Meet Dr. Marty Boman, Director of Kelly Autism Program (KAP). All of it. Primary, secondary, and higher education levels. It's difficult to adequately describe Dr. Boman's role and contribution. She's a bright mind, a seemingly tireless leader, a caregiver to and advocate for KAP students whom she treats more like extended family than participants, and a warm person who sets expectations for growth and accountability in a positive manner. I don't know of a better summary or compliment to offer than to tell you that, after we first visited WKU and KAP two years ago and talked with Dr. Boman, I spent a the full hour driving home simply wondering "what are we going to do if we don't get to participate in this incredible program?"
Dr. Boman could fill most of her schedule with visits to other universities that want to know what KAP is doing and how to serve their own student communities that have similar needs. In fact, Dr. Boman is presently visiting Taiwan on behalf of WKU and KAP. She is both part of something remarkable and a significant part of why it's remarkable.
Enough from me...let's hear from one of the engines that makes KAP run.
Q: Will you share your background with us?
Dr. Boman: I am from Saint Cloud, Minnesota where I graduated with a Biology degree. When I returned to teaching after my three children were born, I had a number of students with disabilities in my classes. I decided to pursue my Master's degree in Special Education as well as my Doctorate. I taught for over 14 years in the public school systems before I came to WKU.
Q: What led to your involvement in starting and/or leading KAP and how long have you been part of the organization?
Dr. Boman: When my three children graduated from college, my husband decided to take early retirement. Like my kids stated, Mom and Dad left us to go off to college! I had job offers at a number of universities, but chose WKU when I met John and Linda Kelly. Their vision really excited me regarding the possibilities. I came to WKU in 2004 and became involved with the program immediately.
Q: Are there plans to extend the program beyond WKU?
Dr. Boman: We are always working with other universities due to the fact that there is such a need. Parents find it difficult to send their children across the county, especially when they have a diagnosis; therefore, we need to have programs at all universities.
Q: Is KAP affiliated with any regional/national organizations, or are there plans to do so?
Dr. Boman: At the current time, there are no affiliations for programming, but we would like to forward our model nationally.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for KAP? Otherwise stated, what information/documentation must be supplied to KAP to be eligible for the program?
Dr. Boman: Participants need to meet the requirement for WKU and have a diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Then we go through an interview to evaluate the participants.
Q: How are students chosen to participate in KAP and how many, on average, are accepted into the program each year?
Dr. Boman: We assess their desire to be at college (parents and participants). Usually, we accept fewer than ten new students, but this year we will be adding another new manager to support the program so we'll raise our numbers to 50 [KAP college student total].
Q: What are the main ways that parents/guardians of autistic children become aware of KAP?
Dr. Boman: Families search on-line, hear presentations at conferences, and word of mouth. Schools also assist their students as they are going through transition planning.
Q: In the history of the program, how many KAP students have received WKU degrees and how many are on track to receive degrees either Spring '13 or Winter '13? What are some of the things KAP graduates have done next?
Dr. Boman: The KAP Circle of Support Program began in 2006 with two students. We have had four graduates at this time, with another three anticipated this Spring, 2013. One young man is writing a book and going through the Peace Corps process, another is working in ministry, and another continued in his position that he had while he attended college. Depending on what one considers success, we have other students who did not graduate, but are speakers about autism, working in state/national parks, continuing with their education closer to home, working in the computer field, etc..
Q: What are the biggest challenges to continue growing/enhancing the program and fulfilling the mission? And what will the next few years look like for KAP?
Dr. Boman: The biggest challenge is meeting the emotional needs of these individuals. Many of them have been bullied through the years, struggling with relationships and having friends, and working with the hidden curriculum in all aspects of life. There never is a dull moment, and counseling is a critical component of our program.
Q: What are the things of which you'd like people to be aware that might not be widely known about KAP?
Dr. Boman: KAP works with the whole person and tries to individualize their needs as much as possible. At the same time, we really encourage the social aspects so that these individuals can become Productive, Independent, and Employable individuals in their communities. Secondly, we have the greatest staff with WKU! Each and every one of them truly wants to work with these individuals, and we could not have this program without their support!
Q: What do you like to do when you're not working and being involved with KAP?
Dr. Boman: I love to spend time with my husband and family. They provide me with the strength and energy as there are many aspects of this job that others do not realize - last night calls, trips to the hospital, working with professors, working with parents, etc.. The list is never-ending. I love to return home to Minnesota and the lake. We love to exercise in a variety of venues - swimming, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, etc..
Q: What are some of your favorite things...music, places, movies, foods, pets, etc.?
Dr. Boman: I love the outdoors as previously stated, but I enjoy traveling and seeing new places. We have always had at least one dog so I am excited about CanDoo (KAP's new therapy dog arriving Fall '13) coming to live with us. I love music from the '70s and '80s as well as some classical. I enjoy reading, but tend to focus on research now as I am embedded in this work. I appreciate most food: Chinese, Mexican, and various vegetables! I do not eat many sweets, BUT the way to my heart is chocolate!
Q: What does additional financial support and scholarship funding enable for KAP?
Dr. Boman: This financial support helps the family. Many students worry about the burden on their parents. With this financial assistance, we can provide support for these families who would not be able to send their son/daughter to college. It is great that WKU is now offering the matching donation so this is a great time to raise the money and to have the dollars stretch even further!
