DO-IT Scholars Program
The DO-IT Scholars program is a project of the DO-IT (Disabilities Opportunities Internetworking, Technology) Center at the University of Washington. It was established in 1993. The program accepts, accommodates, and prepares young people with a wide range of disabilities including Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Learning disability, Mental disorder, Developmental disability, and Physical Disability for college. The Scholars program was originally funded by the National Science Foundation and accepted students nationally. Now the Scholars program accepts Washington state high school students and is primarily funded by the state of Washington and gifts from corporations, though it is still funded partially by the National Science Foundation and the United States Department of Education. It inspired the University of Tokyo in Japan to start its own version of the program beginning in 2007 and the University of Malaya in Malaysia to begin a DO-IT Scholars program in 2012. Several groups in South Korea also implemented aspects of the DO-IT Scholars program.
Program components
The DO-IT Scholars program prepares young people with disabilities for college, careers, independent living, and leadership roles in society. DO-IT Scholars
- explore careers and the world of work
- learn to select and use adaptive technology, applications software, and Internet resources
- experience college life on a university campus in the summer
- learn about reasonable accommodations at school and in the workplace
- network with peers and working professionals with disabilities
- gain requisite knowledge to enter and succeed in college and challenging careers
- participate in leadership opportunities that promote accessible environments, worksites, and community activities.
Phases of the DO-IT Scholars Program
Phase I Scholars
These Scholars participate in the following activities:
- Internetworking - use computers to enrich their education and explore academic and career interests using the Internet. They communicate electronically with mentors and other DO-IT participants from home using computers and, if necessary, special adaptive technology. DO-IT Scholars who do not have the necessary technology are loaned equipment and software while they participate in program activities.
- Mentor and peer support - frequent electronic communications and personal contacts bring Scholars together with DO-IT Mentors to facilitate academic, career, and personal achievements. Mentors are college students, faculty, and practicing professionals in technical fields, many with disabilities themselves.
- Summer Study I - attend a live-in summer program at the University of Washington in Seattle, DO-IT Scholars participate in academic lectures and labs; live in residence halls; and practice skills that will help them become independent and successful in college.
Phase II Scholars
These Scholars participate in the following activities:
- Projects - Scholars apply their interests, skills, and knowledge to design and complete independent and team projects. DO-IT Mentors and staff act as resources.
- Internetworking and Mentoring - develop and practice communication and leadership skills by acting as peer mentors for incoming Phase I DO-IT Scholars. Communication occurs in-person during the Summer Study program and electronically throughout the year
- Summer Study II - Scholars return to the University of Washington campus for a one-week, live-in summer program to create and complete projects of personal interest with other DO-IT Scholars, faculty, and professionals.
Phase III Scholars
These Scholars are completing high school and transitioning to college. Throughout the year, they communicate with other Scholars, Ambassadors, and Mentors and participate in DO-IT activities. Some become Interns at DO-IT Summer Study and participate in other work experiences.
Ambassadors
A Scholar who graduates from high school becomes a DO-IT Ambassador. An Ambassador helps with program activities, participates in electronic communications, and mentors younger Scholars.
Transition from High School to College
Disabled students face challenges and frustrations between high school and college. Parents, IEP, and other support systems are no longer involved in advocacy. Disability support during K-12 school is required by law in order to provide all children with free education in the United States that they are entitled to and required to attend. On the other hand, no one is actually "entitled" to post-secondary education and students must apply for higher education and all students must be able to do what is needed to learn regardless of accommodations. Legislation regarding disability services are far different and less strict for higher education than primary and secondary education.
It takes effort to get into the DO-IT Scholars program but it is impossible to leave it!
DO-IT is an investment to make the world more accessible and friendly to all. In particular, DO-IT engages young people with disabilities who have
- Leadership qualities
- Challenges and willing to overcome them
- Desire and ability to attend higher education
About the DO-IT Center
Run by the University of Washington, the DO-IT Center provides programs, publications and materials to educational institutions to help them fully integrate all students, including those with disabilities, into Academic life. DO-IT programs include the Center for Universal Design in Education[1] and a database of information on the universal design of educational facilities for students of all levels of physical, psychical and mental ability.[2] These design programs reduce systemic barriers which could otherwise hinder the performance of some students. The Center's universal design philosophies may be applied to professional organizations and conferences,[3] as well as to Universal Design for Instruction.
The DO-IT center seeks to assist individuals with disabilities into rewarding careers in fields including science, engineering, business, technology, as well as academic programs and careers. It promotes the use of computer and networking technologies to increase independence, productivity, and participation in education and employment.[4]
DO-IT has received national and regional awards including the National Information Infrastructure Award in Education; the King County Adult Service Agency Award, an Outstanding Program Award from the Washington Association on Post Secondary Education Disability (WAPED); the HealthyWay Best of the Web Award; and the President's Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring of underrepresented groups. DO-IT was also showcased in the 1997 President's Summit on Volunteerism and the 1996 NSF Dynamic Partnerships invitational conference.