Category: Parent Resources

Join Horizons School at the “Unlocking the Mystery of Developmental Disorders” Conference

Exciting News!

Horizons School is thrilled to announce that we will be an exhibitor at the upcoming “Unlocking the Mystery of Developmental Disorders” Conference on Thursday, November 9, 2023.

đź“… Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023

đź•— Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

🏢 Location: 100 Derby Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35210

This conference is a fantastic opportunity to delve into the world of developmental disorders, gain valuable insights, and connect with experts in the field. We invite all our incredible supporters, friends, and anyone interested in learning more about developmental disabilities to join us at this event.

At our exhibit, you’ll have the chance to:

-Meet our career coordinator and learn about the impactful work we do at Horizons School.

-Gain knowledge about developmental disorders and the latest research and advancements.

-Connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

We can’t wait to see you there! Your support means the world to us, and together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by developmental disorders.

Save the date and mark your calendars! Let’s unlock the mysteries together.

#HorizonsSchool #DevelopmentalDisabilties #UnlockingMysteryConference #Supporters #Community #BirminghamEvents

Sharing Outcomes of The Horizons School READI Learning Program, Part II

Sharing Outcomes of The Horizons School READI Learning Program, Part II

Horizons School began in 1991 as a non-degree post-secondary program for young adults with learning disabilities. The Horizons student learning goal is that each individual will master usable skills necessary for gainful employment and community living. 

Please see Part I of this Parent Blog for survey background and employment outcomes. This second post shares additional information from the 2023 Horizons Alumni and Parent Survey. 

Horizons School, a non-degree post-secondary program for young adults with learning disabilities, has been empowering students for over three decades. We are licensed as a private school by the Alabama Community College System and proudly celebrate our graduates! Our primary goal is to equip students with the necessary skills for gainful employment and community living. In this blog post, we will be sharing the outcomes of our READI learning program, as revealed in the 2023 Horizons Alumni and Parent Survey.

READI Makes a Difference for Young Adult Graduates

Horizons conducts semi-annual surveys of the most recent alumni and their family caregivers. The purpose is to ask recent graduates and their families about training outcomes of our READI learning program. It’s important for us to know how effective the program is at enabling independence. Our focus is on continuous improvement! 

During the spring of 2023, 31 alumni and 15 family caregivers responded to an online survey. The survey was composed of 31 items (28 objective and 3 completion). Our learning program, Readiness for Employment and Disability Inclusion or READI, has proven to be effective to promote independence among young adults with learning disabilities!  

Respondents were asked to rate the current level of independence for eight self-management and support needs. Results revealed the highest level of Independence for three components of READI, specifically, 1) Completing job shadows and a training internship, 2) Determining occupational interests and preferences, & 3) Preparing for job interviews (listed in rank order). 

The majority of respondents required only Minimal Assistance for five other components of our learning program, i.e., 

  1. Learning the steps to reach my career goal 
  2. Developing a professional resume
  3. Identifying current job opportunities 
  4. Completing job applications, & 
  5. Following up after job interviews. 

Results are encouraging and indicate that graduates develop capacities to attain gainful employment! 

Some respondents elected to share long-term career goals. Answers indicate that graduates embrace their role as independent paid employees across a variety of settings. My career goals are: 

  • “to become a front desk assistance in an office” 
  • “to become employed with Delta and reach a leadership position” 
  • “maintain part-time employment in a job I enjoy” 
  • “to keep living independently and stay gainfully employed” 
  • “to work and be able to purchase a home” 
  • “employment in a library, book store, or museum setting” and 
  • “to work long-term for a company with benefits and opportunities for career advancement.” 

Finally, Horizons graduates and families shared their most important career achievements (presented in their own words). 

  • I “earned a monthly employee award at Marshall’s (retail store) twice” 
  • “being on time for work” 
  • “earning decent pay” 
  • “held a 6-month job in Birmingham” 
  • Now “able to find employment and live on her own” 
  • “receiving a new project shortly after starting my role in Atlanta” 
  • “keep a good positive attitude for work” 
  • “earned promotion in employment” 
  • “held a job with HEB (grocery) for about one year” 
  • “getting my first job and having my own bank account” 
  • “be able to live alone with minimal assistance” 
  • “fully independent at work with minimal intervention” 
  • “maintain the same job for several years” 
  • “to be a friendly and hard-working employee” 
  • “being able to complete job tasks efficiently” 
  • “learning to keep a positive attitude and to complete work assignments in a difficult environment” 
  • “successfully being cross-trained in a number of jobs at WalMart” 
  • “trusted to work on special projects” 
  • “learning new things as an employee” 
  • “being reliable, on time, friendly, and easy to work with” 
  • “increased independent job skills in the dietary department” 
  • “earned a World Series ring by working for the Atlanta Braves for 10 seasons!”

At Horizons School, we remain committed to a future where young adults with learning disabilities lead happy and fulfilling lives. Graduates’ career achievements are a testament to the effectiveness of our approach! Stay tuned for future blog posts where we will share additional results from the 2023 Survey of Horizons Graduates and Parents. 

For more information, please feel free to contact Horizons School at (205) 322-6606 or visit our website at https://horizonsschool.org.

26 June 2023

Sharing Outcomes of The Horizons School READI Learning Program, Part I

Horizons School began in 1991 as a non-degree post-secondary program for young adults with learning disabilities. Now in our 32nd year, we are licensed as a private school by the Alabama Community College System and proudly celebrate our graduates! 

The Horizons student learning goal is that each individual will master usable skills necessary for gainful employment and community living. We will achieve this through Prevocational Training, Vocational Preparation, and Dual Enrollment for College Success. Students select either a Career Preparation or College Preparation Track. This first blog will focus on prevocational training outcomes as reported in the 2023 Survey of Horizons Graduates and Parents. 

Prevocational Training is Fundamental to Future Job Success

Our learning program, Readiness for Employment and Disability Inclusion or READI, provides students with an engaging and relevant curriculum to earn paid or unpaid employment in their chosen workplace. Students investigate occupational areas of interest, and enhance basic literacy and social skills. 

Students explore job titles and roles, required preparation, and projected employment for Career Clusters identified by the Department of Labor. Faculty promote positive work ethic and schedule job shadow opportunities enabling students to observe employee roles and responsibilities in the workplace. Students earn career-ready certificates developed by industry professionals. 

Through classes and planned community experiences, students acquire necessary durable or “soft” skills for job success (e.g., time management, customer and coworker communication, following supervisor directions, self-care, personal appearance and safety). They develop basic skills for listening, speaking, problem-solving and critical thinking in the workplace.

Faculty and university collaborators prepare students for job interviews, develop career goals, and a portfolio. Students receive support to apply in person and online for positions, and to request accommodations, as needed. Faculty emphasize how individual performance leads to customer satisfaction and company profitability. Employers receive support, including disability awareness training and consultation, including task management and job coaching. 

READI Makes a Difference for Young Adult Graduates

Horizons conducts semi-annual surveys of the most recent alumni and their family caregivers. The purpose is to confirm outcomes of critical content included in the READI learning program. During the spring of 2023, 31 alumni and 15 family caregivers responded to an online survey. The survey was composed of 31 items (28 objective and 3 completion). This first blog post will share selected results. Watch for later posts with additional results!

Eighty-two percent of respondents said the Horizons graduate is employed for wages!  Twenty-two alumni work part-time and nine work full-time. One-third of alumni found their job using skills learned as a student; 27% received direct assistance from Horizons to secure a paid job. An additional graduate works as an unpaid intern or community volunteer, and three are seeking employment. 

Nineteen alumni have worked in their current position for one year or longer, and 12 have worked for less than one year. Seventy-one percent are responsible for their own transportation to the job site by walking, using their own vehicle, riding public transit, Paratransit, Uber or Lyft. The majority (90%) reported feeling Satisfied or Very Satisfied with their current paid job. 

Graduates and their family caregivers reported a variety of job titles: Restaurant key holder, Dining Room Host, Busser, Prep Cook, Dietary Aide, Food Server, Grocery Courtesy Clerk, Cart Attendant, Grocery Bagger, Receptionist, Administrative Assistant, Pet Sitter, Kennel Technician, Movie Extra, Dishwasher, Guest Services Worker, Healthcare Utility Worker, Sports and Recreation Guest Services, Sporting Event Promoter, Retail Team Member, Dressing Room Associate, Sales Associate, Retail Stocker, Warehouse Worker  

One-third of respondents said the graduate completed a career certification course while attending Horizons School. Examples include Alabama-Jefferson County Food Handler Training, Adult CPR, AED and Basic First Aid, COVID-19 Prevention, Guest Services Gold, Certified Breakfast Attendant, Retail Industry Fundamentals, and Youth@Work: Talking Safety. Four alumni enrolled in a college program after Horizons graduation. 

Survey respondents considered eight career-ready skills to launch Horizons students in the job market. Each skill was rated as Performed Independently or with only Minimal Assistance by one-third or more of our graduates: 

  1. Determining occupational interests and preferences
  2. Learning the steps to reach my career goal
  3. Developing a professional resume 
  4. Completing job shadows and a training internship 
  5. Identifying current job opportunities
  6. Completing job applications
  7. Preparing for job interviews
  8. Following up after job interviews. 

We are proud of alumni achievements! Survey data confirms the success of our READI Learning Program for Horizons students. Future blog posts will share additional results from the 2023 Survey of Horizons Graduates and Parents. For more information, contact Horizons School (205) 322-6606, https://horizonsschool.org

Empowering Young Adults with Disabilities for Success: Transitioning Beyond High School

Introduction:

The transition from high school to post-secondary life can be both exciting and challenging for any young adult. However, when a young adult has a disability, this transition requires additional planning and support to ensure a smooth journey toward independence and success. In this blog post, we will explore the transition process for parents of young adults with disabilities aged 18-26, focusing on programs like The Horizons School that offer life skills and career training. Let’s dive in and discover how to empower your young adult during this important phase of their life.

Understanding the Transition Process:

Transition planning is crucial to help young adults with disabilities successfully navigate the journey from high school to post-secondary life. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) includes transition components, and it’s essential to involve the student and their support network in the process. Set realistic goals that align with your young adult’s abilities, interests, and career aspirations. Be sure to explore available resources such as vocational rehabilitation services, community-based organizations, and post-secondary programs like The Horizons School.

The Horizons School and its Benefits:

The Horizons School is a post-secondary institution that provides specialized support and training to young adults with disabilities. We offer a range of programs and services tailored to help individuals develop life skills and pursue their career goals.

Here are the key benefits of The Horizons School:

  • Life Skills Training: The Horizons School places great importance on life skills training. We provide guidance on personal finance management, daily living skills, self-advocacy, and social skills development. These skills empower young adults to lead independent lives, make informed decisions, and effectively communicate their needs.
  • Career Training: Career training programs offered by The Horizons School focus on vocational skills development, job placement support, and internships or work experiences. We customize training based on each individual’s abilities and interests, ensuring they receive the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen career paths.
  • Transition Support: The Horizons School provides comprehensive transition support services. We assist with post-secondary education applications, housing arrangements, and ongoing mentorship to ensure a smooth transition from high school to our program. This support helps young adults adapt to their new environment, build connections, and feel confident in their journey.

Strategies for Parental Involvement:

As a parent, your involvement plays a vital role in supporting your young adult’s transition. Here are some strategies to consider:

  1. Effective Communication and Collaboration: Maintain open and ongoing communication with educators, program staff, and your young adult. Collaborate to ensure a coordinated approach to their transition, exchange information, and address any concerns or questions that arise.
  2. Empowering Independence: Gradually foster independence by encouraging your young adult to make decisions, solve problems, and advocate for themselves. Offer guidance and support while allowing them to take ownership of their journey.
  3. Building a Support Network: Connect with professionals, mentors, and other parents facing similar challenges. Building a support network can provide valuable resources, share experiences, and offer emotional support as you navigate the transition together.

Overcoming Challenges:

While the transition process can be exciting, it can also present challenges. Addressing these challenges will help ensure a successful transition:

  1. Addressing Fears and Concerns: Acknowledge the fears and concerns you may have as a parent. Understand that it is natural to worry about your young adult’s future. Take proactive steps to mitigate these challenges by seeking information, connecting with support networks, and staying involved in the transition process.
  2. Coping with Emotional Adjustments: Recognize that you may experience emotional adjustments during this transition. Take care of yourself and seek support when needed. Engaging in self-care practices and seeking guidance from professionals can help you navigate the emotional aspects of this journey.

Conclusion:

The transition from high school to post-secondary life skills and career training programs like The Horizons School is a critical phase for young adults with disabilities. By understanding the transition process, exploring available resources, and actively participating in their child’s journey, parents can provide the necessary support and guidance to help their young adults thrive. Remember, with careful planning, collaboration, and ongoing support, your young adult can embrace a fulfilling and independent future.

October 2022 Family Update

October 25, 2022


Dear Horizons Families:


Thank you for participating during 2022 Parent and Family Weekend. It was an amazing event with opportunities to play and learn as a family. We value the contributions from each family and the hard work of our students, who served as evening hosts and hostesses! Several asked about reinforcing what students have learned at Horizons during term breaks. Let us encourage students to maintain their clean residence, help to select, purchase and prepare family meals, wash and dry clothing and linens. Students may also plan with you a shared social activity. Each student benefits from mentoring by university graduate students during the fall term. Parents may encourage weekly physical activity and healthy eating during holiday and term breaks. We recommend emphasizing individual preventive practices for all family members:

  1. 1. regular hand washing
  2. 2. sneeze and cough in tissues and then discard
  3. 3. frequently disinfect commonly used home items and surfaces
  4. 4. use face coverings when in public
  5. 5. obtain booster COVID-19 vaccine
  6. 6. vaccinate for seasonal flu

  7. Our student Hearts for Horizons Civitan Club is hosting a Holiday Food Drive benefiting the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. All are encouraged to contribute non-perishable and non-expired foods to be distributed to needy families. Our Civitan Club generously supported women seeking shelter and vocational training opportunities at the Love Lady Center. All will help to cook the School Community Thanksgiving Dinner that will be enjoyed by students and staff before the holiday break. The school office will be closed for the holiday from Nov. 21-25, 2022. Students resume classes on Nov. 28, 2022. Looking ahead – 2023 Spring Tuition is due on Dec. 30. Our staff wishes each of you a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!

    Brian F. Geiger, EdD, FAAHE