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Full Life Academy Classes

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Do you have questions about transitioning into adulthood and what comes next? AutismUp's Center for Community Transition can help! Would you like to learn more about the Full Life Academy, and how our innovative classes will help you address your personal goals for lifelong skill development? Would you like to learn more about a particular class? We'd love to talk with you and share how AutismUp can help.

Contact: Jeanne Ricigliano
Director, AutismUp Center for Community Transition
Tel: (585) 248-9011 x123
Email: jricigliano@autismup.org

Winter Term 2023 Registration Now Open!

Our Winter Term will run January 15 - April 1, 2023, which includes both in-person and virtual group classes at AutismUp:

In-Person Group Classes: My Place • Cooking Basics • Full Life Connections • Creative Expressions • Career Exploration • Functional Fitness • Wildlife Ecology • Body Mind Connections • Navigating Relationships • Ready, Set, Goals! • Creation, Connection, and Exploration (Art) • Financial Literacy • Zoo Life • Safety Awareness • Social Awareness and Expressions • Safety Awareness • Introduction to Computer Programming and Games Design Virtual Classes: Empower U • Foundations Individual 1:1
To register, log in to the AutismUp Family Dashboard. If you are new to AutismUp, you must first create a family profile by completing the Family Enrollment Form.
Program and registration questions? Want to use self direction funding instead of private pay? Contact Craig Jones, Program Operations Director, (585) 248-9011 x116, or cjones@autismup.org
Body-Mind Connections
Body-Mind Connections is a class designed to teach individuals how to identify their physical/body awareness and well-being as it relates to mindfulness, wellness, and overall health. Using methods such as self-awareness through journaling, meditation, vision boards, stress relief (stress balls, mindfulness jars, painting, etc.), music, breathing exercises, visualization, body scanning and setting intentions for self. Improving overall health and self-care, building confidence and relationships are just a few goals of Body-Mind Connections!
  • $490
  • Jan 17 - Mar 28
  • Body-Mind Connections: Tuesdays (3p-3:50p)
    • ** Session full **
Wellness On Site Student
Career Exploration
Career Exploration is a class that enables individuals to identify and explore a variety of careers within several career clusters in the community. The goal is to visit and observe jobs at each business and speak with employers to discover the specific employability skills they require for employment in their company. Within the classroom, individuals will work with instructors and peers to discover and practice employability skills including resume writing and job interview techniques. This class will also include an onsite unpaid work experience that will allow participants to practice some of the new skills they have learned.
  • $460
  • Jan 18 - Mar 29
  • Career Exploration: Wednesdays (2p-3:30p)
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Earning My Way Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement On Site Off Site Student
Cooking Basics
Participants learn to build skills toward independence in healthy meal planning, reading and following a recipe; and kitchen safety. Participants will learn how to use these skills to make a healthy snack, breakfast, lunch or dinner.
  • $560
  • Jan 17 - Mar 28
  • Cooking Basics I: Tuesdays (11a- 1p)
    • ** Session full **
  • $560
  • Jan 18 - Mar 29
  • Cooking Basics II: Wednesdays (10a - 12p)
    • ** Session full **
  • $560
  • Jan 20 - Mar 31
  • Cooking Basics III: Fridays (10a - 12p)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Creation, Connection & Exploration (Art)
​Creation, Connection & Exploration is a class that offers individuals the opportunity to explore and build on their creativity utilizing various art mediums. Inspiration will be offered and gained from considering historic works by past artists. Individual creations can then be discussed with peers in a positive light of affirmation in short, informal critiques before moving on to a new style or medium. Pencil, marker, cut and torn paper are just a few of the art tools we'll be exploring our creativity with. Work alongside our instructors as they demonstrate and teach individuals throughout the entire process. Individuals will have the opportunity to showcase their hard work with an art exhibition at the Golisano Autism Center!
  • $460
  • Jan 16 - Mar 27
  • Creation, Connection & Exploration: Mondays (5:30p-6:30p)
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent On Site
Creative Expressions
​Creative Expressions is an interactive class that provides individuals the opportunity to explore a variety of artistic and creative mediums. Lesson plans will incorporate a variety of projects including, but not limited to, the following areas: canvas art, mug design, tie dye art, t-shirt design, wood burning, home décor, sculpting, acrylic painting, paper art and model construction. Work alongside our instructors as they demonstrate and teach individuals throughout the entire process.
  • $525
  • Jan 16 - Mar 27
  • Creative Expressions: Mondays (2p-3:30p)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning On Site Student
EMPOWER U (Virtual)
Get charged up for your full life! Empower U is a virtual class that will provide individuals the necessary tools to tackle real life challenges. This class will offer engaging group discussions to include topics such as communication, managing stress, improving relationships, making small talk to build connections, self-advocacy and problem solving. If you are ready to take charge of your life, this class is for you.
  • $460
  • Jan 17 - Mar 28
  • EMPOWER U (Virtual)
    • ** Session full **
Wellness Getting Around Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement Virtual Student
Financial Literacy
Students learn to manage their money more effectively, spend wisely and save consistently. This class will teach students how to budget their money, make positive financial decisions, avoid financial exploitation, and equip them with technology resources to more effectively manage and monitor their finances.
  • $560
  • Jan 18 - Mar 29
  • Financial Literacy I: Wednesdays (5p- 7p)
    • ** Session full **
  • $560
  • Jan 21 - Apr 01
  • Financial Literacy II: Saturdays (10a- 12p)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Earning My Way Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Foundations Individual Classes (Virtual)
Foundations is a personalized, goal driven class guided by our My Full Life Curriculum. Individuals work on personalized goals in each class, determined by their individual needs. The classes are designed to interconnect in a variety of ways to create meaningful and robust experiences. Foundations Individual classes take a focused personal approach to helping individuals create and reach their individualized goals.
  • $510
  • Jan 15 - Apr 01
  • Foundations Individual Classes (1x - 30min)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Getting Around Earning My Way Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement Virtual Student
Foundations Virtual Group
We all have aspirations, desires, and ambitions to better ourselves and our lives by making improvements in our lifestyle. In this class, we teach to individual’s skill levels and coach participants to improve executive functioning skills using peer-to-peer support, organic teachable moments, practical life scenarios, visuals and other resources. You'll learn how to optimize your life by setting goals, managing your time, developing a vision, and building a network of peers.
Wellness Lifelong Learning Virtual Student
Full Life Connections
Full Life Connections is a comprehensive social skills class that provides students the opportunity to meet new people, find common interests, and enjoy fun activities with peers. In this class students will be taught how to improve executive functioning skills, team building, effective communication, and problem solving.
  • $560
  • Jan 20 - Mar 31
  • Full Life Connections: Fridays (1p - 3p)
    • ** Session full **
Connections Community Engagement On Site Student
Full Life Foundations
We all have aspirations, desires, and ambitions to better ourselves and our lives by making improvements in our lifestyle. In this class, we'll assess individual skill levels and coach students to improve executive functioning skills using peer-to-peer support, organic teachable moments, practical life scenarios, visuals and other tracking resources. You'll learn how to optimize your life by setting goals, managing your time, developing a vision, and building a network of peers.
Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Functional Fitness
Functional Fitness is a fun and healthy way to start your day! This interactive and engaging class is designed to teach individuals a combination of both strength training and endurance. Individuals will learn and practice a variety of innovative exercises in a group and social setting, with options to individualize workouts to maximum results. Work alongside our fitness staff as you build confidence, learn the appropriate and safe techniques of utilizing equipment, and becoming a healthier individual!
  • $460
  • Jan 17 - Mar 28
  • Functional Fitness I: Tuesdays (10a-10:50a)
    • ** Session full **
  • $460
  • Jan 18 - Mar 29
  • Functional Fitness II: Wednesdays (12p-12:50p)
    • ** Session full **
  • $460
  • Jan 19 - Mar 30
  • Functional Fitness III: Thursdays (9:30a-10:20a)
    • ** Session full **
  • $460
  • Jan 20 - Mar 31
  • Functional Fitness IV: Fridays (9a-9:50a)
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Gardening
Learn how to plan and plant a garden. Participants will learn what tools they need, what plants are best for growing in our region, garden design, and garden maintenance. This class will also teach students how to create a web building platform that will allow them to document their gardening experience.
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning Off Site
Introduction to Computer Programming & Game Design
This class provides individuals the opportunity to enjoy a fun tech experience with different coding platforms that incorporate math, physics, art & music. Participants will learn computer programming skills by building their own custom games at their own pace based on interest & skill level. Individuals will be challenged each week to build on their coding projects and will be encouraged to collaborate with their peers and present their projects to the class at the end of the program. A great opportunity for individuals with common interest in technology to learn and practice their social/engagement and presentation skills in a fun and interactive setting!
  • $405
  • Jan 21 - Apr 01
  • Introduction to Computer Programming & Game Design
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning Connections On Site Student
Level Up
​Level Up provides individuals the opportunity to connect, socialize, and engage with peers through the platform of video gaming. Individuals will be challenged each week as a new social theme will be introduced and explored through instructional conversational/discussion and then reinforced through hands-on experience through the video game setting alongside peers. Level Up is a great opportunity for individuals to learn and practice their social/engagement skills in a fun and interactive setting!
Fun & Talent Connections On Site
Motion Dynamics @ Noon
Motion Dynamics is a fun, positive and energetic class! In Motion Dynamics we will stretch, move and have fun. You will learn skills in dance, yoga, Pilates and body awareness. See how learning and applying these skills will benefit all aspects of your life! Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes, and will be provided a yoga mat to use during class as well as plenty of space to move and groove!
My Place
Having our own space makes us feel good, but it can also be a lot to manage. Through guided lesson plans and facilitation that focuses on individual skill levels we will use scenarios, peer feedback and teachable moments to increase safety awareness, home management skills and problem solving across the home setting (environment). My Place will also support short term and long term goal setting (as a way to plan for future independence and community living; with a focus on living options, safety, self-advocacy, budgeting and individual skill development).
  • $460
  • Jan 16 - Mar 27
  • My Place I: Mondays (12p - 12:50p)
    • ** Session full **
  • $460
  • Jan 17 - Mar 28
  • My Place II: Tuesdays (2p - 2:50p)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Earning My Way Community Engagement On Site Student
Navigating Nature
Navigating Nature is an exciting and interactive class that will allow individuals the opportunity to explore several outdoor education opportunities in the Rochester area to encourage healthier lifestyles. Lesson plans are designed to teach the individuals a variety of aspects including geocaching, safety surrounding nature and animal life, and learning to identify the many experiences of nature. Individuals will have an opportunity to become comfortable with some of our local wildlife and observing animal behavior in their natural habitat. We all want to have a healthier lifestyle and why not enjoy our own community while being safe and exercising at the same time! Building confidence, relationships, personal safety, nature awareness, and fitness are just a few goals of Navigating Nature!
Wellness Getting Around Connections Community Engagement Off Site
Navigating Relationships
Relationships can be tricky but also rewarding. Through guided reflection, group discussions, and activities, we'll explore how relationships can be challenging for all of us. As a result of this course, participants will be able to describe and practice various strategies to navigate complex social relationships, situations, and scenarios. Some of the selected topics will include social media, dating/romance, and identity.
  • $405
  • Jan 16 - Mar 27
  • Navigating Relationships: Mondays (9a - 9:50a)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections On Site Student
Next Up Parent Workshops
Join other parents of teens and young adults to learn more about the transition out of school, and setting up your child for adult success.
  • free
  • Jan 09 - Jan 09
  • Transition Basics
    • ** Session full **
  • free
  • Feb 06 - Feb 06
  • Managing Your Government Benefits
    • ** Session full **
  • free
  • Mar 06 - Mar 06
  • Developing Relationships
    • ** Session full **
  • free
  • Apr 03 - Apr 03
  • Building Circles of Support
    • ** Session full **
  • free
  • May 08 - May 08
  • Developing Employability Skills
    • ** Session full **
  • free
  • Jun 05 - Jun 05
  • Building Executive Function Skills
    • ** Session full **
On Site Parent / Guardian / Caregiver
Next Up Virtual Speaker Series
Join AutismUp's Center for Community Transition for monthly online speakers.
  • free
  • Jan 23 - Jan 23
  • Diploma and Exit Credential Options in NYS
    • ** Session full **
  • free
  • Feb 13 - Feb 13
  • OPWDD Transition Process
    • ** Session full **
  • free
  • Mar 20 - Mar 20
  • ACCES-VR Overview
    • ** Session full **
  • free
  • Apr 17 - Apr 17
  • Innovative Housing Options
    • ** Session full **
  • free
  • May 22 - May 22
  • Utilizing Self Direction for Adults
    • ** Session full **
  • free
  • Jun 12 - Jun 12
  • Public Safety with the MCSO
    • ** Session full **
Nurture with Nature
Nurture with Nature is a class that will introduce individuals to basic skincare. Each class we will use natural ingredients to learn how to make your very own skincare travel kit! Lesson plans will include simple regimens for skin, hair and body care along with how to use each product at home. Building confidence, relationships, personal and self-care are just a few goals of Nurture with Nature!
Wellness On Site Student
Plugged-In
Plugged-In is a comprehensive technology class that uses a variety of experiences to provide individuals the opportunity to meet new people, find common interests, be peer mentors, and enjoy fun activities. Individuals will learn about various technologies and/or technology skills, including but not limited to 3-D Printing, Audio/Video Editing, Virtual Reality, Graphic Design, Content Creation and introduction to Computer Repair.
My Home Fun & Talent Earning My Way Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement Off Site Student
Ready, Set, Goals!
Goal setting is an essential aspect of personal and professional growth. It enables you to see a path towards an achievement. This interactive class will provide an in-depth dive into setting, planning and executing your personal goals using individualized lesson plans. Individuals will utilize our specialized software with instructor support, while working alongside peers.
  • $560
  • Jan 16 - Mar 27
  • Ready, Set, Goals! I: Mondays (3:30p - 5p)
    • ** Session full **
  • $560
  • Jan 19 - Mar 30
  • Ready, Set, Goals! II: Thursdays (10:30a - 12p)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Fun & Talent Wellness Getting Around Earning My Way Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement On Site Student
Safety Awareness
Safety Awareness is a fun and interactive class designed to learn basic safety awareness from our own Monroe County First Responders. Each department will teach individuals strategies surrounding personal safety, including communicating effectively with our first responders. Individuals will participate in hands-on activities and role plays that will provide an opportunity to practice the skills and awareness they are learning in class. Building confidence, relationships, personal safety, and social readiness are just a few goals of the dynamic class of Safety Awareness.
  • $405
  • Jan 19 - Mar 30
  • Safety Awareness: Thursdays (1:00p-3p)
    • ** Session full **
My Home Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement Off Site Student
Social Awareness and Expression
Social Awareness and Expression is a class designed to educate and encourage the healthy expression of one’s self within group and friendship dynamics. Through guided self-awareness activities and advocacy, participants will have opportunities to foster and create more meaningful and positive relationships (at home and in the community). Participants will utilize multiple mediums to increase their self-awareness, self-expression while encouraging fun, shared perspectives and partnership. Participants will gain a more well-rounded understanding of themselves as well as learn how to identify different responses in themselves related to topics presented, discussed and stumbled upon. Participants will work together to problem solve and use strategies learned each week to build better relationships and advocate effectively. Participants will also increase their skills for success in interpersonal relationships, and create their own self-awareness tool box throughout the term that they will be able to take home and utilize at the end of the class!
  • $460
  • Jan 19 - Mar 30
  • Social Awareness and Expression
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Wellness Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement On Site Student
Tech Connect
Tech Connect is a fun and interactive technology class that explores an individual's personal interests while learning a wide variety of technology. The opportunities include coding/programming, augmented and virtual reality, graphic art, 3D printing, animation, online broadcasting/podcasts, game development and or video/audio editing. Tech Connect will provide individuals the opportunity to create a project of interest. Through this class, individuals will learn strategies to build on their executive functioning skills such as time management, leadership skills, team building and networking. Building confidence, relationships, social readiness, and strengthening technology skills are just a few goals of the dynamic class of Tech Connect!
My Home Fun & Talent Earning My Way Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement Off Site Student
Technovations™
Technovations™ is a guided exploration of commonly used software and relevant technology. The class is directed by individual interest, ability, and need. These sessions will encourage students to learn the software and tech tools within their own sphere of influence and personal life.
My Home Fun & Talent Earning My Way Lifelong Learning On Site Student
Wildlife Ecology
Wildlife Ecology is an exciting and interactive class that will allow participants the opportunity to learn about how wildlife species, including both plants and animals, interact with each other and their environment. Participants will also learn about how wildlife affects us and how we affect wildlife and their environment by our actions. Lesson plans include activities taking place both indoors and outdoors. Building confidence, relationships, personal safety and nature awareness are goals of Wildlife Ecology..
  • $525
  • Jan 16 - Mar 27
  • Wildlife Ecology
    • ** Session full **
Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement On Site Off Site Student
Yoga and Movement
Students will learn strategies for inner calming using breathing and stretching techniques while finding ways to incorporate Yoga in daily life. We will provide participants with a yoga mat or they may participate in a chair.
Fun & Talent Wellness On Site Student
Zoo Life
​This exciting and interactive class provides individuals the opportunity to learn alongside their peers from our very own Seneca Park Zoo education team. This class is designed to teach all aspects of the Zoo. Representatives from the Zoo will provide information/teachings, including but not limited to, how animals are acquired, cared for and trained; Zoo’s connection with the community; becoming comfortable/safe around animals; and how local conservation efforts are vital to species globally. Building confidence/comfort around animals, relationships and social readiness, and learning the many aspects and knowledge of the Seneca Park Zoo are just a few goals of the dynamic class of Zoo Life!
  • $405
  • Jan 18 - Mar 29
  • Zoo Life: Wednesdays (10a-11:30a)
    • ** Session full **
Fun & Talent Lifelong Learning Connections Community Engagement Off Site Student

ENROLL TODAY!

Contact us to learn more about the AU Full Life Academy and to discuss enrollment options.

email: jricigliano@autismup.org
phone: (585) 248-9011x123

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