Start a Conversation

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION AT OPTIONS

How Support Evolves as Independence Grows

At OPTIONS Transitions to Independence, individualized instruction means more than personalized classes.

It is a progressive model of support designed to help young adults move from structured guidance toward real-world independence — academically, vocationally, socially, and in daily living.

Support is not removed arbitrarily.
It is earned through demonstrated readiness.

Individualization Is About Readiness — Not Speed

Every student enters OPTIONS with different strengths, challenges, and levels of independence.

Rather than placing students into a fixed program, OPTIONS uses:

  • Ongoing assessment

  • Observation across settings

  • Collaborative team input

  • Student self-reflection

to determine what level of support is needed — and when that support should evolve.

The goal is not to move students quickly.
The goal is to move students successfully.

The OPTIONS Transition Model

Students progress through three phases, each representing a shift in responsibility, independence, and self-management.

Movement between phases is individualized, based on demonstrated skills — not time alone.

Standard Phase

High Support · High Structure

The starting point for new students. This phase emphasizes structure, consistency, and learning how to use support effectively across academics, independent living, and daily routines.

Modified Phase

Shared Responsibility · Guided Independence

Students begin taking greater ownership of schedules, decisions, and expectations while continuing to receive coaching and support as responsibilities increase.

Extension Phase

Independent Living · Supported Launch

Designed for students preparing to transition out of OPTIONS. Students live independently, manage work or college responsibilities, and apply learned strategies with minimal direct support.

The OPTIONS Transition Model

Students progress through three phases — each representing a shift in responsibility and self-management.

Movement between phases is based on demonstrated skill, not time.

PHASE 1: STANDARD PHASE

A Strong Foundation

New students begin in the Standard Phase, which provides the highest level of structure and support.

This phase typically includes:

  • Classes at the OPTIONS Academic Building

  • One-on-one academic and executive functioning support

  • Speech & Language services (as appropriate)

  • Structured apartment supervision

  • Frequent check-ins and coaching

Students in this phase are learning:

  • How to manage time and routines

  • How to accept and use support

  • How to understand expectations

  • How to begin self-advocacy

Most students remain in this phase for at least one year.

PHASE 2: MODIFIED PHASE

Expanding Responsibility

Following demonstrated success in the Standard Phase, students may be recommended for the Modified Phase.

In this phase, students:

  • Take increased responsibility for academics and living skills

  • Maintain accountability for schedules and commitments

  • Continue coursework at OPTIONS, college classes, and/or internships

  • Receive reduced but intentional supervision

Support shifts from direct management to guided self-management.

Students begin to experience more natural consequences — with staff coaching them through decision-making rather than directing every step.

PHASE 3: EXTENSION PHASE

The Launch Into Independence

The Extension Phase is designed to support students as they transition out of OPTIONS and into independent adult life.

Entry into this phase is by administrative invitation and requires sustained success in earlier phases.

Students in the Extension Phase:

  • Live independently in the community

  • Secure and maintain employment and/or college enrollment

  • Manage medical care and daily responsibilities

  • Utilize learned strategies for self-advocacy and problem-solving

OPTIONS continues to provide:

  • Weekly life skills and group support

  • College support courses (if applicable)

  • Speech & Language services (as appropriate)

The Extension Phase functions as a supported launch, not a safety net.

One Model — Applied Everywhere

The phase model applies consistently across these areas:

Academics

College Transitions, Coursework

Vocational

Internship, Job Readiness Training

Independent living

Apartment Living, Life Skills

Speech & Language

Communication, Social Skills

 Arrowsmith

Nureplasticity Brain Training

This consistency allows students to:

  • Understand expectations clearly

  • Track their own progress

  • Build confidence as support fades

  • Prepare for life beyond OPTIONS

Progress Is a Team Decision

Movement between phases is determined through:

  • Student performance data

  • Staff collaboration

  • Student readiness and insight

  • Family communication

Students are included in conversations about readiness and growth — reinforcing ownership of their progress.

Families as Partners

Families receive regular communication, progress updates, and opportunities for collaboration throughout each phase of the program.

The goal is transparency, alignment, and shared understanding as students move toward independence.