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Transition

The RESTORE Hub’s Transition work expands Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including autism, and supports pathways to independent living, community engagement, and employment.

Programs at a glance

H.O.W.L. Transition Program (Helping Our Wolves Learn)

What it is: An inclusive postsecondary program that opens the A-State experience to students with IDD/autism through supported academics, independent living skill-building, mentoring, social development, and career preparation.

Core supports/services commonly referenced:

  • Academics: personalized academic plan; academic coaches/mentors; participation in courses and campus activities

  • Career Planning: supported internships, résumé support, interview practice, portfolios

  • Independent Living: budgeting and daily-living skills to support the transition from home to campus life

  • Mentoring + Social Skills: structured and informal supports toward social/emotional/behavioral goals

Eligibility & readiness (publicly listed): Examples include ability to function without attendant care, independently manage medications, communicate basic needs, and have an identifiable disability record (e.g., IEP/psychoeducational report). (See program page for full details.)

Program structure notes (program materials):

  • HOWL is described as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP); started 2020; 2–4 year option; students may be eligible for financial aid; it is non-degree.

Program contact: HowlTP@AState.edu | 870-972-2000

A.T.L.A.S. Transition Program (Autonomy Through Leadership, Advocacy, and Service)

What it is: A continuation pathway aligned with the HOWL experience, emphasizing enrichment, community engagement, and self-determination/leadership.

Program structure notes (program materials):

  • ATLAS is described as serving Years 3 and 4, for students who have completed HOWL or another program; it is described as not a CTP in program materials.

  • Program materials describe different living arrangements across programs: HOWL on-campus housing vs ATLAS apartment living.

Service domains (program materials):

  • Financial: budgeting, ledgers, shopping

  • Social: community integration, volunteering

  • Academic: tutoring/accommodations; ATLAS references certificate/degree-bound supports in program materials

  • Independent living: meal preparation, wellness, apartment living

  • Career: employment preparation/interviews

Governance/public milestone: The ASU System Board of Trustees approved ATLAS as a continuation of the existing HOWL program (public news release coverage).

Program phone contact (department manual): 870-972-2000

TPSID grant: CIPET (Consortium for Inclusive Postsecondary Education and Transition)

RESTORE’s Transition work is also expanding statewide through the U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education under the TPSID program (Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities into Higher Education).

What was awarded (publicly reported):

  • Approximately $2 million over 5 years to establish a statewide coordinating center and expand IPSE capacity in Arkansas.

  • Led by RESTORE Hub at A-State, with partners including University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and Arkansas State University–Mountain Home (ASUMH).

What CIPET is designed to do (grant abstract / system release):

  • Operate from the RESTORE Hub as the statewide coordinating center for IPSE programs.

  • Provide technical assistance, lead data collection and evaluation, and disseminate resources/best practices to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of TPSID/IPSE efforts.

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