Achieving Independence
The Academy is a fantastic place to live and to learn, but nothing lasts forever and it is essential that all our students are ready to embrace their opportunities when they leave us. Developing independence starts early, with opportunities to take on leadership responsibility through serving on the student councils and being student reps or taking part in programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh awards. We have a work-related learning tutor who organises work experience for our students and has a responsibility for developing transition programmes for all our colleges leavers.
The full range of educational opportunities at the Academy is an essential part of developing a student’s ability to achieve independence. Some of our education is delivered within the Academy for only deaf students, some is delivered at the Academy for deaf and hearing students, some is delivered in partner mainstream schools and colleges. We have a growing number of split placements which also enable students to experience both a ‘hearing’ and a ‘deaf’ world. As the student gets older, as long as this is in the best interest of the student, the opportunities for experiencing education within a mainstream school or college normally increase.
The Academy has a wide variety of housing on site, from highly supported small clusters of rooms to fully independent flats. Every student has their own room. Students are then placed in the accommodation that most suits their needs and abilities.
The Academy’s Independent Living Skills Programme is followed by all residential students. This identifies the fifteen key areas for independent living, and will be accredited from January 2010. Subjects covered include personal hygiene, meal times, money management, care of clothing, time management, social interaction, communication, using public facilities, health care, current affairs, agencies that support you, deaf organisations and emergency organisations. Students can develop skills and knowledge in these different areas at varying depths according to age and ability.