Community members and representatives of the Chicago Police Department, Easterseals, and the Chicago Public Schools gathered recently to learn about the first transition academy in the area, the Urban Autism Solutions (UAS) West Side Transition Academy at 1220 W. Lexington St.
UAS West Side Transition Academy helps Chicago high school students with autism and related disabilities prepare for adulthood and future employment. It is the first transition program established in the area to serve students who live in disadvantaged communities.
Attendees observed how the academy’s staff, composed of graduate students in occupational therapy, speech therapy professionals, and social service workers, led student participants through a series of communication and social-emotional modules.
“The academy provides a unique set of services that participants do not have access to in school,” explained Christina Hovattor, program manager at Urban Autism Solutions. “Here, students partake in resume building, communication development, social-emotional exercises, and fine tuning goals for after high school graduation. The work at the academy supports our work in the community, where we lead students on a series of job observations and job trainings.”
UAS provides vocational, social, and residential programs to help individuals with autism navigate adulthood. It also offers opportunities for participants to develop social and soft skills, prepare for interviews, use public transportation, and achieve personal goals. With a team of experts, UAS empowers clients to become self-advocates and live life with confidence.
For more information, email [email protected].