“Each person has his own level of improving. I have

observed a slow, but strong improvement in my student.”

-Learning Academy Mentor

• Understandingandpracticingcommunication skillsinallaspectsofcareerandcommunityinteractions

• Identifying conflictandappropriatewaystomanageandresolveit

• Understandingwhypeopleworkandthevalue of work• Self-assessmentactivitiestodetermineinterests,aptitudes

andabilities• Findingouthowvalues,interests,aptitudes,abilitiesand

personalitiesaffect career• Understandingcareer clustersandpreferenceswithina

cluster• Exploringinformationaboutcareersandconducting

extensiveresearchonselectedcareer• Learningwhat employers seekinemployeesand

identifyingandenhancingthoseskills• Understandingwhatisinvolvedindisclosureofdisability• Completinganinternshipintheareaofpreferredcareer

withsupervisionandmentorsupport• Developingastrategyforajob search,matchingskills

withpotentialemploymentopportunities• Creatingaresume, cover letterandotherwritten

materialsnecessaryforimplementingthesearch• Implementinga career searchusingtraditionaland

electronicmethods• Developinginterviewingskills• Researchingandunderstandingbenefits,

paycheck deductions and options

The Learning Academy ProgramLearningAcademystudentsreceiveacombinationofindivid-ualizedandgroupinstruction,handsonexperientialactivitiesandinteractivepeermentoring.

Topics include:

• Understanding disabilityandhowitindividuallyaffectsaperson’slearning

• Becomingfamiliarwithaccommodations and supports thatassistintheworkplace

• Developingtime and stress management• Buildingorganizationalskills

The Learning Academyat the University of South Florida is a 30 week programdesignedtoprovideastructuredemployment-focusedcurric-ulum for individuals diagnosed with an Autism SpectrumDisorder,betweentheagesof18-25aftertheyhavegraduatedfromhighschool.

TheLearningAcademyprovidesservices,supportsandexpe-rientialopportunities thatwill enableparticipants todevelopand achieve employment goals and enhance independence.Employability skills addressed are self-knowledge, organiza-tion,timemanagement,goalsettingandattainment,conflictresolutionandsuccessonthejob.Participantsalsoengageinmultiplecareerassessmentactivitiestoidentifytheirstrengths,skills, talents, interestsandlearnhowtheytranslatetowork.Preparation for job attainment includes interviewing skills,resumedevelopmentandfindingemployment.

Real life experiences and expectations through internshipsand peer mentoring complement the class work to providegeneralizationofskillsandsupportpersonalizedgoals.

Outcomes for participants include: • Aclearlydefinedemploymentplanwithfollowup

activitiestomeasureachievementofidentifiedgoals• Specificknowledgeofone’sstrengths,abilitiesand

preferencesrelatedtoemployment• Strategiestosetandachieveemploymentgoals• Awarenessofandexperiencewithcustomizedtechniques

toenhanceemploymentsuccess• Careerresearchandexplorationandjobseekingskills

“My son has shown a remarkable increase in socialization and communication skills. He is also developing independence faster than mom can keep up with. It’s great!” -Learning Academy Parent

The Learning

at the University of South Florida

The Learning Academy at USFTheLouisdelaParteFloridaMentalHealthInstitute

CollegeofBehavioralandCommunitySciencesUniversityofSouthFlorida

13301BruceB.DownsBlvd.,MHC2113ATampa,FL33612

Phone:(813)974-2996Fax:(813)974-6115

http://learningacademy.fmhi.usf.edu

Student Participation Requirements:• Attendallscheduledclasses• Completeassignmentsandprojects• Participateinallgroupactivities• Completerequiredmentoringtime• Completerequiredinternshiphours

Eligibility Requirements:• Completedhighschoolandisbetweenage18-25• HasadiagnosisofAutismSpectrumDisorder• HastransportationtoandfromUSFcampusinTampa• Hasafunctionalcommunicationsystem• Isindependentinpersonalself-care• Hasacleardesiretoworkorattendcollegeandcan

committoa30-weekprogram• Hasaprovenabilitytoparticipateappropriatelyin

classroomand/orworksettingsdemonstratingconductthatexemplifiesindependence,motivationandstability

“The Learning Academy helped me identify my career goals by exploring my talents and skills.”

-Learning Academy Student

The Learning

at the University of South Florida