The Summer Orientation & Mobility and Adapted Living resource program (S.O.A.R.) is a highly intensive, structured, residential training program that provides specialized instruction to youth ages 16-21 who are legally blind.
Program Dates: JUNE 9 – JUNE 29, 2024
S.O.A.R. is specifically designed for individuals who intend to live independently, seek competitive employment and/or attend a vocational training program or college upon graduation from secondary school. S.O.A.R. provides three weeks of accelerated training in adapted living techniques that include cooking, self-care, clothing management, money management, home maintenance, careers and orientation and mobility. The emphasis on independence also fosters expectations related to independent travel skills, interpersonal relationships, post-secondary transition, organizational skills and career exploration.
Interested to see what a S.O.A.R. day looks like? View a copy of our prior year’s schedule: S.O.A.R. 2023 Daily Schedule
COVID vaccines are highly recommended for all program participants, but they are not required. S.O.A.R develops and implements a Health/Safety Plan in conjunction with Webster University Housing policies each year.
Eligibility Requirements
- Between the ages of 16 and 21.
- Currently meets eligibility/definition of legally blind or blind.
- Preference is given to current residents in the State of Missouri or the surrounding western Illinois counties but applications from other states will be considered.
- Expectation to live independently.
- Participant plans to seek competitive employment and/or attend a vocational training program or college upon graduation from secondary school.
- Participants will be required to participate in all three weeks of the residential program without absence.
S.O.A.R. PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Three Week Residential Program at Webster University
- Dorm Living
- Campus Life
- Community Access
- Social/Recreational Activities
- Volunteerism
Comprehensive Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Instruction
- Day and night-time instruction
- Focused use of Public Transportation
- Non-Driver Education
- ADA Rights Education
- Guide Dog Exposure / Education
One-on-One Instruction for Activities of Daily Living
- Clothing Management
- Cooking
- Etiquette
- Home Maintenance
- Money Management
- Self-Care
- Career Exploration
S.O.A.R. PROGRAM FEATURES
Individualized ADL and O&M Instruction
Comprehensive Summative Reports
Guest Speakers
Parent Training Day
Community Service/Volunteerism Projects
Sex-Education and Dating Seminar Weekend
Guide Dog Experience and Education
Mock Employment Interviews
Sports Camp Weekend
I think SOAR is a field of opportunities. It gets you exposed to the ADL (Activities of Daily Living Skills) you may need to be successful in your life. I encourage everyone to apply. Put yourself through these weeks and see how it is because it is worth it.”
you learn so much by such wonderful people. SOAR is better than school because SOAR instructors are giving you constructive criticism.”
SOAR has given me the confidence to look forward to the college experience, I have developed life-long friends over the past three weeks and will be sad to see SOAR end, but I can’t wait for the next step!”
PROGRAM CONTACTS
Kevin Hollinger
Program Director
636.578.0124
soar@lhbindustries.com
Angie Yorke
BCE Programs Manager
314.423.4333 x132
ayorke@lhbindustries.com
S.O.A.R. Vision Statement
S.O.A.R. is committed to the adherence of its mission.
S.O.A.R. graduates will continue to build an awareness of skill sets needed to live independently while pursuing educational, career and family interests.
S.O.A.R. will recruit, train, and hire highly qualified professionals.
S.O.A.R. will increase each participant’s self-advocacy through instruction and community-based activities.
S.O.A.R. will provide comprehensive reports for each participant’s family, school district and or agency to further facilitate transition planning for post-secondary goals.
S.O.A.R. will improve and expand programming to meet the diverse and changing needs of its participants on a yearly basis.
S.O.A.R. will provide on-going opportunities for participant/family training and follow-up consultations.
