SEMO receives $350,000 to launch program for young adults with disabilities

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Southeast Missouri State University has received a $350,000 grant to establish a program helping young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities prepare for independent adulthood.

The Cape County Board for Developmental Disabilities will provide the funding over four years for Redhawks Discover, an inclusive postsecondary transition program focused on academics, employment, independent living and social development.

The grant will support program development and implementation, including hiring a director to oversee planning, operations and student support.

Participants will take university courses, gain employment and internship experience, develop independent living skills and participate in campus and community activities.

The award revives an effort first introduced in 2019, when an earlier version of Redhawks Discover received funding.

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted implementation, but university faculty and staff, community partners, families and advocates continued working to establish the program.

“Redhawks Discover is the result of persistence, collaboration and a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our region,” said Sarah Kuborn, chair of SEMO’s Department of Human Development and Family Sciences.

Traci Ritter, vice chair of the Cape County Board for Developmental Disabilities, participated in the initial planning.

“For young adults with developmental disabilities, a college experience can provide valuable opportunities to build independence, confidence, life skills and job skills as they transition into adulthood,” Ritter said.

More information about Redhawks Discover is available at semo.edu/human-development. Information about the county board is available at sb40cape.org.