Independence Prep is an overnight independent living experience for high school and transition students and young adults with developmental disabilities.
Independence Prep is best suited for students who:
- are currently in 9th through 12th grades, in their school's transition program or a young adult who isn't yet living independently
- have a developmental disability such as:
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Epilepsy
- intellectual disabilities, cognitive impairments or learning disorders
- want to participate in Independence Prep
- have demonstrated success in maintaining personal hygiene independently
- have demonstrated success in managing daily medication independently
- have demonstrated success in remaining safe in both new and known environments without close supervision
- do not require one-on-one support from a paraprofessional during the school day
- do not have a recent history of being violent with themselves or others
- have demonstrated success with communicating their needs effectively and appropriately
- have demonstrated success with listening to and following rules and two-to-three-step instructions
- have demonstrated success with learning and maintaining skills
- are respectful of others
Independence Prep has been carefully designed to help students and families:
- build a foundation for independent living skill attainment and practice that is helpful for employment, college or independent living experiences post-high school,
- build a shared goal and vision for living independently, and
- increase excitement for and momentum towards living independently after high school.
If this describes what you're seeking for your family or someone you support, Independence Prep may be right for you!
Our next session of Independence Prep will be held in April 2022, with applications accepted until March 21st.
The session consists of three parts:
- an orientation session for students + families the evening of Thursday, March 31st
- designed to help you get comfortable with and prepare for your weekend away
- an all-inclusive two-night independent living experience for students the weekend of Friday, April 8th through Sunday, April 10th
- designed to help students build social connections and independent living skills in a safe, supported and fun environment
- skill-building experiences may include:
- personal management (getting up and ready independently)
- home management (cleaning + organizing)
- health + wellness (self-care and coping strategies; meal preparation)
- healthy relationships (getting along with roommates and friends)
- transportation (getting around in new ways)
- employment (communicating your needs and engaging with others; group etiquette)
- money management (the costs of living on your own)
- safety (staying safe in new environments)
- skill-building experiences may include:
- designed to help students build social connections and independent living skills in a safe, supported and fun environment
- a recap session for students + families the evening of Tuesday, April 26th
- designed to help you debrief your experience while also meeting young adults + families who have successfully made the transition to independent living
Independence Prep experiences will be offered quarterly, with students welcome to join us for as many sessions as they'd like. Slight modifications will be made to the agenda each quarter to ensure students are learning and reinforcing new skills each time they join us.
Independence Prep costs $500 per student and includes:
- participation in the orientation session, weekend experience and recap session
- two nights of lodging for the weekend experience
- all meals + snacks during the orientation session, weekend experience and recap session
- all activity materials
- a gift bag full of self care items to make time away from home easier
**Early Enrollment Discount!! All students who apply for our April 2022 Prep session before March 3, 2022 will receive our early enrollment discount, reducing the session cost to just $300.
All Independence Prep student participants are required to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations (including boosters when eligible) and provide a copy of their vaccination card before participating.
Additionally, all participants will have a rapid COVID-19 test conducted before engaging in our weekend experience. Any participant with a positive test, symptoms of COVID-19 or close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 will not be allowed to participate and will be offered attendance at the next scheduled session of Independence Prep instead.
Finally, masks will be required to be worn during all in-person activities. Masks will be optional while students are in their private bedrooms and while eating.
Our application process involves the following steps:
- First, complete our online application form here.
- At the same time you complete your application, please submit your $50 non-refundable deposit (click the button on the application page to be brought to our payment page.)
- Once we receive your online application and deposit, we'll contact you to schedule an interview with our staff. We'll want to meet with both you (our prospective Independence Prep student) and your parent(s)/guardian(s).
- We'll also reach out to the teacher or social worker you listed as a reference on your application. We'll ask them a few questions about your potential fit for Independence Prep.
- Once these steps are complete and we've been able to confirm you meet our eligibility criteria, you'll receive an official acceptance to Independence Prep! Your final payment will be due no later than two weeks before the start of Independence Prep.
If you’d like to learn more about Independence Prep, please click here to join us for an upcoming virtual open house.
If you can’t join us for an open house, you may contact our Independent Living Program Manager Rachel Newbill at rachel@onmyownofmi.org or (248) 649-3739 x 228 to learn more.