ICYMI, Mattel recently introduced the first autistic Barbie. Did you know a Southeastern University alumni helped with the launch?

As part of the doll's advocacy team, Aarushi Pratap, a fashion designer and visual artist, will serve as a spokesperson for the Barbie, amplifying conversations on authentic representation based on her own experiences. Aarushi is a graduate of SEU Link, an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) post-secondary transition program.

SEU Link one of several ESE programs at SEU, with additional programs supporting students with intellectual disabilities from middle school through young adulthood in:

Academics
Career prep
Life + social skills

So, what does that look like for your child? Here's a peek at the opportunities for ESE students:

Pathways School of Excellence | For middle and high school students
Life Skills House | Prepares Pathways students for an independent future
SEU Link | Post-secondary transition

All programs are tailored to each individual student, and take place entirely on SEU's safe, self-contained Lakeland campus.

Pathways School of Excellence
Pathways is at the core of SEU’s ESE programs. Located entirely on SEU’s welcoming Lakeland campus, middle and high school students in the program receive individualized curriculums that fit their unique needs and abilities, while addressing Florida Standards. Students at Pathways are also introduced to transition planning and employment skills to help them succeed once they graduate.

Pathways was established in 2016, and is celebrating a decade of service to Florida students. Learn more about the admissions process and program structure to see if Pathways is right for your child.

Life Skills House
The Life Skills House opened in August 2024 as an extension of Pathways. This innovative space is designed to foster independence by practicing living skills + career preparedness.

Each room of the house is dedicated to developing different skills:

Kitchen | Food safety, grocery planning, cooking
Bedroom | How to make the bed + keep your space clean
Laundry room | Washing, drying, and folding clothes
Garden | Horticulture skills
Workout space | Healthy body movement

SEU Link
This inclusive post-secondary education program is focused solely on increasing independence and employability in high school graduates + young adults with disabilities. Link students work side by side with peer mentors from SEU for support and guidance throughout the program.

SEU is one of the only faith-based institutions in the country to offer post-secondary transition programs.

Apply to ESE at SEU