Project ASSIST is a three-year model demonstration project designed to implement and evaluate the use of technology-supported, academic study strategies for postsecondary students with learning disabilities. The Project ASSIST model has four major components: (a) personalized instruction and technical assistance on computer-based study strategies for postsecondary students with learning disabilities; (b) intensive access to portable computers configured to support the individual needs of participating students; (c) information and training for post secondary faculty and staff concerning computer-based study strategies for students with learning disabilities; and (d) outreach recruitment to students with learning disabilities not yet in a four-year postsecondary educational setting, with special emphasis on minority and nontraditional students.
Project ASSIST is a collaborative effort between (a) the Center for Electronic Studying>Center for Electronic Studying in the College of Education at the University of Oregon, (b) the offices and programs for students with learning disabilities at two postsecondary institutions (University of Oregon and Lane Community College), and (c) Oregon's secondary schools across the state. The overall goal of Project ASSIST is to encourage more students with learning disabilities to pursue an academic postsecondary education and ultimately obtain a four-year college degree. To that end, the project proposes to design, implement and evaluate a model for enhancing students' skills in using the computer to study and learn across the curriculum. The model program will also provide students with portable computer technology, work with faculty to increase their awareness of accommodations appropriate for students with learning disabilities, and provide secondary students with a vision of how they can be successful in college settings through the empowering effects of computer-based study strategies.
Project ASSIST addresses two national needs in the field of postsecondary education for students with learning disabilities. First, there is a need to support the increasing numbers of students with learning disabilities who attend institutions of higher education so that they can obtain a college degree. Second, there is a need to explore creative uses of advanced technology for enhancing the success of students with learning disabilities in postsecondary settings. Project ASSIST is designed to provide the field of postsecondary education with a model for addressing both national needs. Expected outcomes are a significant increase in the number of Oregon students with learning disabilities who pursue a postsecondary academic education and a significant improvement in both the level of success and satisfaction with their college education. Through its replication and dissemination efforts, Project ASSIST will extend these benefits to students in other states pursuing education at other postsecondary institutions.