Welcome to ACCESS

 
The ACCESS (Adult Curriculum for Community, Employment, and Social Skills) Program provides instruction and community-based learning opportunities designed to help post-high school Deaf students (18-22 years old) develop practical real-world skills in the areas of employment and independent living.

Employment Skills

ACCESS students learn the skills needed to find and maintain employment, including how to:

  • Identify jobs based upon career interests.
  • Complete job applications and prepare for job interviews.
  • Recognize and demonstrate the traits of being a valued employee.

We also offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience for a minimum of 10 hours per week. On-the-job training and job coach support is provided as needed. 

Independent Living Skills

Helping students develop independent living and self-advocacy skills is emphasized in all facets of our program. With this in mind, students have the opportunity to develop functional daily living skills such as:

  • Budgeting and money management
  • City bus training
  • Personal and community safety
  • Time management and organizational skills
  • Personal decision-making
  • Accessing community-based resources

Transition Planning

The ACCESS Program provides comprehensive transition planning that includes the involvement of the family, home school district, and community service providers. This ‘wrap-around’ approach ensures that students are able to successfully transition back to their home communities with supports and resources already in place. 

 
ADMISSIONS: 
New students interested in attending the ACCESS Program may request an application from the TSD Admissions Office or application is online under Admissions.

If you have additional questions about our ACCESS Program, contact Beth Smiley at [email protected]
 
 
 

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When I started this program, I was not sure what my future or career would look like. Through internship opportunities, the ACCESS Program has helped me develop the confidence and employment skills I needed to continue my education at community college.
 
Jennifer