Compass Information Session

May 14th @ 4pm ET

Register here

The learning triad model

A coordinated approach to college readiness

The Learning Triad approach ensures that students (and their families) have a built-in support system and accurate information so that everyone can make well informed transition plans.

Compass supports individualized transition planning, and is able to support the unique needs of your clients. Compass does this through coordination with the participant’s educators, to extend the impact and coordination of vocational rehabilitation counselors, so that the student, home, school, and VRC are on the same page in transition planning. 


Icons of a student with a white cane, a school building and a family home

Did you know 60% of students with visual impairments who attempt college do not graduate?

Acknowledging the gaps

Based on the high school students we’ve worked with…

60% can cross streets independently

Why it matters:

Navigating a college campus is tricky enough – having the O&M skills to do it safely and independently are key!

50% self-report they type at 40 words per minute

Why it matters:

College-level work requires speeds of 60 WPM (or more!)

46% are not using electronic calendars or reminders

Why it matters:

Time management skills are critical to building independence and a foundation for success beyond high school.

The Compass approach

Leslie Thatcher Director of College Success and Compass coach

“Students need to be addressed with a student-centered approach — multidimensionally, earlier, more holistically than what we’ve done traditionally — in order to increase independence and get them to their full potential.”

The Program

Weekly meetings

Coaches meet weekly with each part of the Triad for up to an hour — up to 30 hours each! We know you’re busy, but we are flexible and make this work on your time.

In these sessions, coaches support families and educators as they learn to foster the student’s growing independence.

Action planning

Working closely with the student, the Compass Coach will explore interests and values to develop an Action Plan. This individualized plan encompasses unique goals and will be the result of collaboration with the student’s family and educators — but with the student leading the way to future enrichment opportunities based on greater awareness of their skills and goals.

Weekend workshops

Compass Coaches lead monthly workshops for all participants — an opportunity for students, families and educators to connect and create networks of support. These dynamic, interactive panels of current college students, disability services officers, parents and others offer a well-informed, strengths-based perspective to help participants grow in their understanding of the many paths to attaining their goals.

Alumni community

Our College Success Alumni Community grows every year, forming an early, meaningful opportunity for connection and growth.

changing student outcomes

When choosing a program results matter.

Lamp shining on textbooks.
98% reported growth in academic skills
100% reported growth in pre-employment planning and awareness skills
98% reported growth in self – determination and advocacy skills
90% reported growth in independent living skills
92% of Compass graduates went on to enroll in college

Timeline & Deliverables

Coaching begins

Workshops begin

Administration of Perkins College Readiness Checklist

Project Breaking the Ice

Coaching and Workshops continue

Action Planning begins

Meetings with Vocational Rehab Counsleors begin

Action Planning continues

Coaching and Workshops continue

Graduation

Monthly reports

Perkins College Readiness Checklist Report with recommendations

Action Plan

The Compass student experience

I am grateful for the coaches who helped me to prepare for college in areas that were not being addressed at school. I generally feel more ready for college and my family feels the same way.”

Jack, Compass student
Learn more

Compass from the educator perspective

Making an impact on college-aspiring high school students — and their educators.

In this interactive information session, you’ll hear from the Compass coaches as well as a TVI who has participated in the program. The discussion focuses on their experience in Compass and the impact it’s had on their students.

For more, check out these sessions: Introducing the College Readiness Resource Center and Compass, from the student perspective.

Screenshot of virtual session including three smiling Compass educators
Compass, from the educator perspective
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Have questions about Pre-ETS funding for Compass?

Compass meets the criteria for Pre-Employment Transition Services. Students who participate in the program may be eligible for funding through their state agency for the blind. Additional funding sources may include support from the student’s school district or private pay.

Learn more about Pre-ETS and Compass

Meet our team

  • A woman smiling

    Leslie Thatcher

    Director, Program Development and Strategy, Perkins Transition Center
    Meet Leslie
  • A woman smiling

    Andrea Rutherford

    Director, Compass and Compass Coach
    Meet Andrea
  • headshot of candice cole

    Candice Cole

    Assistant Director, College Success @ Perkins
    Meet Candice

FAQs

Find out more about Compass, a College Success @ Perkins program.

Browse all Compass FAQ’s

Give us a call! Our admissions team is ready to answer any questions you might have and help you determine if Compass is right for your student. Contact Compass today!

Compass is for high school students who are blind or visually impaired who aspire to go to college, are motivated to succeed, open to feedback, and willing to put forth the effort necessary to reach and complete college. Students in 9th through 11th grades are strongly encouraged to apply (the earlier the better to increase college readiness), but 12th grade students and fifth-year seniors may also be considered.

Compass is a nine-month program, during which we both leverage the power of one-on-one coaching (meeting your student where they are, and helping them to grow in their self awareness) and in the Action Plan, which is implemented with the student’s Learning Triad, all over time.

Time allows a few things. It allows changes in understanding in not only the student, but the family as well. It empowers the TVI to learn new skills and to have time and support to develop new structures in a student’s school day. In short, it’s adding time “on” in intentional, constructive ways that lead to growth.

Let’s talk college readiness.

Ready to make a plan?

If you want to know more about Compass, we want to know more about you. Our Admissions team is here to answer all your questions about Compass.

Contact us

Join the conversation.

Our team is committed to changing the way students with blindness and visual impairment prepare for their post-secondary journeys.

Visit our Resource Center