Discover a World of Independence

OPTIONS Transitions to Independence (formerly called OPTIONS Program at Brehm) is a comprehensive transitional program that guides young adult students with learning disabilities into independent adulthood and helps them recognize and optimize their full potential.

Our students are typically ages 18 to 25 with a primary diagnosis of a learning disability (LD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many have multiple diagnoses that may include dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, social skills deficits, non-verbal learning disabilities, executive functioning issues, auditory processing disorder, processing speed deficits and expressive and/or receptive language disorders. OPTIONS understands that the combined effects of these difficulties impacts every facet of life; we provide instruction as well as behavioral and emotional support to help students contend with age-appropriate expectations and relationships.

Our students have graduated from high school, earned their GEDs, or chosen to defer graduation in order to participate in this empowering Program.

For over 20 years, OPTIONS has delivered comprehensive support within a collegiate atmosphere that advances accomplishments and cultivates lifelong learning. As our students transition through three phases of OPTIONS, they develop academically, vocationally, socially, and emotionally, acquiring the crucial tools necessary for independent life.

OPTIONS delivers individualized social, academic, employment, and life skills instruction. This life development Program emphasizes independent living, life skills, self-advocacy skills, well-rounded interpersonal skills, community linkages, employability, and career development strategies. With the help of OPTIONS instructors, Independent Living Counselors, and specialized academic coaches, our students are successfully guided through speech and language courses, core academic skills, college preparation and participation, social skills, employment readiness classes, and community-based internships.

OPTIONS offers two different tracks: a College Transition track with our partner, John A. Logan College, and a Certificate of Completion track, which includes a variety of vocational concentrations. Both offer intensive assistance, structured supervision, and supported study hours. Our mission is to advance independence by optimizing our students' full potential so that they may lead happy, independent, productive lives.

In addition to the two tracks offered by OPTIONS, other areas of focus include:

•     Meal planning, shopping, and preparation
•     Emotional coping skills
•     Money management, fiscal responsibility and budgeting
•     Follow-through and preparedness
•     Interpersonal communication
•     Honesty and integrity
•     Social strategies
•     Self-management
•     Accountability for actions
•     Self-advocacy
•     Safe behavior
•     Time management
•     Organization
•     Personal hygiene
•     Organization of personal space