Learning Beyond the Classroom: ATPS in Action

ATPS is an adult transition life skills program serving Avondale residents ages 18–26 with developmental or cognitive disabilities. Through a combination of classroom instruction, community-based experiences and workplace training, students build vocational, social and independent living skills that help prepare them for life beyond school.

So far this year, students have been:

• Building community skills through Community Based Instruction, including exploring local parks, mall walking, shopping for personal items, and practicing community safety.

• Putting functional academics into action by planning meals, shopping for ingredients, following visual recipes, measuring, and practicing kitchen safety.

• Getting active with Adaptive PE in the new Avondale Learning Center gym.

• Building workplace skills through Work Based Learning opportunities alongside paid employees at local businesses.

• Giving back by volunteering with Blessings in a Backpack, now located at the Avondale Learning Center.

• Exploring career skills in the PAES Lab, a vocational assessment lab featuring more than 300 entry-level job tasks.

With the Avondale Learning Center now serving as the home of ATPS, students have access to updated learning spaces designed to support hands-on instruction, vocational exploration, and independent living skills.

From the classroom to the community and the workplace, ATPS students are learning by doing and building skills for their next chapter. We can’t wait to see where they go!