The Horizons School programs enhances students’ independence across four domains, Personal Independence, Social Independence, Career Independence and Self-determination. Students learn skills that specifically address each area of independence.
Personal Independence
- following a daily schedule to manage life skills (hygiene, shopping, meal preparation, laundry, organization and cleaning)
- taking initiative to schedule individual appointments and plan transportation
- managing personal finances
- practicing health and wellness behaviors (home safety, health insurance, medication management, clinical appointments, responding to illness)
- residing in the community, alone or with a roommate
Social Independence
- forming reciprocal relationships with peers
- planning social activities at home and in the community
- using media responsibly
- participating in hobbies, recreational activities or volunteering
Career Independence
- developing prevocational knowledge and skills to transfer to paid employment
- preparing a resume documenting knowledge, skills and abilities
- participating in work site visits and job shadows
- completing online and prevocational training
- applying for internships and paid work
- working cooperatively with others
- maintaining a job over time and increasing employee responsibilities
Self-Determination
- asserting individual rights
- practicing problem-solving for challenging situations
- regulating desires to meet daily responsibilities
- flexibility in changing situations
- achieving short- and long-term goals