AUBURN - An Auburn University unit that helps young people with disabilities successfully enter the workforce and community life will receive a boost from a $150,000 state allocation. Philip Browning, co-director of the Auburn Transition Leadership Institute, says Rep. Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, was influential in convincing the Alabama Legislature to approve the allocation in the 2000-01 education budget, which goes into effect Oct. 1.
Hubbard was recognized for his support of programs for the disabled during the Empowerment Conference for Individuals with Disabilities at AU. "Rep. Hubbard has been very supportive of our efforts to help people with disabilities make a successful transition from school to work and community life," said Browning, who also heads the Department of Rehabilitation and Special Education in the College of Education. "Through him we will be able to do more and reach more people than would otherwise have been possible."
The Auburn Transition Leadership Institute addresses issues, problems and practices regarding high school students with disabilities. "The purpose of transition is to prepare these students to assume responsible work and community roles as young adults," said Karen Rabren, co-director of the institute. "The institute's mission is to help the students successfully cross the 'bridge' from school to post-school life. This mission is enhanced through the institute's programs of instruction, research and outreach."
Richard Kunkel, dean of the College of Education, said the state support will impact communities across Alabama. "As a result of Representative Hubbard's leadership, this nationally recognized institute will be able to step up its efforts," he said. "With the addition of this state support, the Transition Leadership Institute will be able to more fully help young people with disabilities make the transition to be active and valued participants in their workplaces and communities."
Over the past 10 years, faculty from AU's Department of Rehabilitation and Special Education, where the institute is housed, have partnered with teachers and administrators in Alabama's public schools, Special Education Services, State Department of Education and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Browning said the state funding will supplement more than $5 million in federal grants, which have enabled the faculty in Rehabilitation and Special Education to expand their service to the state. AU recently was awarded a four-year transition grant of $800,000 from the U.S. Department of Education.
