Autism Services Program
Envision's Autism Services Program will provide specialized supports to individuals who are identified on the Autism Spectrum. The program will be designed around the interests, strengths, and needs of program participants—providing opportunities for clients to participate in functional and meaningful activities within a highly structured environment. Through staff training, environmental and visual supports, and stimulating curriculum, clients will be given the opportunity to maximize their potential and achieve personal success.
Program strategies will include, but are not limited to, the use of the following:
- Functional curriculum – money skills, cooking, social skills, hygiene, etc
- Multi-modal communication strategies – sign language, pictures, assistive technology, etc
- Individualized schedules/routines
- Daily exercise program
- Positive behavioral supports
- Structure and Consistency
- The Use of Social Stories
Functional Life Skills
- Communication
- Self-Care
- Cooking
- Money Skills
- Safety Skills
- Self-Advocacy
Job Training Skills
- Production Work
- Button Business
- Card Company
- Shredding
- Recycling
Community Integration
- Grocery Shopping
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Library
- Bowling
Participants will also be offered alternatives to the traditional day and employment program setting, with an emphasis on a relationship-based philosophy, communication skills, functional life skills, capacity building, and community integration. Some components of the program will include:
POPULATION SERVED
Envision's Autism Services Program will provide services to individuals who are diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. The age range for participants will be 18 years throughout adulthood. In addition to adult programming, the program plans to provide transition services for students receiving special education services. School transition candidates will be at least 18 years old and have transition goals that include admission into a developmental training program.
For more information about Envision's Autism Services Program, please contact Susan Gardner, Director of Autism Services at 773-433-1419 or by email at sgardner@envisionchicago.org.