Center for Independence Now Offers After-Hours Program

Written By Allison Freeman

The Center for Independence, a program for adults ages 21 and up on the autism spectrum, has been so successful that it is expanding with a new After-Hours program for adults which will be offered at its location at 6 Regent Park in Livingston.

The Center for Independence, which opened in September 2012, is part of the new Livingston campus for The Children’s Institute, (TCI) a school for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. The school outgrew its location in Verona and opened its Livingston campus to meet the growing needs of high school and young adults on the spectrum. It added The Center for Independence to meet the needs of adults on the spectrum. The Children’s Institute offers a pre-school, elementary, middle and 9th grade program at its Verona campus.

The Center for Independence offers a flexible approach, individualized supports and community-based learning. Both the day program and new expanded After-Hours program offers adults on the spectrum the opportunity to participate in a vibrant community where they can gain skills, friendships and have fun. The DDD Self-Directed approved program offers adults personal development, vocational skills, life skills and social skills. The Center for Independence also offers adults on-site work training at its store The Royal Oak, where adults sell flowers, crafts and gifts to the public.

Center Director Kim Rushmore said she is thrilled to expand the program to offer more adults on the autism spectrum the opportunity to make friends, socialize and learn important skills. “We are excited to have our Second Shift day program opening,” Rushmore said. “It’s the perfect opportunity for adults who may work during the day or who do better in the afternoon hours, as opposed to early mornings. We offer all the same opportunities and more to create a vibrant experience for the adults we serve.

“This program still covers the four core areas of life skills, vocational skills, social kills and personal development. The groups are integrated in the community in outings. Currently the program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-8:30 p.m., but it is our intention, as the program grows, to add on days. We are excited to meet the needs of the autistic adult community.”
TCI Superintendent/Executive Director Bruce Ettinger said he is excited about the expansion of the Center’s programs. “It will really enhance the program we offer adults on the spectrum and help fill an important need in the autistic community,” he said.
Since 1963, The Children’s Institute has been committed to developing the academic , social, behavioral, communication, life and career skills of children, adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum and with related disabilities.

For more information on The Center for Independence, please visit www.tciadults.org. For more information on The Children’s Institute, please visit www.tcischool.org.