AIM, Learning Differences receive grant to support students’ independence

Mercyhurst University has received a $79,150 grant from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust to expand programs that support the independence and self-sufficiency of students with learning differences.

The Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst will receive $43,600 to support its driver’s training program for high-functioning students on the spectrum. This opportunity allows the students to become more independent in accomplishing everyday tasks like grocery shopping, and to commit to other opportunities like internships and jobs.

Another $20,000 is earmarked for vocational and experiential travel as part of AIM’s career path training. Having firsthand experiences outside of a known environment allows AIM students to more confidently approach novel situations knowing that they have encountered them before and successfully dealt with them.

The remaining funds will go toward the university’s Learning Differences Program to obtain a video magnifier for low-vision students, large print computer keyboards, and a three-year Read&Write Literacy License to help students to study more independently and to a higher standard.

“Serving the underserved has always been part of our Mercy mission, and we are grateful to the Edith Trees Charitable Trust for its support in helping to advance initiatives in these two pioneering programs,” said Vice President for Advancement Sam McCrimmon. “Every time we take steps toward enabling our AIM and Learning Differences students to become more self-sufficient is a gain not only for them but for society.”

Collaborators on the grant process include Amy Danzer, director of grant relations, Jeanette Long, director of learning support services, and Amanda Mulder, student support coordinator for AIM.

The Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust provides funding solely for programming that supports the care and welfare of children and young adults with intellectual disabilities, primarily in Western Pennsylvania.

FILE PHOTO: O’Neil Tower showered in blue light for autism awareness.