Philosophy
College Living Experience helps students with special needs prepare for life as independent adults. Young adults with autism, Asperger’s, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy and other special needs can successfully transition to independent adulthood with tailored support. With new-found skills and a degree or certificate in hand, our students find meaningful work and relationships as independent adults. CLE provides support in three areas: academics, social skills and independent living skills.
Academic Support
Students receive the academic support they need to earn an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or vocational certificate. By earning degrees of their choosing, students with special needs create an opportunity to seek meaningful work and provide for themselves. CLE collaborates with certificate programs, two year colleges and four year universities to provide a variety of opportunities for students to study what they find fulfilling.
Social Skills
Some students with special needs benefit from social skills guidance to feel comfortable in social settings. CLE provides instruction and guided self-discovery to students in need of social skills development. Students are provided with instruction based on their current social abilities; some students need more help than others. CLE provides the support necessary for students to experience successful social interactions in a variety of settings—class, work and home. The ultimate goal in providing social skills training is to help students succeed and remain independent in different environments.
Independent Living Skills
Students with special needs also receive independent living skills support to prepare them for life away from home. Students learn how to do their own laundry, create a budget, pay bills, distinguish junk mail, cook and organize their living areas. They learn how to maintain their safety and security by becoming familiar with public transportation and learning important basic concepts, such as locking their doors and safeguarding personal information on the internet. Instructional sessions help students reach their ultimate goal of living as independent adults away from home.
College Living Experience helps students, and their families, prepare for a life away from home. With the appropriate academic, social and independent skills, students with special needs can learn, work and play as independent adults.