive environment,” said Dr. Pamela Mims, a faculty member involved in the start-up for Access ETSU. “It’s a new day here, and I hope in 50 years from now we are still talking about Access ETSU.”
For more information on Access ETSU, visit www.etsu.edu/coe/access/default.php.
