Independence Program

STEPS TO INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM

The steps to the Independence Program is a mentoring program designed to give young people on the autism spectrum opportunities to enjoy and explorer their community with a mentor, while at the same time, allowing them to naturally practice and apply life skills that will lead to more independence.

WE SERVE CLIENTS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM

  • Children between the ages of 13 and 21.
  • Can comfortably separate from their caregivers.
  • Are able to move about safely in the community.
  • Have a desire to practice life skills and social skills in a natural environment.
  • Enjoy working with mentors

OUR MENTORS

  • Are a minimum age of 21
  • Are college students, professionals or community members
  • Are committed to spending at least two hours a week to mentor clients
  • Are comfortable taking clients into local places of business and social settings
  • Are willing to walk to various places or utilize public transportation with clients
  • Posses child abuse, criminal and federal clearances
  • Have had a recent physical exam, Mantoux tuberculin skin test and follow Covid-19 guidelines
  • Have been rigorously screened by hiring staff
  • Are interested in developing a respectful, authentic relationship with a young person on the autism spectrum
  • Are willing to provide real life, real time learning opportunities for clients to both practice and apply life skills

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK

  • Mentors allow clients to accompany them on everyday errands to practice skills
  • A monthly schedule is created for mentors and clients
  • Mentors meet clients at a designated meeting place most convenient for clients and their caregivers
  • Mentors will take clients back to the designated meeting place at the conclusion of the session

SOME OPPORTUNITIES THAT MENTORS CAN PROVIDE

  • The modeling of social skills in public places such as, movie theaters, offices, restaurants, etc.
  • Grocery shopping and coupon use
  • The use of a library
  • Budgeting/banking/ATM use
  • Laundromat and clothing care
  • Restaurant/food ordering skills
  • The use of public transportation Telephone/social media skills
  • When possible, in a more personal setting, mentors will provide opportunities for clients to practice independent living skills such as clothing care, meal preparation, and household cleaning/organization