EDGE Program
Empowering Disability Groups Through Education
The CRS Educating Disability Groups through Education (EDGE) Program is in place to support individuals with disabilities in and out of the classroom to ensure overall academic success in postsecondary education. The program can support students with immediate intervention needs, school, and class registration, exploring any available financial assistance, seeking any appropriate and necessary reasonable accommodations, ensuring the student seeks out their natural supports wherever possible, and providing in-person and in-the-classroom support as needed. All academic support will align with the student's documented short-term and long-term goals. The EDGE program can support students in the degree or certificate path of their choice that is available to them at their local/chosen college or university.
EDGE is available to any eligible regional center consumer who wants to attend and actively participate in college. We invite you to connect with our team for more information and instructions on potential next steps if it is determined that the EDGE program is an appropriate match.
To begin joining EDGE, let your service coordinator at your regional center know. This flyer contains our vendor number and information to help them get started. Once they send us a referral packet, our staff will schedule a tour, which may include your intake. If it is a good match, we will inform the regional center of our decision and start services soon after.
Building a pathway for Success
In January 2018 in collaboration with East LA College CRS launched the first-ever dual-enrollment college program for high school youth with disabilities. Allowing this group of transitional youth to obtain an engineering and graphic design certification.
On August 24th, 2019, CRS decided to push the envelope even further. CRS is bringing the first ever fully integrated associate's degree college program that brings in-and-out-of-classroom support directly to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
All services are provided within the college campus, fully driven by the individual choice of degree path and college campus.
Frequiently Asked Questions
How do I start the process of joining EDGE?
To start the process of joining EDGE, you must let your Consumer Service Coordinator (CSC) at the Regional Center know of your interest. Your CSC will then send over a referral packet to their internal education specialist or directly to the EDGE Program Director. Once the referral packet is received and reviewed by the EDGE Program Staff, an appointment will be scheduled. This appointment is an opportunity for the applicant to tour our office, meet with the director and staff, meet you and your support, and do an initial intake and academic assessment if needed. Shortly after, the EDGE Program Director will send your CSC a decision letter. If accepted, your CSC and Regional Center staff will initiate the process to approve the services, typically within 30 days.
So I must be a Regional Center Consumer to be a part of EDGE?
Yes. To receive EDGE services, you must be an active consumer of the regional center. EDGE services are free for you but paid for by your regional center.
How old do I need to be to join EDGE?
To receive EDGE services, you must be at least 18 years of age and graduating from high school or have already graduated.
Do I need to know what I want to study to join EDGE?
No, you don’t need to know your major right away, but you do need to know that you want to be in college and want a college degree or certificate. This program is not meant for anyone looking to just pass the time or who only wants to take fun elective classes.
I am a DOR (Department Of Rehabilitation) Consumer, do I qualify for EDGE services?
No. Although having DOR services is helpful with your academic goal, EDGE is a vendored program of Regional Center. You must also be a client of Regional Center to qualify for EDGE services.
Are your staff like my 1 to 1, similar to my aide in High School?
No. Our staff mostly work at a 1:3 ratio, meaning, each staff member has up to 3 students they are responsible for. Although sometimes our staff may only be working with you at certain days and times, they are not exclusive to you. It is important that you communicate with your staff what your schedule is for the semester and the level of support you will need so that appropriate time is set aside to support you. Your staff may likely change every semester, as well, for different reasons.