​We are celebrating our April Participant of the Month, Maggie!

​Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect. Here are some of what people had to say about Maggie’s RESPONSIBILITY:

A staff member shared, “Maggie has hosted and organized an unbelievably successful birthday bash for the past two months. Her creativity has increased our engagement levels for the birthday bash!"

When asked why she has been recognized as Participant of the Month, Maggie shared, “I think I was recognized because of my involvement in the birthday bashes." 
 
Maggie graduated from MICC's College Program in 2017 and is an active participant in MICC's Community Program. She is involved in Retro Crafting, MICC's Next Top Chef, and Journaling electives. She also leads a biweekly Sensory Club on Saturdays, and shared, "I love learning new stress relief techniques and sharing them with others."

Congratulations, Maggie!

​Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.

We are celebrating our February Participant of the Month, Cole!

​Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect. Here are some of what people had to say about Cole’s RESPECT:

A peer wrote, “He always cares and asks how everyone is. He is very kind-hearted.”

Additionally, a staff member shared, “Cole demonstrates respect daily. He always asks his peers and staff how they are doing (and asks follow-up questions)! He is a great participant in class and respects the opinions of his peers.”

When asked why he has been recognized as Participant of the Month, Cole shared, “I think I was recognized as participant of the month because I am respectful and I like to ask people about their day and help others.”
 
Cole’s favorite thing about MICC are “the socials. Especially going to the zoo.” Two fun facts about him are that he likes holding doors for other people and he likes anime.

Congratulations, Cole!

The Committee organizes monthly trainings for all MICC staff August through April based on suggestions from program staff to continue developing their skills and understanding of how to best support students based on best practices and experts from the community. Some training topics this year included:

• ASD Evidenced-Based Practices and COVID-19,
• Sensory Differences and ASD,
• ASD and Cultural Sensitivity, and
• Developmental Perspective on Sexuality.

Additionally, the Autism Committee was responsible for our incredible conversation with Dr. Temple Grandin (click here to read more about our takeaways from our meeting).

Over the past two years, an average of 80% of respondents to our year end evaluation indicated that they had used some form of evidenced-based practice in their work as a result of our trainings. The Autism Committee will continue to look to MICC staff and participants to identify training needs that will have a meaningful impact on our community.

The Autism Committee members are an invaluable resource to ensure MICC is able to provide participants in all programs positive and appropriate learning opportunities and experiences that will support in their independence.

Questions about training, interested in resources or have suggestions on training topics? ​Email autismcommittee@miccommunity.org.