Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center’s growing adolescent program is designed to meet the unique needs of our youth. BRAAC designs a program that is individualized for the student, but also understands that independence is the hallmark of success as our youth quickly emerge into adulthood. Students in the adolescent program spend part of their day working on academic skills, concentrating on the core subject areas; reading, writing and arithmetic. Individualized SOL goals are also targeted and implemented into the program, as specified in the student’s IEP or IIP. Additionally, the program is designed to teach Activities of Daily Living Skills (ADLS). Students work to learn basic cooking, cleaning, laundry, hygiene and self-help skills. The program also targets communication skills, emotional regulation and social skills necessary for their future world of work. Vocational tasks are targeted, as are soft skills, community based programs and resume building. BRAAC Staff is trained to look for areas of strength and high interest in students, so that the focus of pre-vocational instruction is on areas in which the student is intrinsically motivated to work.

Relationships are built with local businesses, other non-profit organizations, communities and more for vital opportunities to learn and practice skills in the natural environment. BRAAC has worked with the following partners for skill building with our students. We are very grateful for their support and willingness to give a helping hand to some very deserving young men and women!