Reaching young adulthood can be a challenging time for special needs students and the parents who love them. Questions abound. Will I get a job? Will I live on my own? How much independence will I have? At MDE Vocational Academy, we are here to help you navigate this new chapter.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help young adults with special needs, age 16 and above, maximize their independence and meet their full potential through vocational and life skills training.
Our Approach
At MDE Vocational Academy, we believe every young adult deserves the chance to shine. Our dynamic program helps neurodiverse individuals explore different career paths, develop real-world job skills, and gain the confidence to be as independent as possibe in the future. With hands-on training and personalized support, students uncover their strengths, discover their passions, and step into their future with pride and purpose.
Program Features
- Career exploration
- Vocational skills taught for a variety of job fields
- Supported work opportunities supervised by MDE Vocational Academy coaches at local retailers, restaurants, assisted living facilities, and farms.
- Social and communication skills
- Task analysis
- Interview and job search skills
- Safety
Vocational Training
At MDE Vocational Academy, young adults will gain hands-on experience that helps them learn job skills across various fields. We offer job training in the following area: food service, grocery, clerical, retail, and maintenance.
Independent Living Skills
Whether the goal is to take on more responsibility for self-care at home or live independently someday, MDE Vocational Academy helps every student reach their maximum potential for autonomy and self-reliance. Each student receives training tailored to their unique skills and goals.
Program Features
- Executive functioning skills – time management, organizing, prioritizing, regulating emotions
- Laundry, meal preparation, nutrition, cleaning
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Personal hygiene
- Responsibility and integrity
- Attitude and demeanor
- Independent living skills
- Personal financial management
Coaches
MDE Vocational Academy employs dedicated coaches to help your student reach their full potential. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment where students thrive and grow.
Community Involvement
At MDE Vocational Academy, we’re connecting students with top local companies to gain hands-on experience and real-world vocational skills. Our fully accessible mini-bus, equipped with a wheelchair lift, ensures safe and reliable transportation to exciting job training opportunities throughout the community. Our students don’t just learn—they thrive, building confidence and independence through meaningful work experiences they love!
More Information
If you are interested in learning more about our program or enrolling, please reach out to the Program Director, Mindy Elkan, at 770-971-4633