College Considerations

As a prospective parent, Chelsea presumed her children would go to college. When they were diagnosed with autism, post-secondary education was definitely not part of the conversation among educators and allied health professionals on their teams. While both Justus and Noey went to college, the learning curve was steep for everyone involved.

Cue this episode’s guest:

Emily Raclaw is Director of On Your Marq, a college success program for neurodivergent students at Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI). With nearly 20 years of experience, she specializes in disability services, executive functioning, and inclusive design. A disabled and neurodivergent professional herself, Emily reframes disability as a valued identity and leads a team providing mental health, academic, and independent living support. A nationally recognized speaker, she presents on neuroinclusive education, disability identity, and sustainable support systems that foster belonging and empowerment. Her work centers on creating spaces where disabled individuals can thrive in both academic and professional settings.

The following topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:

• Temple Grandin, Temple film
• Paula Kluth
• neurospicy
• Episode 2: Introducing Justus
• Post-secondary Transition Plan: “A postsecondary transition plan must include measurable postsecondary goals for students based on age-appropriate transition assessments related to training or education, employment, and independent living skills (if appropriate) and a description of transition services including courses of study needed to assist the students in reaching their goals.”  https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/about/state-performance-plan/indicators/13-transition
• Episode 3: Noey’s Journey
• Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde.

Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.