Photo caption: (l to r) Daylyn Arnold, Isaiah Branford, Nierra Dyer and Nadia Osbey graduate this spring with a Certificate of Career Readiness from Georgia State University’s Inclusive Digital Expression and Literacy (IDEAL) Program.
Four students graduated this spring with a Certificate of Career Readiness from Georgia State University’s Inclusive Digital Expression and Literacy (IDEAL) Program.
The IDEAL program, an inclusive post-secondary program for students with mild intellectual disabilities, provides a two-year course of study where students audit general undergraduate courses offered by Georgia State colleges and academic departments; participate in program-specific seminars on self-advocacy, dating and relationships, financial literacy, career development and independent living skills; complete work-study and internship experiences; and engage in a variety of extracurricular activities on campus. It’s one of more than 250 inclusive postsecondary programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities at universities and colleges across the country.
Daylyn Arnold was actively involved with the university’s Panther Report News, the Creative Media Industries Institute, NeoNetwork and other on-campus media groups. He has dedicated his time to pursuing the arts of acting and music production while making time to support his friends. He has grown immensely during his time at IDEAL and plans to continue learning and leading after graduation.
Given the affectionate nickname “granddad” by his peers, Isaiah Branford serves as a role model, often providing wise counsel for others. Not only is he a strong student, earning straight A’s in all of his classes, Isaiah made many friends in his time at Georgia State and is an active member of the Atlanta community. After graduation, Branford plans to work in radio and follow his passion and interest in R&B and hip hop history by working in a local record store.
Nierra Dyer majored in art at Georgia State and was featured in an art exhibit at the Coca-Cola headquarters sponsored by Synergies Work, Inc. While at the university, she participated in internships at the Ernest G. Welch Gallery of Art and Design and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. She is passionate about working with children and teaching art to others. After graduation, Dyer plans to continue working at the Children’s Museum, writing creative lesson plans and teaching young people about art.
Nadia Osbey majored in music production and while at the university, she created soundtracks, wrote her own songs and learned what it takes to represent artists in the industry. Nadia is published in The Signal, Georgia State’s student-run newspaper, and worked with Georgia State Athletics to gain sponsorships, promote ticket sales, plan events and raise funds. After graduation, Nadia plans to continue working as a marketing intern with two different local dance studios and troupes.
“We are so proud of this year’s IDEAL graduates: Nadia, Nierra, Isaiah and Daylyn. It’s been amazing to witness the enthusiasm and drive you brought to your coursework, internships and campus activities,” said Andrew Roach, CEHD associate professor and co-director of the IDEAL program. “The IDEAL team celebrates your success and looks forward to seeing your next steps. Please stay in touch and know you’ll also be part of the Panther family.”
For more information about the IDEAL program, visit https://disability.publichealth.gsu.edu/ideal.