The Need: The research indicates that failure to maintain successful employment often relates to difficulty in developing social and interpersonal skills.

75% of individuals with developmental disabilities are unemployed within three years after leaving high school (Luftig, R., and Muthert, D., 2005)

65% are both unemployed and not looking for work (Larson, Lakin, Anderson & Kwak, 2001)

Approximately 88% of adults with MRDD report that they have limitations in the area of “economic self-sufficiency” (Larson et al, 2001)

For individuals seeking post‐secondary education, research indicates that less than 25% of individualswith developmental disabilities going to college graduate (Kochhar-Bryant, 2007)

Considering national data indicates that 47% of youth with disabilities live in households with an annual income of less than $12,000 a year, it is difficult to afford University based programs (Blumberg, R., & Ferguson, P., 2007)

The Approach

Experiential learning models can bridge meaningful concepts and actual experience; helping individuals with disabilities construct new knowledge. Literature emphasizes the need for collaborative community-based activities for individuals with developmental disabilities to develop functional skills. These programs must incorporate the development of social skills in a real-life, natural setting.

Details of the Program:

  • Four-year program, year-round - 25 participants accepted per year - 5:1 member to staff ratio
  • Four days per week, 9 am-3 pm - Funded by Hamilton County Board of MR/DD
  • Applications accepted until May 1st - Open to young adults with disabilities ages 18-30

Some Areas of Social Learning:

Social Situations   Safety    Transportation    Community Service    Cooking    Budgeting

Nutrition    Fitness    Citizenship    Technology    Advocacy    Community Resources

Arts/Creativity    Current Events    Self-Determination    Relationships    Social Etiquette

Community Participation

The community will be an integral part of Starfire U. As each seminar is carefully planned, we will be able to practice what is learned in the natural environment. For example, as we learn about making healthy choices and exercise, we will be able to visit a local personal training gym for practical tips on nutrition and fitness. When we host luncheons for local businesses, we will be creating a menu, working out a budget, shopping for the needed items, as well as preparing and serving the meal. As we interact with the public, each individual will learn socially appropriate behaviors through experience and observation.

For more information, please visit us at www.starfireu.org
or contact Krista Clinebell, Program Coordinator, at
Krista@starfirecouncil.org
(513) 281-2100 ext. 104