I am excited to participate in the 2014 Inclusion Fusion and share Shepherds College (SC) with each of you. SC is a postsecondary school designed for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. It is one of a kind – a place like no other.

Shepherds College is a place where students learn that God has designed each and every one of them on purpose and for a purpose. And while it is true that they each have a disability, we help them realize that God has also given each of them numerous abilities – abilities, gifts and strengths that can and should be used to serve God and others.

Shepherds College is a place where students’ dreams become reality. Dreams of going away to college like their siblings have done; dreams of independence and the pursuit of a fulfilling and meaningful life.   But these dream don’t simply come true, they are made true through the collaborative efforts of determined and hard-working students and dedicated and talented staff members.

Shepherds College is a place of empowerment. Philosophically and practically, SC has been built around the construct of Appropriate Independence™ (Ai), which is defined as supported self-sufficiency that is aligned with the strengths of each individual and guided by Christian values. Students learn about their design through personal assessments (Strengthsfinder, SHAPE, DISC profile, Love Languages, etc.) and receive holistic training in general academics, social skills, life skills, spiritual life, and a specific vocational field, all in an effort to equip each of our graduates for their own personal pursuit of Appropriate Independence™ and a life of inclusion into their community, church, and place of employment.

Shepherds College is a place that cares for people with I/DD. In the SC Inclusion Fusion presentation, you will hear from a number of our faculty and staff and learn more about the distinct features of our school. As you learn more about SC, I hope that the names and faces of specific individuals come to mind as people that you need to tell about this unique and life-changing opportunity – a place like no other.

Join us for Inclusion Fusion 2014, or for more information about SC visit our school’s website at www.shepherdscollege.edu.

As the Executive Director of Shepherds College, Tracy Terrill has served as the school’s administrator since its inception in 2008, overseeing the development of one of the nation’s premier postsecondary school for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Under his leadership, Shepherds College has attained accreditation as a non-degree granting postsecondary school and has qualified to participate in the Federal Student Aid program. Mr. Terrill earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction. He has served in a variety of educational roles, including administrator, teacher, coach, and athletic director and has established himself as a pioneer of new schools and programs, having overseen the start-up of several new endeavors through the years.

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Join keynote speaker Joni Earackson Tada, Chuck Swindoll, Emily Colson, Barb Newman and 20+ leaders representing the scope of the disability ministry movement this coming November 12-13 for Inclusion Fusion 2014, Key Ministry’s FREE, worldwide disability ministry web summit. Engage in interactive chat with many of our speakers and watch each presentation at the time of day that works best for you in the environment in which you’re most comfortable. Click here to view our entire speaker lineup and register for Inclusion Fusion 2014.