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INDEPENDENT LIVING AT OPTIONS

Learning to Live Independently — One Skill at a Time

At OPTIONS Transitions to Independence, independent living is not separate from learning — it is the curriculum.

Students live in supported apartments where daily routines become opportunities to build responsibility, confidence, and self-sufficiency. Independence is taught intentionally, practiced consistently, and reinforced across the entire program.

A Real Environment for Real Growth

OPTIONS students live in supervised apartments located near the Academic Building and within a college-town community.

This setting allows students to:

  • Practice adult routines in real living spaces

  • Apply skills learned in academics and coaching

  • Gradually assume responsibility with guidance

  • Experience independence without being overwhelmed

Living independently doesn’t happen overnight — it develops through structure, repetition, and reflection.

Life at Aspen Court

Students reside in apartments at Aspen Court, a residential community that provides the balance of privacy, community, and access to support.

Apartment features include:

  • Private bedrooms and bathrooms

  • Fully equipped kitchens

  • High-speed internet and cable

  • On-site recreation amenities

These apartments function as training environments where students practice daily living skills with structured support that fades as independence grows.

👉 Download the Amenities Checklist

Support That Builds Independence

Independent Living Coaches, Life Skills Aides, and Academic Staff collaborate closely to support students where they live.

Coaching focuses on:

  • Building routines and accountability

  • Problem-solving and decision-making

  • Financial awareness and budgeting

  • Medication management (when appropriate)

  • Household responsibilities

Support is intentional and adaptive — shifting from direct guidance to coaching as students demonstrate readiness.

What Students Learn Through Independent Living

Self-Management

Students build skills in:

  • Personal hygiene and self-care

  • Laundry and household upkeep

  • Time management and scheduling

  • Emotional regulation

  • Self-advocacy and communication

Learn More → ADLs & IADLs

Study Skills & Academic Habits

Living independently requires managing responsibilities across settings.

Students participate in:

  • Supervised study hours five nights per week

  • Academic coaching in organization and prioritization

  • Technology tools and study strategies

  • Ongoing communication between living and academic staff

Learn More → Study Skills

Culinary & Daily Living Skills

Students develop practical life skills through hands-on experience, including:

  • Meal planning and grocery shopping

  • Food preparation and kitchen safety

  • Budget-conscious decision-making

  • Shared responsibility within the apartment community

Culinary Diversity Dinners encourage exploration, collaboration, and healthy habits.

Supporting the Whole Person

OPTIONS prioritizes health and wellness as essential components of independence.

Support includes:

  • Medication management and coordination

  • Access to nursing support

  • Nutritional guidance and healthy habits

  • Collaboration with families and medical providers

Students learn to take increasing ownership of their health over time.

Coaching for Growth

Daily communication between Independent Living and Academic staff ensures student progress is monitored consistently.

Growth is tracked across:

  • Living skills

  • Academic habits

  • Self-management

  • Social responsibility

Success is measured not by perfection — but by increasing ownership and confidence.

Independence Evolves Over Time

Independent living expectations align with a student’s phase in the OPTIONS program.

  • Standard Phase: High structure, frequent guidance

  • Modified Phase: Increased responsibility with coaching

  • Extension Phase: Independent living with limited support

This progression allows students to practice adulthood before fully stepping into it.

👉 Learn More → Individualized Instruction

Learn More → Individualized Instruction

Is Independent Living at OPTIONS the Right Fit?

Independent living is about readiness, support, and growth — not age alone.

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Families as Partners

Families receive regular updates, progress reports, and opportunities for collaboration as students build independence.

The goal is transparency, trust, and shared understanding throughout the transition process.