Farrell sings praises of Salem State’s MAICEI program

Published in the May 16, 2018 edition

By JILLIAN STRING

LYNNFIELD — Salem State University’s Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) program has had a positive impact on countless students such as Lynnfield High School Class of 2017 graduate Conor Farrell.

Conor and his mother, Terri, discussed their experiences with the MAICEI program during the School Committee’s May 8 meeting.

“For the first time, there’s a higher education program for students with disabilities,” said Terri. “The program at Salem State really focuses on (employment and independence).”

According to Salem State’s website, “The Community of Inclusive Scholars Program at Salem State University is a MAICEI Program; Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative. Opening its doors in the spring of 2017, the Community of Inclusive Scholars Program offers a ‘college experience’ to high school students with intellectual disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorders from partnering school districts. MAICEI students are 18–22 years old, are unable to pass the MCAS exams or have passed MCAS but still qualify for special education services, are currently on an IEP and are enrolled in a partnership district.”

Terri said the MAICEI program was initially funded by the State Legislature in 2007, and was first implemented at community colleges. The program has since been expanded to state universities such as UMass-Amherst, UMass-Dartmouth, UMass-Lowell, Bridgewater State University and most recently Salem State.

Conor, who just completed his freshman year in the program at Salem State, was invited to discuss his college experience at the State House for Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day on April 12.

“What we’re very proud of, is not just his experience, but the fact that he wrote the speech himself, and using a typical higher education experience to get some support, went to the writing lab at Salem State and received that additional support,” said Terri.

Conor said that he liked the MAICEI program because it allowed him to attend college like his friends.

“I enjoyed being in a class with a bunch of students, with and without disabilities,” said Conor. “It’s important to be included. If I couldn’t take a class because of my disability, I’d be pretty bummed out.”

Conor also noted that he has more opportunities to increase his independence. He enjoys using Uber to get to class, doing homework and deciding where to eat on campus.

In addition to his schoolwork, Conor participated in two paid internships and holds a part-time job.

“I work at the Salem State library because I like working on computers,” said Conor. “I work at the Essex County Family and Probate Court in Salem. I have my own desk and I’m part of the Paralegal Assistant Training Program. I also work at Kings Bowling in Lynnfield as a busser, where I clean tables and chairs. My jobs make me feel good about myself, and my goal is to get a good job in the future.”

In closing, Conor thanked his family, Lynnfield Public Schools, Salem State and Massachusetts legislators for supporting the MAICEI program.

The School Committee and the meeting’s attendees gave Conor and Terri a round of applause. The school board congratulated Conor, and thanked Terri for bringing the program to the district.

“Thank you so much,” said School Committee Chairman Jamie Hayman. “You are such a great representation of what is possible. I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say we are really proud of you.”