Independence Prep

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 up to the age of 26 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 Fall 2022 (specific dates TBD) and includes five full days of independent living skill building classes as well an all-inclusive two-night independent living experience with us at a local hotel.

Independence Prep sessions are 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, managing a schedule)
• home management (cleaning + organizing)
• health + wellness (self-care and coping strategies; meal planning + preparation)
• healthy relationships (teamwork; creating social connections)
• transportation (getting around the community)
• 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)

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 sessions cost $750 per student and include:

• participation in five days of classroom learning + two nights of community-based learning
• two nights of lodging in a private room for the weekend experience
• all meals + snacks
• all activity materials
• a gift bag full of self care items to make time away from home easier

All Independence Prep students are required to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations (including at least one booster dose) and provide a copy of their vaccination card before participating.

Additionally, participants may be required to have a rapid COVID-19 test (provided by Independence Prep) 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 group 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 application fee (click the button on the application page to be brought to our payment page.)
• Once we receive your online application and application fee, 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.

To learn more, contact Executive Director Jennifer Roccanti at jennifer@onmyownofmi.org or (248) 649-3739 x 223.