SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULT READINESS (SOAR)

The Secondary Opportunities for Adult Readiness (S.O.A.R.) program provides a transition curriculum for Saginaw County students 18-26 years of age with a disability. Through educational instruction, community-based instruction, and hands-on learning opportunities, students have the ability to improve skills and develop new skills to live a successful, independent life. Students learn essential life skills required to live a productive life as well as make responsible decisions about work, independent living, and relationships. Enrollment in the SOAR program occurs through the IEP process at the student's resident high school. SOAR focuses on the following skills:

  • Vocational Skills: Preparing students to enter the workforce by developing the basic skills needed to be a good worker. These opportunities are provided both in the school setting and through community-based work sites.

  • Social and Interpersonal Skills: Students learn how to develop relationships with others in social and work settings. Skills learned include strategies for developing personal relationships, friendships, and appropriate work relationships. The program focuses on setting realistic personal goals and developing problem-solving skills. 

  • Adult Independent Living Skills: SOAR assists students in developing skills that enable them to live as independently as possible. The program focuses on written and oral communications, life skills, money math, cooking, clothing care, personal hygiene, health, fitness, safety, problem-solving, self-advocacy, and legal rights. New classes are continuously developed around student needs.

  • Mobility Skills: In order to participate in the community, students must be able to access their community. SOAR offers the opportunity for students to learn how to use public transportation. If a student is interested in learning to drive, driver training classes are provided to assist them in preparing for the written exam portion of the learner's permit. Mobility safety is emphasized in all of our community-based instruction experiences.