ACCESS (Attitude, Community Competence Elements, Social Skills)
The Attitude, Community Competence Elements {of Academic Curriculum}, Social Skills {ACCESS} program at the high school level is for moderate to severe cognitively disabled students. The guiding principle of the ACESS program is each student, in keeping with his/her individual abilities and gifts will complete the high school ACCESS program with a foundation of learning and skills to function effectively in life, work, his/her community, and continue learning and participating in leisure activities.
Adapted Learning Program (ALP)
The purpose of the program is to provide students with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities with the skills, knowledge and experiences they will need to live as independently as possible when they are adults.
How do we do this?
Functional Academics: The academic portion of this program is delivered through direct paced instruction in the ALP classroom. Instruction emphasizes the development of literacy, numeracy and general life skills.
Community Work Experiences: The Vocational and Rehabilitation Research Institute has partnered with the CBE to provide community work experiences. Affiliated with the University of Calgary, the VRRI is recognized as a leader in the field of disability services and research. The work experience component of the program provides supported community-based work placements so that students can learn work skills. As well, students will gain self-knowledge, which will help them decide on their future career.
Inclusion: ALP students participate in student life at William Aberhart High School. They integrate into courses such as Math 14, Construction Technology, Automotives, Art, Information Processing, Science 14, Physical Education, Foods Studies, Fashion, Sports Medicine, and Spanish. They are supported to join groups throughout the school such as Leadership, the Wrestling Team and working at Will’s Till, the school store.
Focus on Transition: Students and families are assisted in learning about and planning for success in the following areas: employment, further education, financial needs, community participation, independent living, transportation, relationships, recreation/leisure, health and safety, self-advocacy/future planning, communication and self determination. Families are supported by ALP staff to transition their child into adult services such as PDD and AISH.
What are the outcomes for students in the ALP program?
Upon graduation students will be fully included members of their community. This may include paid employment, further education and independent living.
