Brighton Launch’s autism program in Toronto supports its adult students in a range of ways as they prepare to live more independently. This may include teaching them the skills necessary for living and working in the community. The aim is to ensure that each student can lead a happy and healthy life.
Brighton Launch offers three types of autism programs in Toronto, each tailored to the different needs of its adult students. Just because students have an autism diagnosis does not mean they have the same support needs, especially if they have other disabilities as well.
Full-time program
The full-time program offers the most intensive and comprehensive format. It is a highly structured program, allowing students to continue working on a wide range of skills every day, in a controlled environment with a reliable schedule. Students are supported by experienced and professional staff to guide their learning and accommodate their needs. Coaches can monitor students’ progress and adapt the program accordingly.
Students enrolled in the full-time program can work on specific skills of independent living, such as organization, budgeting and household management. This includes the Real Economy program to practice earning and spending real cash, as well as working on every stage of the food preparation process, from understanding nutrition and reading recipes, to shopping for ingredients, through to cooking the meal and cleaning up afterwards.
Other strands of the full-time program include workplace skills (from resume building to workplace etiquette and health and safety), social skills and self-regulation, private matters (such as personal hygiene, dating and sexual health), and foundational skills (language, literacy and numeracy), all of which can also be beneficial to independent living.
Life skills program
Offered on a part-time basis, the life skills programs take place three days a week, though still on a 9-5 basis to replicate normal working hours. Students learn about household and budget management, social skills and self-regulation, and foundational skills, though with less emphasis on preparing for the workplace. The part-time format means students will benefit from a structured environment surrounded by experienced coaches and people with similar disabilities, but it is less intensive than a full-time course. They can use their days off to recover or to meet family and other obligations.
Work experience program
Work is often an important part of independent living as it provides an income. Students on the work experience program, which is also part time, will learn about social skills, self-regulation and foundational skills, but there is a particular focus on learning the skills necessary for the workplace. This includes the use of workplace-specific technology or health and safety procedures, as well as how to dress and behave professionally.
The program can help at every stage of the employment process, from career planning, taking into account the student’s unique goals and strengths, to preparing and completing job applications, to skills for within the workplace itself. This is helped by internal work placements, where students can practice their skills in a controlled environment within the program, and external placements, delivered through partnerships with local businesses that can provide accommodations whilst still offering a full workplace experience.
These different program formats ensure that all students have the best opportunity to develop the skills they need to be successful in the world, living and potentially working with increased autonomy and building their own self-confidence in the process.
