The Arc Summer LIFE Experience…
Young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can experience a “sneak preview” of living on their own through LIFE — Living Independently Finding Enrichment, a summer program for individuals 18 – 26 years of age. The LIFE Experience provides young adults with special needs the opportunity to test life away from home and for families to learn about the prospects of how their son or daughter might successfully transition into community-based living.
LIFE Experience is located in a gated, luxury Jacksonville apartment community that caters to college/university students. Participants enjoy the privacy and responsibility of their own bedroom and bath in furnished 4 bed/4 bath apartments that are conveniently located near college campuses, shopping centers, movie theatres, and recreation opportunities. Each apartment has a housing assistant to provide live-in guidance.
Through LIFE, young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities experience a “crash course” in living independently within an environment designed for success. They learn together social etiquette, conversation skills, how to express and identify emotions and how to gauge nonverbal communication. They experience team work in managing cooking, chores, household repairs and transportation. They work on time management, stress management and decision making with coaching from their peers and their housing assistant.
*Note: Participants needing personal care assistants and any other modifications should call for further information
For more information about Summer LIFE Experience, please contact:
904.620.3890 or email LIFE@arcjacksonville.org
