LIFE Academy

The LIFE (Learning In Functional Environments) Academy is an educational program specially designed to meet the needs of adult students with moderate to significant disabilities ages 18-22. This largely community-based program aims to prepare students with moderate to severe disabilities to be fulfilled, happy and productive citizens in their local communities. The program hours are 7:45-2:15 pm with a 220 day schedule. Students receive the following related services as part of their weekly programming: speech and language, counseling, occupational and physical therapy, applied behavioral analysis and health and wellness through a multidisciplinary approach. Students attending this program have satisfied their high school requirements and met state testing requirements.

The majority of students attending the LIFE Academy will age out of special education with a Certificate of Attainment having participated in the MCAS-Alternate portfolio assessment process. The cornerstone of programming at the LIFE Academy is focused on Self-Determination, Self-Regulation and Transition related skills. Students participate in choice making as they learn to identify their needs, interests and skills in the arenas of Independent Living, Health and Wellness, Recreation and Leisure, and Vocational skills.

The LIFE Academy campus in Swansea includes the Stoico-First Fed YMCA where students have memberships and can participate in a variety of Health, Wellness, Recreation and Vocational activities. In addition, students spend the majority of their time in community based settings where they practice life skills and explore a wide variety of adult experiences. Families are an integral part of the learning team and we work with them to help them navigate the world of adult services, preparing them and their children to transition to adult agencies and programs.