Individuals interested in becoming a Community Core Member with the CASS Academy must:

• Have a documented developmental or intellectual disability

• Be 18 or older and have graduated from high school

• Have the capacity to be independent and unsupervised while at CASS Programs

• Have a desire to grow in independent living skills

• Have reliable transportation within 30 minutes of start and end of CASS Academy

• Have the capacity to abide by the CASS Academy Code of Conduct. Failure to follow the code of conduct may result in meetings with the Core Member, Program Staff, and guardians, in addition to potential removal from CASS Academy.

Specifically, small groups are designed for those who could be successful in our Guided Living or Family Living housing models.

1. Interest is expressed in CASS Academy Small Groups.

2. Background check completed. This can be done online, where Core Member personally submits information and pays themselves, or it can be done via a paper copy of the information which will need to be initiated by CASS Staff and includes a nonrefundable fee of $50. Any Community Core Members who have not completed a background check with CASS Housing previously or who have an expired background check will complete this step.

3. The background check is clear.

4. CASS Academy Small Group Application is submitted.

5. Application and additional documents are reviewed by the CASS Housing Programming Committee.

6. Admission decisions for the CASS Academy Small Groups are communicated to the applicant and guardian, if applicable.

7. Upon acceptance, a meeting is scheduled with the Independent Living Skills Director to review the CASS Academy Small Group Handbook and sign any additional documents needed.

Once accepted into CASS Academy Small Groups, sign-ups are first-come, first-serve. A link to sign up for each session will be sent prior to the session beginning to reserve the Core Member’s place, as there are limited seats per session.

For now, all CASS Academy small groups will take place from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm on Wednesdays. If this changes, CASS will let families know.

Payment is due upon registration to reserve the Core Member’s seat in the class for the session.

No, there are no payment plans available for small groups.

Applicants pay a $50 fee for a background check. A background check is a required part of the application process to help keep participants safe.

Attendance of Core Members is expected at CASS Academy Small Group Programs. Should a Core Member not be able to attend, the Core Member should let CASS Staff know in advance. This communication policy is for the safety of the Core Members and for planning purposes of CASS staff.

CASS Housing understands that illness, family emergencies, etc. may occur for Core Members. Unexcused absences include no-shows, appointments such as haircuts, events with other staff, vacations, etc. If a Core Member has two or more unexcused absences in a session, they may be asked to sit out the following session of content. CASS does not refund for absences.

In the event of severe weather, CASS will notify Core Members about the status of CASS Academy Small Groups two hours in advance. If Fort Wayne Community Schools closes, CASS programs may be held on Zoom. Links will be provided for Zoom programming at that time.

In addition to basic school supplies like pencils, pens, and folders, Core Members are encouraged to bring an electronic device such as a laptop, iPad, or tablet.

If needed, CASS has a limited number of iPads available for use during CASS Academy small group sessions.

Core Members will be asked to keep their electronic device zipped up in their bag or put it in the CASS technology basket. CASS Staff will give clear directions when technology is needed for a lesson or when it is appropriate to get the technology out of their bag or the phone basket.

CASS Housing uses the Council for Exceptional Children's Life Centered Education (LCE) Curriculum as a guide for programming. This curriculum is an in-depth educational program focusing on daily living skills, self-determination and interpersonal skills, and employment skills. LCE is designed specifically for individuals with disabilities and provides opportunities for Core Members to practice the problem-solving skills needed to be independent in society.

Additionally, CASS uses the Elevatus Training curriculum, which is designed for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Elevatus curriculum focuses on healthy relationships including personal and professional. Elevatus an evidence- and trauma-informed curriculum and was created in partnership with Project SEARCH.