FAQ
What are the advantages of attending Orchard Academy as opposed to other programs?
- The optimal student to teacher ratio that provides the attention needed for each student to progress at his or her own pace and to provide the best support possible to each student based on his or her own goals.
- Orchard Village, the parent organization of Orchard Academy, has one of the highest percentages in the state of consumers living independently in the community. Orchard Academy is using the same techniques that have provided success in independent living skills for 35 years.
- Orchard Village holds a proven track record of successful career development. 80% of Orchard Village consumers are employed with an average tenure of 4 years and an average wage of $9.13/hour, which is higher than the national norm for entry-level positions.
- Orchard Academy offers the ability to step out of the mold of traditional curriculum and requirements to ensure each student's IEP is benefiting them as much as possible.
- Case workers have the flexibility to take students out into real-world settings within their own communities to apply skills rather than only simulating them in the classroom.
- Students are also supported with therapeutic resources second to none, including occupational, speech, and physical therapies.
What is the cost of attending Orchard Academy?
Other than the small cost to attend public high school, there is no charge to attend Orchard Academy.
How does the Transition process work?
Students at Orchard Academy will learn how to smoothly transition from the classroom to the real world. They will learn how to earn and keep a job, budget their money, take care of the home, use public transportation, and many more skills that are necessary to live with a high level of independence and fulfillment.
Students will follow a detailed schedule to learn the necessary tasks to successfully complete the transition program, which are laid out in the following age-based schedule:
17 Years Old- Write transition goals on Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Enroll in vocational education classes
- Discuss taxes and medical insurance
- Investigate financial aid
- Consider vocational evaluation
- Discuss mental health services
- Establish graduation date
- Visit campuses and post-secondary training programs
- Revisit residential programs
- Take ACT or SAT
- Explore SSI and medical benefits
- Consider waiting lists for services from adult agencies
18 Years Old
- Apply for post-secondary vocational services (colleges/trade schools)
- Explore apprenticeship programs
- Access therapy/counseling
- Refer to adult service providers and include in transition planning meetings
- Confirm adult legal status of student for self-representation
- Discuss the need for assistive technology
- Apply for income support (SSI), public aid (Medicaid), and general assistance
- Implement guardianship, power of attorney, wills, and trusts
- Register to vote and selective service (males)
- Secure high school records for planning/services
19-21 Years Old
- Continued parental/guardian advocacy for student/graduate needs
- Pursue recreation/leisure options
- Active participation in post secondary vocational services (colleges/trade schools) and/or employment
- Encourage active participation with adult service providers (for students remaining in high school
- Follow up with referrals for service provision for adult service providers
Produced by Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Rehabilitation Services in cooperation with Maine Township High School District #207 and Niles Township High School District #219
What other supports are available for students?
Students at Orchard Academy will receive related services - physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, counseling, nursing, orientation and mobility services, and itinerant hearing and vision services as determined by the IEP.
What comes after Orchard Academy?
This depends on the goals of each student. Staff will work closely with students to make sure they are paving the path toward their desired life after school, including goals for both careers and living arrangements.
Orchard Academy also holds a strategic advantage for the people it supports because its services do not stop at vocational and life skills training. Orchard Village will provide ongoing vocational support for the inevitable job related challenges we all face. Orchard Village is also an adult service provider of residential and community integrated living arrangements. Students will be educated about their options for life after Orchard Academy, and will be able to smoothly transition into the adult services that best fit their needs.
