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About A C H I E V E

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

ACHIEVE

Achieving Confidence, Happiness, Independence, Education and Vocational Training through Experiences 

Council Rock A.C.H.I.E.V.E transition program is an education program for young adults (18-21) with special needs. The A.C.H.I.E.V.E. program is designed to provide students with prevocational and vocational training, assessment and experience to develop skills that are necessary for assimilation to adult life by including the community as the classroom. It will provide opportunities to learn new skills as well as the application of skills learned in high school. Each student will be assessed in all areas outlined above.  Opportunities for work rotations will occur after assessments are completed and data collected regarding the necessary prevocational skills having been mastered.  This will be different for each student.  All work opportunities will be based on realistic work outcomes for when the student turns 21 years old.  The availability for work opportunities and the placement of students is at the discretion of the employer. All planning and instruction on vocational skills will also focus on the opportunities that will be available in the adult services world.

Pre-vocational skills refer to those skills which are prerequisite and generic to any employment situation. The following examples of Pre-Vocational Skills are not meant to be exhaustive. They are to serve as a guide when choosing specific goals for students at ACHIEVE. The specific components of each student’s program will vary with age, strengths and needs.  Therefore, students will not attend worksites or events as a whole group.  These experiences will be based on appropriateness of the opportunity. 

  • Concept of time (understands length of work day, punctuality, attendance)
  • Follows instructions/directions
  • Personal appearance - grooming/hygiene
  • Communicate effectively
  • Displays appropriate social skills
  • Accepts/learns from constructive criticism
  • Task oriented - task completion
  • Motivation - self-starting
  • Confidence
  • Health and safety issues
  • Co-operating with others
  • Ability to problem-solve in a variety of situations
  • Dexterity - fine motor skills
  • Understands what quality of work means
  • Understands what supervision/boss means
  • Demonstrates dependability

Work based learning is an excellent opportunity for students to learn transferable employment skills while gaining confidence and developing a strong self-concept as a successful, responsible worker. Work requires specific job skills, work ethic skills including presence, social and communication skills, at least basic academic skills, team work, pride in work, ability to solve problems and to ask for help when needed.  In today’s world, individuals with disabilities are working and contributing in employment settings but the demands are high and the completion for each job is fierce.  Based on student need and ability, opportunities may include volunteering individually or in groups, career exploration, career assessment, work related training and paid employment.Students will also continue to work on functional academic goals (math, reading, and writing) as previously established in their IEPs. The other skills the students will be working on independent living skills by preparing their own meals, doing laundry, and food shopping.