Institute for Disability Studies

🏗️ The foundation is built, and our students are ready for what's next!

This week, Summer Enrichment Academy participants spent five days strengthening essential workplace and life skills through hands-on, LEGO-themed activities designed to help them succeed. Together, they explored teamwork, communication, professionalism, self-advocacy, stress management, interviewing, resume development, and much more.

The growth we witnessed in just one week was incredible.

The best part? This is only the beginning.

As SEA continues, students will transition into internship experiences at businesses throughout our communities, where they'll gain valuable work experience, grow their confidence, and receive ongoing support from IDS staff.

📸 Check out this week's highlights and follow along as our students continue working toward their goals. We'll be sharing intern success stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and special shoutouts to the incredible businesses partnering with us throughout the summer!

🧱 One week down, and so much more to come.

💙 The strongest advocacy starts with being heard.

If you are an individual with autism or care for someone with autism, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete this important survey from the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.

The information collected will help guide the future of autism services throughout Mississippi and ensure that the experiences of individuals and families are part of the conversation.

📝 Take the survey here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=xFYkVNu-IkCAXt36ioDiEwn9ngDMmaROpap4diGnVVpUOVRWQ1Y4T1JMMEdCU0tMOUpWTUZWOEcyMC4u&fbclid=IwY2xjawR68M5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXZmRRcVhIWWFzdmVZZXd5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmLzwZmGs6Fjdoax9Qa5taY3_jQZklBKU-2YBgY7Qqfa52LA_901MOzFJ_-o_aem_zXhHBc7BU3X-j7uf0eewPQ&route=shorturl

🔄 Then share this post to help us reach more Mississippians.

We need as many voices as possible represented in this effort. One survey may seem small, but collectively, our experiences can influence meaningful change for individuals and families statewide.

Every voice matters. Every response counts.

Need supportive seating for short-term activities? We can help. 💙

The IDS Project START Lending Library offers the Blue Tumble Forms 2 Elementary Carrie Seat (Small) available to reserve FREE of charge!

Originally designed for feeding support, this versatile feeder seat can also be used during play, learning activities, therapy sessions, or other short-term seated activities at home, school, or in clinical settings.

Families and caregivers love it because it:
✔️ Provides supportive positioning
✔️ Offers an alternative to a wheelchair or stander
✔️ Makes transfers easy for caregivers
✔️ Features a wipe-clean surface for quick sanitizing between uses

Designed for comfort, convenience, and support — without complicated adjustments.

🔗 Reserve the Carrie Seat here: https://ids.myturn.com/library/inventory/show/66602

College can feel like a big step, but we’re here to help students take it with confidence. 💫

The RISE Summer College Readiness Program gives students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the chance to experience college life firsthand at Southern Miss.

From exploring campus and attending a mock class to staying overnight in a residence hall, students build confidence, independence, and a better understanding of what college life can look like.

📅 July 7–8, 2026
💲 Cost: $100
🎉 Scholarships available for eligible Pre-ETS students

🔗 Register here: https://usmforms.formstack.com/forms/risesummercollegereadiness?fbclid=IwY2xjawSGiGRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrOEh2Vkd5czhwc3J2T0Rwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEeGxkbZh46DyQ8fDyy-s0jpkScrf5Cej8IYk-l1ADzNL1_JDb6bu3y9vJStig_aem_LPRxRghqhEVuimr1Hne_Fw

🗓️ Application deadline: June 17

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post or tagging a parent, educator, counselor, or student who may be interested! 🎓

When professionals come together to share ideas, innovation happens.

Last week, four members of our IDS team attended the 2026 SEPSEA Conference in New Orleans, where leaders from across the Southeast gathered to collaborate on improving inclusive postsecondary education opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

From networking with other professionals to attending sessions focused on inclusion, accessibility, and innovative supports, our team gained valuable insights and made meaningful connections that will help strengthen our work moving forward.

We’re excited to bring new ideas, fresh perspectives, and renewed energy back to the work we do every day at IDS.

Not every tool for growth looks the same. 💙

Through the IDS Project START Lending Library, families can now check out a pottery wheel for FREE!

Pottery is a hands-on activity that encourages creativity, focus, relaxation, and skill-building. From sensory engagement to fine motor development, working with clay offers benefits that go far beyond the finished piece.

And sometimes, creating something with your own hands is exactly the kind of accomplishment someone needs.

🏺 Learn more or reserve the pottery wheel here: https://ids.myturn.com/library/inventory/show/717267

Tag someone who would love trying pottery! ✨