The Community
Attainment & Transition Program
The
United Arc
of Franklin and Hampshire Counties
The Community
Attainment & Transition
Program (CAT) is designed to meet the needs of
16 to 22 year old students with intellectual
impairments. Students have the opportunity to
participate in a transition focused educational
program that will prepare them for increased
independence in adulthood.
Students
may engage in educational classes in small
groups within classroom and community settings
and also have opportunities for individualized
community living, employment and social activities. A
feature of the program is the Real Life Learning
Laboratory Apartment, where students have
opportunities to stay with support staff for
overnights or for daytime life skills instruction. Students
gain practical skills in household management
and have an opportunity to experience short periods
of time living away from their families.
The CAT Program includes:
Individualized work and volunteer
experiences that offer each student
a chance to explore vocational interests
and preferences.
Small group learning experiences that
focus on job preparation, self-advocacy, collaborative
problem solving, social relationships, health
and sex education, parenting education, and
independent living skills.
Curriculum
aligned to the MA Curriculum Frameworks. Instruction
in English, Math, Science and Social Studies
is delivered in community-based learning
experiences and classes offered at the
Real Life Learning Laboratory, the Arc
Common, and in the program’s classroom.
Recreation and leisure activities that
introduce students to new experiences, provide
opportunities to explore and join community
recreational and health clubs, and develop
each student’s capacity to take charge
of this area of life as an adult.
Travel training on
the GMTA and FRTA bus systems. Students also have
opportunities to participate in a driver’s
education course and may pursue individualized
driving instruction as desired by the student
and family.
Relationship
training that helps students gain the
skills they need to maintain safe and
healthy relationships and mediate conflicts
with others.
Parent
and Family Support and Training:The CAT Program
is designed to support students and parents
as they approach the transition from school to
adult life. The connection between program
staff and families is important to student success. The
program sponsors monthly parent and student meetings
which include trainings on topics related to
transition. Staff are available to assist
parents to complete PASS and SSI applications,
and to assist program participants in applying
for adult services from state agencies. Staff
also help students identify relevant supports
needed in the transition to adulthood and will
assist students in the completion of applications
for community supports and services such as housing
subsidies, food stamps, medical services or insurance
and fuel assistance.
Mission
Statement: "The Arc will lead in forging a
society that values, respects, includes, and recognizes
the contribution of community members with disabilities."
