Sunshine, Snorkeling and Miles of Beaches Beckon Students to Ft. Lauderdale
South Florida’s exceptional weather helps make the region a popular tourist attraction and a great place for College Living Experience (CLE) students to participate in a college program and experience independent living with other special needs students. Summer weather in the Sunshine State is balmy and warm, while winter is dry and cool. Snorkelers, surfers and sunbathers enjoy Ft. Lauderdale’s seven miles of gorgeous beaches, and CLE students make regular Sunday trips to the beach. Many students bike to nearby Tree Tops Park, which features horseback riding and picnic areas. Other attractions in the region include the Swimming Hall of Fame and Museum, Ft. Lauderdale Aquatic Complex and Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Art. Miami is just 20 miles away.
Excellent Higher Education Choices
CLE-Ft. Lauderdale, home of the
first CLE program, is situated near a variety of education and college
opportunities for students with special needs. Educational opportunities for
students with learning disabilities, ADD, Asperger’s Syndrome, autism and
nonverbal learning disorder include vocational certificate, community college
and four-year degree programs. CLE is adjacent to the South Florida
Educational Center,
with convenient access to post-secondary institutions including:
Convenient Setting
Ft. Lauderdale is centrally located in a suburban setting between Miami and Palm Beach, which facilitates independent living for students with learning disabilities or other special needs. The Hollywood-Ft. Lauderdale Airport is a short drive from CLE. Most of the area’s educational opportunities for CLE students with special needs are accessible by foot or public transportation, and CLE is located immediately adjacent to the student apartments. Grocery stores, pharmacies, cafes and restaurants are nearby, helping special needs students gain independent living skills.
Residence Features
CLE students reside in one- or
two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartments at the Palm Trace Landings or Sunforest
residential apartment complexes. Both apartment complexes offer beautifully
landscaped lakes, with amenities such as swimming pools, basketball and tennis
courts, sand volleyball, public barbecues and workout facilities. Resident
advisors at both locations provide added support to students with learning
disabilities, ADD, Asperger’s Syndrome, autism or nonverbal learning disorder
so they can learn to live independently and transition to college.