Independence Prep is an overnight immersive independent living experience for high school students with developmental disabilities.
Independence Prep is best suited for students who:
- are currently in 9th through 12th grades
- 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 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 throughout 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 2021, with enrollment ending on September 17th.
The session consists of three parts:
- an orientation session for students + families the evening of Thursday, September 23rd
- designed to help you get comfortable with and prepare for your weekend away
- held at the On My Own of Michigan office in Troy, Michigan
- an all-inclusive two-night independent living experience for students the weekend of Friday, October 8th through Sunday, October 10th
- designed to help students build social connections and independent living skills in a safe, supported and fun environment
- held at the Butzel Retreat Center in Ortonville, Michigan
- a recap session for students + families the evening of Thursday, October 21st
- designed to help you debrief your experience while also meeting young adults + families who have successfully made the transition to independent living
- held at the On My Own of Michigan office in Troy, Michigan
Independence Prep experiences will be offered quarterly, with students welcome to join us for as many sessions as they'd like during their high school career. Slight modifications will be made to the agenda each quarter to ensure students are learning and reinforcing new skills each time they join us.
The Fall 2021 session of 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
All Independence Prep student participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide a copy of their vaccination card before participating.
Additionally, all participants will have a wellness screening conducted before engaging in our in-person activities. Any participant with symptoms 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 encouraged to be worn during all in-person student activities and required for all in-person student and family activities.
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 of $450 will be due no later than September 17th.
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.