ACCESS Life: Leisure. Independence. Fitness. Education.

ACCESS Life, for adults ages 18-35, is a day program focused on developing a healthy lifestyle, maintaining academic skills, practicing vocational skills and developing independence. The program offers an atmosphere designed for the age of participants and their abilities. It is a place where adults with disabilities may develop social skills and a group of friends. A typical day involves a current events discussion; using the ACCESS laptop lab to generate a blog or website; engaging in activities to promote problem-solving; participating in fitness, nutrition and culinary education; leisure arts; social skills; vocational training, including on- and off-campus jobs; and community integration.

Leisure
ACCESS Life members may explore hobbies and interests through gardening, arts and crafts, photography and scrapbooking projects and more.

Independence
Participants in ACCESS Life engage in activities to develop problem-solving and decision-making skills and community awareness and safety.  Regular off-campus activities offer real-life development and practice of these skills.

Fitness
ACCESS Life offers various physical fitness opportunities designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Swimming, yoga, walking and other aerobic activities are part of the weekly schedule. Nutritional education complements fitness activities and focuses on awareness and monitoring of food choices and movement.

Education
Lifelong education takes place in this program through applied academics. Members use their reading, written expression and technology skills to discuss current events and blog. They receive vocational education and practice basic employment skills through gardening, fine arts and culinary activities. Community integration encourages development of organizational and money management skills.

Community Integration
Community integration is at the core of the ACCESS Life program. Volunteering at local worksites; entertaining, just-for-fun outings; culturally enriching and educational field trips; regular visits to fitness centers; and appointments with businesses to explore jobs and employment skills offer participants real-world development and practice of social skills and independence.