The Storefront specialized program class is for students with developmental disabilities who are between 18 years of age and 20 years of age.
Storefront is an adult transition class with a special focus on preparing students for the world of paid or unpaid work. Applicants must have prior independent work experience and/or cooperative education experiences.
Applications to Storefront can be done through their current school or externally. Placements are done centrally by a committee.
Referral Criteria:
Given that the program emphasizes the development of independent living skills as well as behaviours and attitudes conducive to a work setting, evidence of readiness for such learning is required. Readiness includes:
- an interest in accessing the workplace;
- self-regulation skills that can be adapted for work in supervised settings;
- functional communication skills;
- literacy and math skills that can be adapted to work settings;
- independence as it relates to personal care (i.e., dressing and hygiene) and emergent or evident ability to use the public transportation system;
- ability to manage everyday social situations with minimal support.
Cognitive Profile
- a diagnosis of an Intellectual Disability or Autism as specified by DSM-5 (incorporating assessments of both adaptive and cognitive functioning).
OR - evidence that adaptive functioning skills (e.g., communication, socialization, daily living, motor skills, and self-regulation) are not commensurate with assessed cognitive abilities and have led to significant functional impairment.
Social/Behavioural Profile
- readiness to participate in a supported work environment,
- may be at risk of disengaging from learning opportunities in their current program
