Adjusting to Adulthood: Adult Programs

Students who are no longer a part of Post-Secondary or Project SEARCH have the opportunity to participate in a variety of adult day programs that offer them support. These programs offer a wide range of activities, including further education, vocational skill training, recreational activities and volunteer opportunities.

However, students who need more extensive support have limited options, Hall said.

“It’s more difficult for students that need more support, one-to-one support full time, (because) adult day programs operate one staff to three students,” Hall said. “It’s a tough world out there for our guys that need the most support.”

One alternative, the Self-Determination Program, allows the families of people with disabilities to create their own programs by choosing which support workers to hire, how to purchase services and where their family member will live.

Hall said only about half of Post-Secondary students qualify for the day programs.

“I’ve had three students exit my program that are doing this Self-Determination Program, but it’s really hard to get funding that way,” Hall said. “They basically haven’t had a program since they’ve graduated, which is tough.”