General Description of project:
The project accepts participants in two strands annually.  Strand I consists of students pursuing a Master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, while strand II consists of practicing Speech-Language-Pathologists interested in continuing education in severe disabilities and autism.  Descriptions of each strand and procedures for program application are provided below.

First Strand: Graduate Students:
This opportunity occurs along with the traditional graduate program at WCU. As a participant individuals pursue their typical course of studies and take two additional courses during the regular academic year and four courses during the summer semester, for a total of 18 extra credits. Two of these courses may count in their course of studies as required elective credits.

For participating, students will receive $4000 per term for one year of graduate studies (three semesters). The student stipend is enough to cover instate fees and makes out-of-state costs more comparable to those incurred by in-state students. Participating students have access to a professional development fund of just under $1000, which can be used to travel to conferences, interview for jobs, and pay licensing fees.

As a grant student, students accrue approximately 50 clinical clock hours dedicated to assessing and treating children with severe to profound developmental disabilities and autism in a variety of settings. Within five years of graduation, participants must agree to work in a setting that serves IDEA eligible children for two years. This can be any setting including schools, private practice, hospitals serving children etc.

How to apply:
Participation in the CDPSD as a full-time graduate student

• Students must apply to the Western Carolina University Communication Disorders Program, Cullowhee, NC 28723. The admissions deadline is February 15th. Applications to graduate school can be initiated online at the WCU Graduate School website
• Once accepted as graduate student, individuals seeking grant admission must submit a letter to Dr. Bill Ogletree (G53 McKee, WCU, Cullowhee, NC 28723) stating interest in the Communication Disorders Program in Severe disabilities and a commitment to the additional requirements necessitated by the project (18 credit hours and 50 clinical contact hours). Applicants also should include a vita describing possible experiences with persons with disabilities. Three references (names, addresses, and phone numbers are also required).
• Upon acceptance to Western's graduate program, applicants will be reviewed by the CDPSD advisory board and admission decisions will be made by May 30th.

Second Strand: Practicing professionals in the field:
The CDPSD admits practicing SLPS annually who, between June of 2010 and August of 2012 will complete a 12-hour course sequence designed to assist with the provision of communication-related services to persons with severe disabilities and autism.

Courses are taught, in both online and face-to-face formats, by faculty from Communication Sciences and Disorders, Special Education, and Physical Therapy. Individuals completing the project course sequence will receive a certificate from the WCU Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and will be eligible to pursue North Carolina licensure in severe disabilities. Stipend awards cover tuition for all courses. Courses may be taken in one or multiple summers.

How to apply:

• Speech-language pathologists must apply to the project director by writing a letter describing their interest in the Communication Disorders Program in Severe Disabilities and stating the project's applicability to their current or future job settings. A current vita should also be included describing relevant experiences. Applicants must submit names and contact information for 3 references plus copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts (can be unofficial).  Admission decisions will occur by the end of March each year.  Applications should be received by March 15th.

Summer 2010 Class Schedule (2 Online offerings are noted in italics)