“An Independent Me” Opens Doors and Opportunities for Austin Adults with Autism
NOW ENROLLING PERMANENT RESIDENTS & CAMPERS: Transformative living facility becomes a home and camp for adults with developmental disabilities.
An Independent Me (AIM), a living experience for people ages 16 and older with developmental disabilities, provides a safe and supportive environment. Using scientifically validated techniques and curriculum, the campus teaches life skills, supports educational opportunities, provides on-the-job-training and coaching, creates meaningful jobs, and prepares for a step up to the next level of independence.
This extraordinary setting in Cedar Park, Texas includes an ranch house on 4.5 acres of pastureland plus a horse barn – a fenced rural retreat in the middle of this booming Austin-area subdivision offering opportunities from high-touch to high-tech. Residents and campers can interact with horses, goats and chickens and cultivate gardens; take art and computer classes on site. Participants can also elect to take classes at the nearby college campuses.
Angela Day, AIM Board President, says “This is an extraordinary community. Vocational, educational, and life skills training is designed specifically for the needs of those on the entire ASD spectrum, from non-verbal autism to high-functioning Aspergers. We are excited about our exceptional staff, who make sure each resident and family member who walks through our doors feels safe and secure, and sees a bright future.”AIM staff have extensive experience in behavioral science. The community will maintain a 3:1 ratio (one coach for every three residents) to provide optimal attention to each individual. AIM has the resources and space for up to five adults to live on the premises full-time and 16 day-time members. There is no maximum time set for full-time residents to live at AIM, and space is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
AIM pushes the boundaries of traditional group homes by collaborating with a behavioral psychologist to develop a behavior management plan for each resident. AIM takes a strong stand against constraint as a remedy for behavioral challenges.
An Independent Me is supported financially by private donors and intends to apply for grants and to attract sponsorship funds. AIM is currently seeking donors for the ‘Sponsor a Camper’ program. To learn more about some of this year’s registered campers, visit the Sponsor a Camper page on the AIM website.
