According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 44 children are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Upon graduating from high school, or by age 21, special education services cease to be a mandatory provision resulting in individuals falling off the proverbial “service cliff.”
More than 5.4 million adults in the United States, or 2.2% of the U.S. population, are on the autism spectrum. Approximately 80% of autistic adults – including college graduates – are underemployed or unemployed.
The focus of LifeWorks at WKU is to facilitate a living, learning environment that empowers autistic young adults and those with other learning differences to realize their full potential and successfully lead lives of independence, self-direction, employment, and inclusion.
LifeWorks utilizes Learn4Independence – a 32-course curriculum that focuses on skills to promote living independently and working successfully. This curriculum implements person-centered planning, designed to accommodate various types of individuals with learning differences and is adaptable to diverse community and cultural needs.
At LifeWorks at WKU, our focus is on independence, productivity, and community engagement; and we operate under a four-tier program to accomplish this.
Participants feel at home while learning daily independent living skills in specially designed apartments with multi-purpose spaces that promote community.
Explore career opportunities, and receive instruction and mentorship to learn the critical skills needed to not only maintain employment, but also to be successful in the workplace.
Participants will flourish among their neighbors in a nurturing and creative atmosphere specifically designed to connect with the community through a variety of local attractions.
Participants are empowered to have meaningful relationships for personal fulfillment that prepares them to integrate into community life.
Student financial education, both basics and personal finances.
Planned monthly activities to engage in the community.
Education for relationship building and interpersonal interaction.
An environment where young adults can live and work independently.
Nutritious meal preparation and planning.
Transportation to class, work, and nearby locations.
Guidance for personal and vocational development.
Confidence to live in, work in, and engage in the community.