Steps for Schools to Apply to Be a Pilot Institution
The College Autism Network proudly presents the first North American Autism-Inclusive Campus Designation. We are looking for 3–5 pilot institutions to help test the designation process and provide feedback along the way. Pilot institutions will be to represent a range of locations and institution types. Institutions are not required to have autism-specific programs or social support programs to participate. All 2-year diploma or degree and 4-year degree-granting postsecondary institutions within the United States and Canada are welcome to apply to become pilot institutions.
How long is the pilot program?
Each institution will have 2 years to complete the pilot program, although some may complete the pilot in 1 year or less.
How long is the Autism-Inclusive Campus designation good for?
The Autism-Inclusive Campus designation is approved for 5 years when approved. An institution may apply to renew the designation in their fifth year.
Who can complete the application?
The application may be completed by any campus unit or group representative willing and able to serve as a main advocate for the Autism-Inclusive Campus designation process. The signature of a campus executive administrator with the authorization to commit to the program on behalf of the institution is also required.
What is the cost?
The anticipated assessment fee per pilot institution is $6,000 USD. The assessment fee includes structured meetings with a member of the CAN Consultants’ Collective for the initial 2 years, as well as access to the AICD planning rubric, and the Review Team’s time/visit. The cost does not include the cost of travel for the Review Team (a team of 2). CAN will do its best to minimize the Review Team travel costs by selecting those on the Review Team who are nearest the pilot institution. The College Autism Network has applied for external funding to develop and sustain the program, so the cost for participating institutions may decrease over time.
CAN has also created a letter of justification that individuals at their institution may utilize to gain further administrative support.
What is the deadline to apply?
To apply to be a pilot institution for the College Autism Network’s Autism-Inclusive Campus Designation, please complete the application by November 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PT to be considered.
Applicants will be notified of CAN’s decision early spring 2025.
What questions will be asked on the application?
- Name of institution
- Institution location
- Institution type
- What types of degrees does your institution offer?
- What types of degrees does your institution issue to students with autism or other developmental disabilities?
- Key point of contact name
- Key point of contact email address
- Secondary point of contact name
- Secondary point of contact email address
- Please provide a rationale as to why your institution would be a good fit for CAN’s AICD pilot program (No more than 500 words)
- Does your institution have an autism-specific program or social-support program for students with autism?
- If so, what’s the program’s name?
- If so, please include a link to your program’s website.
- If so, please provide a brief description of the types of services your program offers.
- Who on your campus has the authority to confirm your institution’s participation in the AICD pilot?
- What department budget(s) or campus stakeholder(s) are most likely to financially support the cost of the assessment?
