The Value of Work

Employment is a key part of living independently. Work provides a sense of purpose, a source of connection and interaction, and necessary income to sustain ourselves day-to-day. Unfortunately, too many adults with autism and learning disabilities are underemployed--if they are employed at all. The Huffington Post reports that "the combined unemployment and underemployment for young adults with autism is estimated at 90 percent nationwide" (see full article here.) ScenicView Academy's vocational path empowers students with crucial work skills. Our on-campus and off-campus employment programs help students overcome their barriers to employment and connects them to community employment opportunities.

My Own Space

Phase 1: Supported living

​students live in SVA dorms where they have a furnished bedroom and bathroom.
​​​Meal preparation: students receive 3 meals per day, while taking courses in nutrition, meal preparation.

•  Maintaining living space:
• Budgeting: financial literacy, learning to determine individual needs & wants
• ​Transportation: students are taught to navigate public transportation
• Medication Management (if needed): student medications are monitored by medical staff, and students receive instruction in taking , ​
• Benefits: Students learn which government supports for which they qualify, and how to maintain associated documentation.

Phase 2: Supervised apartment living

Students live in a minimally furnished  on-campus apartment.​

• Meal preparation: students are expected to cook 2 out of 3 of their own daily meals
• Maintaining living space:
• Budgeting: Individualized money management support
• Transportation: students may take driver’s education and work toward getting a driver’s license.
• Medication Management (if needed)
• Benefits:

Phase 3: Independent Living (Off Campus)

 Students living off-campus are self-sufficient in:

• meal preparation
• money management
• living space maintenance
• medication management
• transportation

They receive coaching in these areas on an as needed basis.

Garrett & The Spoon

"I think with Garrett, and others like him, the sky's the limit. It's fun to talk to employers after they've gotten to know him and after he's been there for awhile and have them say 'At first we were a little apprehensive, but now we don't know what we would do without him."  -Alan, Garrett's Dad