KEY Academy

Knowledge Equips You

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KEY is a unique 2-year transitional program post high school designed to help individuals obtain more life skills through gaining additional knowledge through 5 targeted areas of support. The training in these areas will be conducted in a classroom setting led by exceptional instructors. The KEY program will teach and/or have discussions with individuals on the following topics, in no particular order:

• Workplace Readiness
• Independent Living
• Job Exploration Counseling
• Post-Secondary Education
• Instruction on Self-Advocacy

Below, we intend to explain in more detail what each of these topics will cover more specifically. Note that each week will look differently depending on the topic prepared to discuss as well as how involved the individuals are with class conversation and participation. Each lesson is designed to not only be lecture material through Powerpoint presentations, but hands on learning as well that will consist of working on small projects, listening to guest speakers and worksheets.

1. Workplace Readiness includes topics such as the following:
   • Social/interpersonal skills
     • Communication
     • Positive attitudes
     • Teamwork
     • Problem solving
     • Talking/writing
     • Decision making
     • Conflict resolution
     • Body language
     • Professionalism
     • Good manners
     • Supporting others
     • Being respectful
   • Miscellaneous:
     • Financial literacy
     • Job seeking skills
     • Understanding employer expectations and performance
     • Other skills necessary for employment
2. Independent Living skills
   • Good hygiene
   • Time management
   • Healthy lifestyle
   • Using transportation
   • Money management
   • Meal preparation
   • Accessing the community
   • Community safety
   • Developing friendships
   • Appropriate dress
3. Post-Secondary Education includes topics such as the following:
   • Gaining awareness of the variety of career opportunities available in the 16 career clusters
   • To offer assistance in having a smooth transition from high school to college/trade/technical school in the following areas:
     • Talents, needs, learning styles and goals
     • Researching career and Post-secondary options
     • Promoting self- advocacy skills
     • Identify financial aid options
     • Identify technology needs
     • Identify admission tests accommodations
     • Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation services, if necessary
4. Instruction in self-advocacy includes topics such as the following:
   • Self- awareness
   • Understanding your disability
   • Decision making
   • Problem solving
   • Disclosing your disability to your employer
   • Asking for accommodations
   • Knowing your rights and responsibilities
   • Being assertive
   • Communication and positive self-talk
   • Learning self-determination skills
5. Job exploration counseling includes topics such as the following:
   • Discussion on non-traditional employment options
   • Career Awareness and education on the world of work
   • Education on labor market demands
   • Discussion on interest inventory results