Community Based Instruction

  • CLL (Community Living & Learning) and SAILS (Students Acquiring Independent Living Skills)

    In the community-based instruction program, the OPTIONS program uses an apartment setting, in which students participate in hands-on, real-life experiences while enhancing or further strengthening their independent living skills. These skills could include but are not limited to: relationship building, social thinking, self-advocacy, and problem-solving. The students develop increased awareness and confidence in community living. They practice pedestrian safety, increasing their awareness of potential dangers, and strategies to use if faced with dangerous situations. They learn to access community resources both in person and virtually, including banks, post offices, retail and grocery stores, malls, local colleges, businesses, libraries, and recreational facilities. While out in the community, participants receive training, practice, and experience with a variety of crucial social and self-advocacy skills that are required for independent living.

    • Community Living and Learning provides instruction and supervision for 1 to 4 days a week. 
    • SAILS provides an environment with intense supervision with a smaller ratio of staff to students.

    OPTIONS curriculum will include but is not limited to:

    • Social Thinking, Self Determination, Self-Advocacy
    • Communication Skills
    • Interpersonal Skills
    • Health and Safety
    • Personal Awareness and Care
    • Recreational and Leisure Activities
    • Accessing Community Resources
    • Domestic Maintenance