Academy & Enterprises Sandy Polizzotto – Executive Director

If they could…they would…  Upon leaving high school the extensive supports, services and acceptance of individuals with disabilities which were available, integrated and free, all disappear the minute a student receives their diploma.  HighPointe Day Program, Academy and Enterprises have been developed to allow individuals to experience challenges and improve resiliency skills in a safe environment.  We serve individuals with intellectual an developmental disabilities, ages 16 and older.

“Fair does not mean equal.” “Fair means everyone gets what he/she deserves and needs, when they need it.”

No two individuals are the same, no two plans are the same.  We work closely with families/caregivers and community businesses to establish the most effective plan to provide opportunities in pursuing personal growth.  Participants are evaluated for current strengths and needs in the areas of social skills, pragmatic academic skills, integrated community skills, independent living skills and work competencies.  A plan is created with a team of individuals who will help support the desired outcomes.  All classes are designed to utilize the best practices of instruction in a multi-sensory approach. Individuals are taught skills to build self- confidence and experience success based on the data gathered in the initial evaluation process.

Program Scope  Desired outcomes are determined for independent living/employment,  Specific resources/businesses are contacted and made aware of the desired outcomes,  Partnerships are developed to coordinate skill development with the needs of homes/employers,  LEARN skills,  Benchmarking of skills determines the direction of instruction and the pace of that instruction,  Skill performance is reported to support team,

Program Scope Continued  APPLY skills,  Mastery of skills are transferred into a home/job match that is “coach supported”,  Integration of new skills and increased self-determination establish the need of continuous coach assistance/support,  Independent living/working according to abilities,  REWARDING outcomes both financially and emotionally,  HighPointe continues to be available to help maintain skills on an as needed basis.

Program Format  Learning Phase is a classroom/lab structure, fifteen, three week sessions. Information is taught in a classroom environment in the morning and then afternoon lab work is application of learned skills.  Action Phase is commuting to “partner” organization with a coach to practice learned skills.  Integration Phase is commuting to “partner” organization to allow the individual to contribute in a manner that is purposeful and meaningful.

Class Information Home Management  Shopping – Household Essentials  Storage/Organization  Clean/Maintain/Repair  Laundry  Clothing and Dressing  Self-Exploration and Personal Needs  Character/Values/Choices  Hygiene/Personal Care/Emotions  Communication Skills Health/Wellness/Safety/ Advocacy  Nutrition  Food and Eating Skills  Living a Healthy Lifestyle  Exercise  Leisure Activities  Sleep/Relaxation  Personal Safety  Basic Information  Stranger Awareness  Animal Safety  Having a Social Life  Self-Advocacy

Class Information Continued Lifelong Daily Living Skills  Living Arrangements  Medications  Telephone Skills  Reading Skills  Writing Skills  Math/Money Skills  Budgets  Computer Skills  Time/Executive Function Skills  Communication  Social Skills/Manners Community/Transportation  Public Transit  Community Services  Shopping Skills  Street Safety  Community Places and People  Helpful Information  Travel/Planning  Community Social Skills  Being a Good Listener  Making Good Friends

Vocation/Employment/Volunteer  Present Skills and Interests  Standards of Work Performance  Job Search  First Impressions  Work Ethics  Attitude  Task Completion  Following Directions  Read, Write, Calculate on the Job  Social Skills at Work  Working with Others  Respecting Authority

We have created a program to make available an educational opportunity for individuals, “Tweeners”, who do not meet the criteria for current programming. We understand the progression of learning is on- going and want to be part of a long term solution. Our goal is to become “Partners for Life” with a continuum of services that are developmentally appropriate and give families/care givers “Peace of Mind.”