Youth and Transition Services
PLEASE NOTE: Programming may be adjusted due to COVID-19. Independent living and employment skills
for youth and young adults with disabilities
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING
Services are offered to youth and their families to support independent living goals through best practices and partnerships with schools, service agencies, and community organizations. Staff will engage youth in activities that align with their skills and interests including recreation, employment, self-advocacy, and transition. Youth will create goals within the areas of leisure, employment, self-advocacy, independent living, and future planning.
A plan centered around these goals will be created for each student.Interactive classes are offered to youth and young adults ages 13 to 26 looking to develop skills for independent living, competitive employment, or community-based living. Classes are free of charge and run on a school calendar year.
LIFE SKILLS CLASSES:
Cooking
Master the art of cooking and the basics of food preparation and kitchen safety
Financial Management
Learn how to manage your income, spending, savings so you have lifelong financial security
Personal Safety Skills
Learn tips to help you stay safe in any environment, including basic self-defense and how to get help
Sex Education
Educate yourself on practicing safe sex, building a positive body image and protecting yourself from exploitation
Social Skills
Master the art of navigating social situations and making friends
Volunteering
Find your passion for giving back and build you resume with local volunteer opportunities
Job Readiness
Students learn resume building skills, participate in mock interviews, and complete interest testing for future career opportunities
PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY:
Summer Programming
The Ability Center is committed to offering strong programming during summer months for youth in our area with disabilities. Our 2020 summer experience will offer:
- Career Mentorships
- Virtual Life Skills Training
- Employee Readiness
- One-on-one job seeking assistance
Watch this video produced by the Toledo Blade documenting each phase of the Next Steps Summer Program.
Rec Club
Our Rec Club provides an opportunity for peers to connect and build social skills in a comfortable environment. Participants attend monthly community events including bowling, movies, Cedar Point trip, festivals, and local sporting events. You must be a participant in Life Skills to join Rec Club.
Rural Outreach
Youth are served through independent living skills in the four county area of Defiance, Williams, Henry, and Fulton county.
Girl Scout Partnership
Be one of 40 Girl Scout troops to explore autism awareness for your future leaders. This program is designed to teach elementary and middle school children about their peers with autism.
Youth Transition Learning Collaborative
The Ability Center is part of IL-NET National Learning Collaborative on Youth Transition at Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living. 12 organizations from across collaborate and network with one another and learn about each agency’s experiences and successes in programs and services. Participants complete monthly assignments via a dashboard and Zoom meetings once a month to discuss assignments, progress, and ideas.
