Program overview

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• Life Skills
• Career Training
• Community Integration
• Success Stories
• Admissions

At Gersh Autism Academy, we believe independence is built one skill at a time. Our vocational and life skills programs give students hands-on opportunities to practice real-world tasks in supportive environments, building confidence and preparing them for life beyond school.

Our goal is to help each student discover what they enjoy, what they’re good at, and what meaningful independence looks like for them.

Students build skills based on their readiness, support needs, and interests. Every journey is unique, and participation in these opportunities depends on what each student is prepared for and the support that helps them succeed.

Daily Living Skills & Independence

Students can work on foundational life skills through hands-on practice in real environments. Many students may learn to:

• Cook simple meals or follow multi-step recipes
• Complete home-care routines like laundry, dishes, or cleaning
• Use household appliances safely
• Follow visual schedules and multi-step directions
• Build healthy, screen-free leisure habits

Skills are introduced gradually and reinforced at a pace that fits each learner.

On-Campus Job Experiences

We offer a range of in-school jobs so every student can practice responsibility, teamwork, and workplace Students may have the opportunity to explore early job routines through structured roles on campus. Depending on readiness, they could participate in:

• School store or snack sales
• Pizza or donut shop simulations
• Coffee/BREW crews
• Newspaper or morning announcements
• Gardening, greenhouse, or outdoor maintenance
• Classroom and office support
• Simple assembly-line or product-making activities

Students typically “apply” for roles they’re interested in, and staff help match them with positions that support their personal goals

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Community-Based Learning

As students grow more confident, they participate in real-world experiences outside of school. As students grow more independent, many may take part in supported community activities designed to build safety, communication, and confidence. Experiences may include:

• Grocery shopping trips
• Visits to local businesses
• Guided job-shadowing
• Animal care or service-based activities
• Outings that help practice public navigation and flexibility

These outings are selected based on each student’s comfort level and support needs.

Career Exploration & Job Readiness

Students may participate in workshops that help them explore workplace expectations and develop early career skills. Topics may include:

• Resume building
• Interview practice
• Filling out job applications
• Learning workplace routines
• Financial literacy basics
• Role-playing common job situations

Many students will learn these skills in small groups with lots of modeling and visual support.

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Transition Planning for Life After School

During a student’s early teens and through their high school years, they may receive individualized support as they prepare for life after Gersh. Depending on their goals and level of independence, students could work on:

• Supported job placements
• Part-time employment exploration
• Travel training
• Daily living and community navigation
• College or post-secondary planning

Transition experiences are always tailored to the student’s developmental needs and personal goals.

Integrated Therapy Support

Speech, OT, and PT may be incorporated directly into vocational experiences. For example, students might:

• Practice communication or AAC greetings during on-campus jobs
• Work on fine-motor or sensory supports during cooking or assembly tasks
• Receive movement guidance for safe lifting, navigating, or completing job routines

Therapists collaborate with teachers to reinforce skills in natural settings.

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Why Families Love This Program

Students leave Gersh with:
✔ Important life skills they can use at home
✔ Real experience from on-campus and community jobs
✔ Greater independence and confidence
✔ Strong communication and social skills
✔ Hands-on preparation for future employment
✔ Purpose, pride, and excitement for the future