The next Bridges trainings will start in late August 2024. Please subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on the application timeline and information sessions.
The Bridges Training Series is for young adults aged 18-24 with intellectual disabilities. The Bridges Training Series is currently offered online, and explores independent living, careers, and higher education for young adults through four trainings:
- Tools & Tech for Academic Success, offered in the Fall term
- Setting & Realizing Goals Using Person-Centered Planning, offered in the Fall term
- Healthy & Social Aspects of Life, offered in the Fall term
- Next Steps in Person-Centered Planning, offered in the Spring term with two tracks:
- Next Steps in Person-Centered Planning - College
- Next Steps in Person-Centered Planning - Career & Employment
Currently, all trainings are held online via Zoom. There will also be a Winter/Spring 2025 Bridges Training Series. It will run January 14-May 29, 2025 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-2:30pm.
| Training | Date | Day | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tools & Tech for Academic Success | Aug. 27 - Sept. 26 | Tue & Thur | 1:00pm - 2:30pm | $595 |
| Setting & Realizing Goals Using Person-Centered Planning | Oct. 1 - Nov. 1 | Tue & Thur | 1:00pm - 2:30pm | $595 |
| Healthy & Social Aspects of Life | Nov. 5 - Dec. 10 | Tue & Thur | 1:00pm - 2:30pm | $595 |
| Next Steps (Spring 2024 Students) | Jan. 7 - Feb. 7 | Tue & Thur | 1:00pm - 2:30pm | $595 |
Tools & Tech for Academic Success
Cost: $595
Tools & Tech for Academic Success is the first training in the Bridges Training Series. You must take Tools & Tech for Academic Success before you can take the other trainings.
In this training, you will learn about the software and platforms most often used in college and professional settings. These include Zoom, Microsoft Office, Canvas, and Outlook email. You will also learn about Assistive Technology. Some things you will learn about are tools and technology to support reading, writing, note-taking, and executive function skills. Some examples include:
- Reading: text to speech for having websites and documents read aloud
- Writing: word prediction and voice typing/dictation
- Executive Function: using calendars and reminders for scheduling and attending classes
Setting & Realizing Goals Using Person-Centered Planning
Cost: $595
In this training, you will learn how Person-Centered Planning can help you problem-solve and advocate reach your goals in a career or higher education setting. Class topics include:
- Introduction to the person-centered planning process
- Recognizing and working through barriers
- Relationships and social supports
- Career exploration
- Self-advocacy
- Financial literacy
- Setting your goals and vision for the future
Healthy & Social Aspects of Life
Cost: $595
In this training, you will learn about staying healthy and well in life beyond high school. This training explores different topics related to wellness, including:
- Emotional wellbeing
- Environmental wellbeing
- Financial wellbeing
- Intellectual wellbeing
- Occupational wellbeing
- Physical wellbeing
- Social wellbeing
- Spiritual wellbeing
You will hear from guest speakers from many backgrounds and watch helpful videos in addition to learning from the instructors.
Cost: $595
Next Steps in Person-Centered Planning is the last training in the series and can only be taken after you finish the other three trainings. Next Steps in Person-Centered Planning will focus on supporting you in your career and/or college goals. You will choose “Next Steps College” or “Next Steps Career,” depending on your goals. You will take what you learned in the “Setting & Realizing Goals Using Person Centered Planning” training and begin to identify supports for turning your dreams into reality. By the end of this session, you will have
1. Developed your own person-centered plan,
2. Identified the next steps to pursue, and
3. Be able to name personal and community resources to help you achieve your goals.
