EXCO 117 - The ETHAN Project

2 credits
Ethan stands for Everyone Together Help Autism Now. The ETHAN Project ExCo has been beyond successful, going on its eighth semester, as it is one of the favorites here at Oberlin College as it has a story like no other that is so powerful and is of defying the odds! Ethan is a symbol of hope, inspiration, and resilience to many as his gifts built bridges and broke down racial, political, religious, and economic walls… So, are you in the Oberlin Conservatory and play an instrument? Are you an Oberlin College student athlete and play a sport? Anyone… in general, do you have a talent and want to share it? This successful class/program is open to anyone to make an impact on individuals with disabilities in their community. Whether it is Oberlin College’s diverse and talented student body or anyone around the world, for example, student’s at the University of Cambridge and University College of London took this ExCo last year. Oberlin College stands for changing the world and we have already done that by creating this program like no other that you can be a part of! In 2015, the Oberlin College and Music Conservatory made history when our family got Oberlin to be the first College/University to be approved on the Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Provider List. It is a state of the art, twice-exceptional program, with a customized curriculum implemented for the needs of students with disabilities, which The ETHAN Project was expanded from. By further expanding this program through ExCo, you get the opportunity to make a difference by 1) teaching/helping others by using your gifts and talents (outside of class) and 2) learning the importance of disability inclusion and becoming a great advocate in your community (in and out of class). This life changing course gives you the tools needed in life and a different perspective on the world. You cannot simply read a book about advocating and become an expert, instead, you have to develop a certain mindset and skills that this class will introduce. Each student will individually teach/work with an individual with a disability on one or more of their talents, whether it is an instrument, dance, a sport, acting, etc. You will learn through teaching that through hard work, love, courage, belief, compassion, empathy, and perseverance, you can do the impossible.

Isabelle Olaes (she/her)
iolaes@oberlin.edu
Claudia Olaes (she/her)
colaes@oberlin.edu
Link to Syllabus
Link to Application