OPTIONS: Speech and Language, Social Skills and Employment Readiness Classes

OPTIONS: Part 4 of 5

In addition to providing academic core classes, the Options Program also provides instruction for a student's job readiness, speech and language processing and social skills.

Employment Strategies, Job Social Skills, Interviewing Basics and Career Explorations are classes that are designed to teach students the critical vocational behaviors necessary for employment success.

Students enrolled in Speech and Language may work on developing compensatory strategies for succeeding in college level classes. Some examples of targeted skills include vocabulary building, comprehension of college text, study skills and/or breaking down the language of assignments, texts or tests. Students who are pursuing a Certificate of Completion may also work on developing strategies necessary for the work environment. Some areas of focus may be listening, auditory comprehension, expressing oneself, and sequencing tasks or ideas.

Group work (pragmatic language) has been shown to be most effective in increasing the understanding and use of social communications.

Our speech and language pathologists may also recommend computer programs designed to increase a student's skill in a particular deficit area.

Also see:
Academic Core Classes
(part 1 of 5)

Two Tracks
(part 2 of 5)

Independent Living
(part 3 of 5)

The OPTIONS Program at Brehm is a comprehensive transitional program for students with complex learning disabilities who have graduated from high school, earned their GEDs, or who have chosen to defer graduation in order to participate in this empowering Program. The OPTIONS Program focuses on the academic, employment and social skills required for success by emphasizing independent living, self-advocacy skills, and learning how to learn. As students (most 18 to 25 years of age) transition through three phases of the OPTIONS Program, they develop academically, socially and emotionally — acquiring the crucial tools necessary for independent life.

The Brehm Family Prepares for the Close of the School Year

Summer is upon us! As faculty and staff prepare for the end of the year, excitement builds as students prepare to head home, especially for seniors. 2009 brings the largest graduating class in Brehm history, with nearly 40 students preparing to walk on May 29th.

During this time, three important awards will be presented to seniors.

• The Presidential Award will be presented to one student based on academic excellence.
• The Citizenship Award is presented to one student, based on votes, who displays qualities of a good citizen.
• The Inspiration Award, also based on votes is presented to a student who has displayed persistence and courage in facing and pursuing personal, academic and social challenges.

These awards have become a Brehm tradition in the last 26 years. The anticipation in the air is thick for students and faculty alike. Some of us have been together at Brehm for years, meeting and exceeding many milestones. Graduation day is bittersweet, and these awards are the icing on the cake of accomplishment.

Congratulations to all 2009 graduates!

Brehm Students Return from Trip to Greece

Sixteen lucky travelers recently returned to Brehm from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Greece. For a week, Brehm students explored points of interest such as the islands of Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and Patmos, Santorini, the ancient city of Ephesus, Athens and more. Students had the opportunity to experience authentic Greek cuisine, interact with another culture, take thousands of photos and take home souvenirs, not to mention... memories!

Scenic Santorini and its legendary architecture 

Students break in Delphi at the Temple of Apollo

Students soaked in the atmosphere of Roman times in Ephesus, Turkey

Stephen takes in the artwork at the 

"Palace of the Grand Master" in Rhodes

The Parthenon in Athens was a must-see in Greece

Students had the opportunity to explore the scenery at the 

Monastery of St. John in Philerimos on the island of Rhodes. 

A picturesque twilight in Mykonos

 

Stephen enjoys a sea breeze from the cruise ship, 

with Santorini in the background 

Andrew has a meditative moment in the Temple of Apollo

The trip was chaperoned by Barb Lawrence, Brad Sims and Chrissy Strusz. 

Barb Lawrence said, "Students took advantage of the opportunity to be ambassadors for our school and country. They put a new face on the American tourist."

Brehm Perseveres in Time of Adversity

Last week, the Southern Illinois region experienced a series of severe spring storms. The most significant, experts are calling a derecho, which is a widespread, sustained and violent windstorm. The storm left parts of Southern Illinois without electricity for nearly a week. 

While Brehm campus did sustain some damage, there was no major devastation, injuries or otherwise. The Brehm family took this opportunity to pull together and support one another in this time of need. Overall, we were prepared for this unpredictable event. 

Immediately following the storm, staff assess the damage. 

Like the rest of the region, Brehm endured uprooted trees and snapped branches.

As skies began to clear, debris cluttered campus. 

Faculty and staff joined forces to rejuvenate campus. 

Many students volunteered to help clean up their campus.

Real World Prep Students Learn the Art of Italian Cooking!

Mary Hart's Real World Prep Class students recently had the opportunity to make homemade gnocchi. Gnocchi is a classic Italian dish that consists of a potato based, dense pasta and any sauce or butter topping. Brehm's go-to Italian, and Director of Information Systems Technology, Joe Viscomi, led the lesson. Viscomi also provided homemade marinara and mozzarella.

Mary Hart helps students prep potatoes... the main ingredient.

Viscomi supervises students make individual Italian "dumplings".

Buon appetito!

The Real World Prep Class is designed to engage students with concepts and application activities that relate directly with life skills needed for independent living. Students are taught specific strategies and guidelines in order to be independent on a personal as well as social level. They will learn problem solving skills used in everyday living.

Would you like a cookie?

If you would have taken a walk through the Brehm campus this morning,
you would have felt the unique "Family Style" environment immediately.
Students hanging out before class on a sunny day.

Staff and students wishing each other a "Good Morning".

Coach Douglas, who has been guiding Brehm
students since 1982, shares his wisdom once again.

As you walk by a dorm, Teacher Mary Hart, opens up the side
door, and asks you, "Would you like a cookie?" — as she finishes
baking them for her last class, while students study
beside her in the kitchen.

Brehm Students Finish with a Splash At Carbondale's Boat Regatta

Over the weekend, some of Brehm's students participated in Carbondale's "Great Cardboard Boat Regatta". This Carbondale tradition takes place each spring, with participants creating human-powered boats out of cardboard.

*The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta originated in Carbondale, Illinois as a final exam for SIUC's professors Richard Archer and then Distinguished Professor Buckminster Fuller. Fuller is now known as an American architect, inventor, author, designer and visionary. His legend lives on in Carbondale as the tradition he started over 20 years ago continues here and across the nation. Brehm students have participated in The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta for nearly 10 years.

Another Brehm Success Story

“I accept myself.

I’ve learned to cope with my disabilities and accept who I am. I was hyper and immature and now I know how to get along better with people, thanks to Brehm. The teachers here are great. They go the extra mile to help me comprehend — they even help me when I get stuck on my homework.

It’s a real privilege to attend Brehm.”

— Maddy

Are you a parent and wish to share progress you've seen in your child? Are you an alumni and want to let us know how you are doing? Are you a staff member and have a breakthrough to tell us about? Share experiences with your Brehm family. Send an email to scostello@brehm.org.