Project 10 STING RAY Brochure

MISSION STATEMENT: 
“To provide an innovative and transformational postsecondary learning experience that will empower young adults with intellectual disabilities to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become independent and productive citizens.”
PROJECT 10 STING RAY is the direct result of recommendations proposed by the Education Subcommittee of the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities in the 2008 report to Governor Crist. The intent of the project is to develop a pilot site that will serve as a program model for postsecondary institutions to host students with intellectual disabilities who have graduated with a special diploma and wish to continue their education on a postsecondary campus. 
STING RAY SUPPORTS
FACULTY & STAFF MENTORS 
USFSP Faculty, including current and former professors, as well as administrative and recreational staff, help STING RAY students transition to college by providing them with enhanced learning experiences, and giving students a sense of belonging and a better understanding of academic expectations, and opportunities.
STUDENT MENTORS 
PEER MENTORS 
USFSP students assist STING RAY students’ understanding and participation in college-life and campus activities while serving as a valuable role model for them. 
ACADEMIC MENTORS 
USFSP students who are in the same courses as STING RAY students serve as academic mentors to STING RAY students by studying together, reviewing coursework, and navigating course materials. 
COMMUNITY MENTORS
Community Mentors are USFSP students who facilitate in the development of vital communication and independent living skills. With their community mentors, STING RAY students do real-life activities within the community, such as buying a cell phone, obtaining a driver’s license, or renting an apartment.

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS 

Community and on-campus job opportunities allow STING RAY students to have paid or unpaid work experiences. STING RAY is always looking for opportunities to allow students to job shadow, train students in performing actual jobs on campus, and link students with on-the-job natural supports.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVE/GOAL:
This university/college-community-based collaborative program will offer young adults with intellectual disabilities, ages 18 to 22, an opportunity to experience life on a college campus while developing self-determination, independent living, and employability skills. The program will focus on independent living in the community, preparation for employment, community-based work experience, on-the-job training, placement in competitive integrated employment, preparation for continuing higher education, development of self-determination skills, and establishment and maintenance of positive social and work relationships.
Curriculum Framework:  
The STING RAY curriculum is individualized, person-centered, and adaptive, based on the student’s individual needs, strengths, and interests, while providing instruction in the following areas:
Domain 1: Self-Determination
Domain 2: Functional Academics 
Domain 3: Financial Planning & Money Management
Domain 4: Socialization, Relationships, Self-Esteem
Domain 5: Employment
Domain 6: Travel & Mobility
Domain 7: Community Living
Domain 8: Home Living 
Domain 9: Personal Care
Domain 10: Health & Safety 
USF Electives & Campus Life/Activities Participation

STING RAY CONTACTS
USF ST. PETERSBURG:
Michael Shaffer, Project Coordinator 
Phone: (727) 873-4661
Email: mpshaffe@usfsp.edu
Jordan T. Knab, Ed.S., Director 
Phone: (727) 873-4662
Email: jknab@usfsp.edu 
Christian Haas, Mentor Coordinator 
Phone: (727) 873-4654 
Email: crhaas@usfsp.edu
Danielle Roberts-Dahm, M.A., Employment Liaison 
Phone: (727) 873-4654 
Email: lroberts@usfsp.edu
Mike Muldoon, Florida Inclusion Network Faculty & Staff Trainer 
Phone: (727) 873-4206 
Email: mmuldoon@usfsp.edu 
Federico Valadez Jr., M.Ed., Regional Transition Representative Project 10, Region 4 
Phone: (727) 873-4653 
Email: fvaladez@usfsp.edu
Amy Woodard, Graduate Research Assistant 
Email: amywoodard@usfsp.edu

PINELLAS COUNTY SCHOOLS:
Rachel Otto, STING RAY Teacher 
Email: ottor@pcsb.org
(727) 873-4535
Cindy Bania-Carter 
Assistant Superintendent, ESE 
Phone: 727-588-6032 
Email: baniac@pcsb.org

Project 10 STING RAY is supported through collaborative funding by the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, Pinellas County Schools, Project 10: Transition Education Network, and the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services 
PLEASE CONTACT Project STING RAY:
Michael Shaffer, Project Coordinator
Phone:  (727) 873-4661
Email:  mpshaffe@usfsp.edu