Located next door is our Academy for Independent Living. This facility for middle and high school students with Autism, is the first of its kind in Volusia County, as it’s designed to look just like the interior of a home, and to TEACH students of all abilities the skills they need to independently manage all aspects of their adult life.

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Career and Life Skills Program

The Career and Life Skills Program is a blended program that allows for students to learn valuable life skills while continuing their academic studies. The academics are geared towards real-life skills such as money and time management, reading, communication for the real-world, and civics. Alongside their academic studies students will take elective courses that cover the (5) Life Skill Domains. These courses will allow for students to gain valuable life skills and most importantly will prepare them for a career.

 

Independent Living Skills Program

The mission of the Independent Living Skills Program is to prepare students for Independent Living.  A majority of the programming will revolve around the (5) Life Skill Domains and will provide students real-world opportunities to learn, cultivate, and practice these skills.

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Pre-Vocational Development

1. Understand self-concept and develop self-esteem.

2. Develop skills needed for functional living.

3. Prepare students for outside work experiences.

4. Maximize independence and promote real-world skills.

5. Prepare for other Career and Life Skills Domains.
    

Vocational Development

1.  Understand basic employment expectations.

2. Master interviewing skills.

3. Develop marketable skills based on the functioning level of the student.

4. Demonstrate appropriate dress, etiquette, and social skills in a work environment.

5. Set employment goals.

6. Research skill-based career training opportunities.
    

Consumer Science

1.  Demonstrate skills necessary to function in family roles and relationships which are transferable to rules and responsibilities within the workplace and the community.

2. Demonstrate characteristics of nurturing.

3. Demonstrate responsible personal and family decision-making.

4. Develop a plan for individual and family wellness.

5. Examine demographic changes and their impact on society and family.

6. Practice responsible consumer and producer behavior, rights, and responsibilities.

7. Assess the effects of technology on the self and family.

8. Demonstrate the use of community resources to solve individual and family issues.

9. Understand dressing for a purpose and demonstrate appropriate attire.

10. Demonstrate the cleaning and maintenance of clothing.
 

Adult Living Preparation
1.   Describe requirements and responsibilities associated with the acquisition of adult living arrangements, such as rent, contracts, insurance, utilities, and household goods.
2.   Describe options and resources available for independent or supported living in the community.
3.   Exhibit the knowledge and skills needed for basic housekeeping and household maintenance and repair.
4.   Identify and select events in the community based on personal interests and preferences.
5.   Plan and participate in a variety of recreation and leisure activities that align with personal interests and abilities and are based on available opportunities and funds.
6.   Explain how to access community agencies and resources, such as Social Security Administration, health department, disability-specific resources, and other support services, to obtain benefits and services.
7.   Fulfill legal and civic responsibilities, such as understanding the roles of federal, state, and local government; obtaining photo identification; registering to vote; registering for Selective Service; obeying local laws; and participating in optional volunteer services. 
8.   Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to travel in the community, including use of available means of transportation and local resources.

9. Apply knowledge and skills of self-advocacy and self-determination in situations associated with adult life across school, community, home, and employment settings.
10. Use a systematic process to solve problems associated with adult life in situations across school, community, home, and employment settings.

11. Apply appropriate communication skills and etiquette when using phone, mail, e-mail, or social networking and other methods of interaction.
12. Demonstrate personal and social competencies necessary for successful interpersonal relationships in a variety of situations.
13. Model techniques to avoid potential negative influences of others, such as peer pressure, bullying, or coercion.

 

Finance and Economics

1. Apply knowledge and skills involved in personal financial management, such as budgeting, banking, using credit/debit cards, obtaining insurance, and paying taxes using technology and other forms of assistance.

2.  Demonstrate knowledge of personal and family and finances.

3.  Complete consumer math courses with 70% competency.

4.  Understand basic economics with financial literacy.

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Fitness

1. Use knowledge and skills to maintain and enhance health and personal care, including hygiene, appearance, nutrition, personal fitness, and disease prevention.
 

Health Management

1. Use knowledge and skills to maintain and enhance personal safety, such as first aid and prevention of abuse.

2. Describe considerations and available resources when seeking medical care for self and family.