Student with Autism Getting Ready for Adult Life

Mt. Laurel, NJ - For 20-year-old Sara Hausler, participation in Y.A.L.E. School's unique transition program, Standard 9, has been a dream come true.

“I've learned more than academics. I’ve learned how to be independent,” said Sara.

A resident of Mount Laurel, Sara has attended Y.A.L.E. School since 10th grade. She is now taking part in a one-of-a-kind high school transition program for students ages 18-21 with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD and related social disabilities who need additional support and training to prepare for adult roles. Y.A.L.E.’s Standard 9 Program is designed to build 21st Century life and career skills. “Standard 9” refers to New Jersey’s Core Curriculum Content Standards in the area of readiness for adult life. Y.A.L.E.’s unique tiered transition program builds employment skills, adult living skills, and college readiness for students with disabilities.

Sara, who was placed at Y.A.L.E. by her local school district, Lenape Regional Public Schools, will graduate in 2017. Federal law allows students with disabilities to remain in school through the end of the school year in which they turn 21.

While on the campus of Y.A.L.E.’s flagship program in Cherry Hill, Sara is part of an enterprise project through which she and other Standard 9 students are learning business skills through hands-on experiences. Y.A.L.E. Enterprising Students (Y.E.S.) provides support to students as they learn how to develop and launch a small business. Through Y.E.S., Sara and others design, make, market, and sell promotional items such as tee shirts, buttons, mugs and other products.

Recently, she and her classmates launched a project in which they had to source, budget, design, and create a display for hand-made dog bandanas and dog treats, which they sold.

Sara is also learning the nuts and bolts of financial self-management.

“I am learning how to write a check, balance my checkbook and use an ATM machine. I am also learning how to use my English skills on a resume and cover letter for a job,” she said.

For Sara, community-based instruction is bridging the gap between academic learning and “the real world.”

“When we go out into the community on trips, I have to put it all to the test. I have learned how to budget money and take the Access Link bus,” she said. She has even received some experience behind the wheel of a car through a driving simulator offered through Y.A.L.E. School.

Along the way, Sara is also learning self-advocacy and leadership skills.

“When I started, I was shy and it was hard for me to get out of my comfort zone but that's gotten easier. I used to be uncomfortable in new places but now, I'm ready to go!”

Next year, Sara is hoping to be among a dozen students selected to take part in Project SEARCH, a national program through which students with developmental and intellectual disabilities take part in a one-year internship program. In the fall of 2016, Y.A.L.E. will be among the first schools in New Jersey to launch the program, and will be working in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Labor’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities to get students ready for jobs.

“With full immersion in the job preparation process, students gain extensive exposure to a work environment to ready them for competitive employment,” said Margaret Chapman, Assistant Director at Y.A.L.E. School.

“Project SEARCH is especially unique because it creates a systematic bridge between the school, adult service agencies and community employment,” she added.

Sara said she feels increasingly ready for the adult world.

“I have already taken part in job fairs and learned to approach employers and ask about the application process and business cards,” said Sarah. “I know employers are looking for people who are confident, respectful, trustworthy, and know how to dress properly. Now, I know how to do all of that!”

Sara admits that while she's looking forward to graduation next year, she is a little scared about leaving.

“I have learned so much here so I know I will be ready. Y.A.L.E. will always be like a second home.”

About Y.A.L.E. School Cherry Hill: Y.A.L.E. School’s Cherry Hill campus serves students ages 5-21 who have learning and social disabilities, and emotional and/or social difficulties including anxiety disorder, ADHD, Asperger’s disorder and/or mood or personality disorders. The campus also offers 21st Century Life and Career Skills transition concentration for students ages 17 to 21 to help prepare them for post-secondary education, work and independent living. As a state-approved private school for students with disabilities, students are placed by their local school district and attend at no cost to parents. For more information call: 856-482-5252 or go to www.yaleschool.com