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Community-Based Instruction (CBI)
CBI helps students develop age-appropriate skills for functioning outside the school environment. It will ultimately prepare them for a successful transition to adulthood after graduation and help them live independently, thus enhancing their quality of life.
CBI is hands-on instruction that is first implemented on the school campus and eventually during trips to community locations. A critical component of CBI is the involvement of parents and community members (businesses, teachers, and local establishments). CBIs are selected based on students' individualized IEP goals and/or objectives. Oak Hill Academy focuses on the following domains:
- Domestic: self-care & grooming, wellness, nutrition, cooking, laundry, and housekeeping.
- Vocational: career exploration, employability skills, instructions, rules, and schedules.
- Community: transportation, shopping, and restaurants.
- Recreation & Leisure: crafts, games, parks, bowling, and movies.
Academic, communication and social skills are incorporated into CBIs and may include the following:
- Advocating for oneself
- Following a shopping list
- Purchasing groceries
- Doing laundry
- Locating, carrying, and/or purchasing items from a store
- Attending community events
- Ordering food in a restaurant
CBI trips benefit students, parents/caregivers, educational staff, and the community!
- Students: increase important age-appropriate behaviors in community settings, independence, mobility, and the ability to generalize skills and knowledge in new situations.
- Parents/caregivers: increase commitment, communication, cooperation, and participation in planning, programming, and skills identification.
- Educational Staff: increase creativity, commitment, and motivation.
- Communities: increase awareness of the potential of individuals with disabilities and school/private sector partnerships.