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College Support Program: Getting Ready for the Fall at Mansfield Hall
Walking home from dinner last week, after enjoying a beautiful evening on Church St., in downtown Burlington, I overheard someone say that it was the first night that the sun went down before 8pm, and yesterday I saw my first…
Accommodations and Modifications in College: Accommodating College
One of the most common inquiries we receive is related to the availability of accommodations in the post-secondary environment. Accommodations are supports and services provided on college campuses to provide qualified students with disabilities equal access and the opportunity to…
The Changing Collegiate Landscape for Students with Disabilities: The Need for College Support Programs
Early in the history of American schooling, high school was reserved for the brightest students, those who would become our doctors, lawyers, and engineers. As high school became the norm for all students, college began to play the role of differentiating…
Life Skills Assessment: Charting the Journey to Independence for Students with Asperger’s Syndrome and Other Disabilities
At Mansfield Hall we’re passionate about the idea of destinations. Destinations provide us with a goal or end point. They help clarify what the finish line looks like. They illuminate a pathway; and they allow us to measure our steps…
College Learning and Living: The importance of stretching beyond our comfort zone
Fishing is a popular pastime in my family and has become my favorite way to spend free time as an adult. There are many expressions and phrases that I have heard over the years related to fishing. However, there is one that I use regularly today both on and off the water: “You can’t catch a fish if you don’t put a line in the water.”
How Do You Measure Success in the Quest for Independence?
People frequently ask me: How do you know you have achieved success with a young adult? When do you know they are ready to transition to independence?
Why is Volunteering Important?
On a rainy October Saturday morning, a group of near strangers gathered for the ‘Out of the Darkness Walk’ in support of a classmate at Mansfield Hall. Witnessing their overwhelming support highlighted the incredible power of volunteering. In this article,…
Anchoring Social Skills in the Real World: Authentic College Support Program
Most would agree that the earliest institutions of education were in the form of apprenticeships. The Master Carpenter would take on a student and teach them how to construct buildings through on the job training. The student would learn math,…
Feeling overwhelmed in college- but not sure why? you’re not alone.
The key isn’t just “pushing through”, it’s learning to recognize what’s happening before you hit that wall, and having systems to reset.
That might look like:
• stepping outside for a walk
• box breathing between classes
• putting on a guided meditation
• reaching out to someone you trust
Small supports = big difference over time.
At Mansfield Hall, we help students build the awareness and tools to regulate, recharge, and navigate college in a way that actually works for them.
What’s one thing that helps you reset when you’re overwhelmed?
#CollegeLife #StudentMentalHealth #ExecutiveFunction #StressManagement
Excellent week across the board!
People Ops team member Jo touched down in Madison, receiving a warm welcome with coffee and a trip to see the Capitol building. VP of Program Ops Hayley grounded herself and took in the beauty of the Statehouse. Pancakes were served, and Burlington student Nikhil took the stage to perform with his choir.
A great week to zoom out and back in- and reflect on all the things we have to be grateful for!
#collegesupport #neurodiversity #worklifebalance
College can be energizing… and draining.
If you’ve ever felt socially exhausted, you’re not alone.
Understanding your limits (and what helps you recharge) can make all the difference.
#CollegeStudents #Neurodiversity #StudentWellbeing
Hangin` in there until spring weather kicks in!
This week at Mansfield Hall our Eugene, OR students did some rock climbing, Burlington, VT connections students took an outing to the bowling alley/arcade, while others took a trip to a local sugar house to learn about all things maple syrup. Students in Madison, WI continued their endeavors to learn about all things maintenance...and they make it look fun!
Happy Friday Friends- enjoy the weekend.
Mansfield Hall had the joy of hosting some professionals at our Madison, WI location recently, which included a student panel.
One of the questions asked was: What do you like about Mansfield Hall?
The answer: how inclusive it is.
No one gets to choose the brain they have, but we do get to choose the world we create. We choose to accept, celebrate, and work toward a world that’s more inclusive of every brain and the incredible things they can do.
Happy World Autism Awareness Day. We see you, and we celebrate you for all that you are and all that you can be!
❤️MH
#autismawareness #neurodiversity #collegesupport
Sensory overload happens when your brain receives more sensory input than it can comfortably process.
Our nervous systems are constantly taking in information, but when there’s too much coming in (or it’s coming too fast) our systems can become overwhelmed.
We get it, and it can be managed with small, intentional supports like reducing input, creating predictable routines, and building in quiet recovery time.
