The Functional Life Skills Program
Yorktown High School teaches students with high special needs. Their program is called The Functional Life Skills program. This program is at the secondary level and is designed to provide students with opportunities and experiences for developing and refining academic and adaptive skills as they move toward greater independence. In addition to instruction of core academic subjects, students in Life Skills receive instruction and hands-on experience with functional academics, adaptive and independent living skills, and vocational experiences.
As students progress in high school, they are placed in community-based internships related to their interests and abilities. People with disabilities often face higher high rates of unemployment and underemployment and report higher rates of loneliness and social isolation than their non-disabled peers. Internship experiences are critical to prepare students for life after high school, so they may attain employment, be active members of their communities, and engage socially with neighbors and patrons.
Our program really relies on the relationships we foster with local businesses, like Preston’s Pharmacy, in order to keep our kids growing and thriving. The students love having a ‘job site’ and look forward to working every week!
Noah is a senior at Yorktown High School and has been working at Preston’s Pharmacy as a part of the Functional Life Skills Program. Coming once a week, Noah works alongside Preston’s staff with the aid of a Yorktown High School staff member. Tasks range from stocking products on the shelves, greeting customers, and wiping down counters and windows. Noah has expressed loving working at Preston’s Pharmacy, choosing to come to work instead of taking a trip to Chick-fil-a with his classmates.
