Helping Students Soar in the Extension Phase at OPTIONS

Hello, my name is Rod Ramirez, and I am the Extension Phase Coordinator at OPTIONS Transitions to Independence. My journey at OPTIONS began as a Life Skills Coach, and over time, I’ve had the privilege of progressing to the role of coordinator, where I now oversee everything related to the Extension Phase. I also continue to work one-on-one with our students, guiding them through this crucial stage of their development.

What is the Extension Phase?

Independence looks different for every one of our students here at OPTIONS, but I like to think of the Extension Phase as the most crucial final stepping stone that takes our students with learning differences to a whole new level of growth! The Extension Phase provides a level of independence that many of our students have never experienced before, all while offering the safety net they need when they stumble.

How Does the Extension Phase Work?

Students in the Extension Phase have been preparing for this moment, whether they come from Brehm Preparatory School, the standard phase, or the modified phases at OPTIONS. This phase is their opportunity to put the proverbial tools in their tool belt to use in real-life scenarios.

OPTIONS students in the Extension Phase still receive many of the services provided in our standard and modified phases, such as speech and language services, academic and vocational support, and, of course, independent living services. However, in the Extension Phase, much of what is taught in a classroom or group setting is now learned in the students’ very own apartments.

What Skills Are Taught in the Extension Phase?

In their apartments, students learn skills that are vital for independent living, such as:

• Fiscal Management: Learning how to budget, manage a bank account, and pay bills.
• Medication Management: Managing their own medication, including calling in prescription refills.
• Time Management & Organization: Balancing work, school, and leisure activities.
• Roommate Conflict Resolution: Navigating shared living spaces.
• Grocery Shopping & Nutrition: Planning meals, shopping efficiently, and cooking.
• Auto Ownership: For those with vehicles, I teach a class on car maintenance and ownership, which is one of my favorite subjects to cover.

Being in the Extension Phase at OPTIONS is like learning to ride a bike without training wheels. When I taught my own kids to ride a bike, I ran closely beside them as they tried to balance themselves. The same goes for this phase of programming; students experience a new sense of independence while I walk closely beside them, helping them manage their lives. From opening and managing a bank account to paying bills and signing their own leases, our students gain the confidence and skills they need to thrive.

Success Stories from the Extension Phase

Over the 15 years I have worked in the Extension Phase, I have had the pleasure of staying in touch with many students who have successfully completed the program. Some live independently in their own apartments, have full-time jobs, and have even gotten married.

One of our recent success stories is Emily, who now lives in her own apartment in Massachusetts. While at OPTIONS, Emily adopted two cats and managed her own apartment. She now works two jobs—one with BU Men’s Hockey and another part-time with the Worcester Red Sox. She also volunteers at two animal shelters and is considering becoming a vet assistant.

Initially, Emily’s parents were hesitant to let her live alone without 24/7 support or a roommate. However, after tracking her progress through our Individualized Program Plan and much deliberation during parent/teacher conferences, they agreed. Not only did Emily excel in the Extension Phase, but she also thrived, gaining the confidence and skills she needed to transition out of the OPTIONS program and move to Massachusetts, where she hopes to one day work for the Boston Red Sox.

Note: The names used in the success stories have been changed to protect the privacy and identity of our students.

The Essence of the Extension Phase

If I could sum up the Extension Phase in one phrase, it would be with a quote from Mexican artist Frida Kahlo: “Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?” Yes, our student population has learning differences, but in the Extension Phase, we focus not on what they lack, but on what they have and what they CAN do. Watching our students grow, take on new challenges, and ultimately soar is the most rewarding part of my role here at OPTIONS.

Connect with Us

If you’re interested in learning more about the Extension Phase or how we can support your student’s journey to independence, feel free to contact us.