V.O.I.C.E. II Program
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The V.O.I.C.E. II (Vocational Occupational, Independent, Career Education) Program is and innovative community-referenced program designed to teach critical functional daily living skills and pre-vocational skills to students with special needs age 18 - 21. It is designed to take instruction beyond the classroom walls and deliver services in the surrounding community. V.O.I.C.E. II is not intended to replace high school. Rather, it is an extension of a free, appropriate public education from the high school to an age appropriate community setting. V.O.I.C.E. II closely resembles the adult experiences that students move into after completion of the traditional high school program.
The appropriateness of placement into the V.O.I.C.E. II program is decided by the IEP Team, based on current data and student need.
Criteria for participation:
- Completion of four years of high school (grades 9 through 12)
- Be between the ages of 18 and 21 (Students may remain in the program through the semester of their 21st birthday.)
- Be a resident of Blaine County
- Completion of a minimum of two semesters of community work experience in high school such as the Wood River High School V.O.I.C.E. I Program
- Documentation of parental/guardian support for adult living and work readiness objectives
- Documentation of critical needs in a least five basic transition areas of functioning in employment and independent living. This includes the following:
- Vocational/Employment
- Self-management/home living
- Personal/social
- Leisure/recreation
- General Community Functioning
- A history of IEP goals for independent Activities of Daily Living Skills
- Completion of referral packet by May 1st of the 12th grade year
- Scheduled IEP Team Meeting with V.O.I.C.E. II Staff and other transition team members to determine qualification and readiness for the program.
Goals of the V.O.I.C.E II Program:
- Increase employability
- Develop self-management and home living skills
- Increase personal and social opportunities
- Create an age appropriate learning environment
- Allow opportunities for students to manage their day
- Improve community function and participation
- Plan and shop for weekly meals
- Increase leisure and recreation skills necessary for a healthy life
- Increase personal independence in all settings
The V.O.I.C.E. II, although a Special Education Program of Wood River High School, is located at the Community Campus, 1050 Fox Acres Rd., Hailey, Idaho. The home-like setting is ideal as it closely resembles the adult experience of independent living and is near employment opportunities, shopping, and public transportation.
For more information, please contact Jamie Ellison at jellison@blaineschools.org!