SOAR! is an acronym for: Self awareness,
Overcoming obstacles,
Achieving goals and Reaching
for the Stars. Soaring is what we hope for the youth involved in
the program as they prepare for leaving school and entering
adult life in the community.
Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) is able to offer this program for youth and adults ages 12 years and up, through a grant funded under the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
Our goal is to enable our group members to more fully participate in meeting their vocational, independent living and rehabilitation needs. In 1999 the Olmsted Decision was approved by the U.S. Supreme Court that mandates that all individuals regardless of their disability be given the same options for living, working and recreational opportunities that their non-disabled Americans peers are entitled to.
The SOAR! Program at EPU is striving to provide support, information, resources, and materials to our youth and adults with disabilities and their families to end the unjustified isolation and segregation.
Current services offered under the SOAR! program include monthly meetings for youth, adults and their family members, skill building activities with focus on life in the adult world, socialization skills, and individualized “Building a Future through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and Individualized School to Work Transition Plan” workshops and individual clinics.
SOAR! is a collaborative effort between EPU and the Bridges program at the Center for Independent Living (CIL), Fresno. Together we are working to assist individuals with disabilities to create positive life journeys.
For more information regarding the SOAR! program, please email Vicki Benson or contact her at 559/229-2000 ext.105
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