New Summer Program for young Adults with Developmental Disabilities or Autism Offered through Cardinal Cushing Centers.

Cardinal Cushing Centers launches a new summer program for young Adults with Developmental Disabilities or Autism in Hanover, Ma

Feb, 6, 2009 – ACHIEVE a 6 week residential program for young adults ages 17-22 with mild-moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities, autism or down syndrome, will launch this summer in the heart of the south shore. Created by the Cardinal Cushing Centers, the ACHIEVE program will run July 6th thru August 14th and offer individual opportunities to further develop functional academics; independent living and employment skills; and improve their social and emotional well being.

"The ACHIEVE program was developed directly in response to the needs of families with young adults transitioning from school age to adult programs. Families and advocates on the South Shore and surrounding communities do not have programs specifically targeted to adults with mild-moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities, autism or down syndrome, all of the school’s departments’ collaborated on this project and designed this program that truly meets the needs of their sons and daughters,” notes Jo Ann Simons, President and CEO, St. Coletta & Cardinal Cushing Schools of Massachusetts.

Michelle Markowitz, the Director of Admissions notes that “The program fosters the natural talents and abilities of the participants, thereby enhancing their lives.” Staff members work with the ACHIEVE participants on their communication skills. They also work on vocational and career development skills through direct vocational experiences, general employment skills, and customer service skills and will perfect their vocational portfolio.

“For the Cardinal Cushing Centers, having the opportunity to implement a program suggested by parents is very gratifying.” Simons also notes that, “It has been a wonderful experience to have the families offer their input and Cardinal Cushing Centers is honored to have the opportunity to work with their children in becoming more independent and skilled adults.” Cardinal Cushing Centers hopes the ACHIEVE program will grow each year, adding more program participants and serving a larger number of adults with mild-moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities, autism or down syndrome within the communities statewide.

  For more information on St. Coletta & Cardinal Cushing Schools of Massachusetts, Inc, visit www.coletta.org. Questions regarding the ACHIEVE program can be directed to Michelle Markowitz at (781) 829-1205 or .

Celebrating its 61st year, St. Coletta & Cardinal Cushing Schools of Massachusetts, Inc.  is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides a life centered approach in caring for children, young adults, and adults with cognitive, physical and emotional disabilities as well as their families.