CASS Academy Small Groups

CASS Academy’s small group model is an application-based program focused on teaching independent living skills to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Groups will meet weekly for six weeks at a time with a different focus each session. The cost is $120 per session.

To join a small group, please submit an application. Decisions will be based on application, assessments, and a cleared background check. Once accepted, you’ll receive session topics in advance, and sign-ups for each session will be on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring participants get instruction in areas relevant to them. Because not all topics will apply to every participant, acceptance to the program does not guarantee enrollment in every session.

You’ll find the application below. If you’d like to join our 2026 small groups, please submit your application and request a background check through Amanda (amanda@casshousing.org).

Questions? Check our FAQs below or email Amanda at amanda@casshousing.org.

Online Small Group Application

CASS Academy Cohort FAQs

Individuals interested in becoming a Community Core Member with the CASS Academy must:
- Have a documented developmental or intellectual disability
- 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.
Applicants pay a $50 fee for a background check and a $30 deposit before scheduling an Independent Living Skills (ILS) assessment. Both are required parts of the application process to help keep participants safe and ensure they’re set up for success in the program.
In order to meet the requirements to participate in the CASS Academy graduation, Core Members must meet attendance and participation requirements. Core Members will be expected to have a minimum attendance rate of 90% and a minimum participation rate of 80%. Attendance and participation will be evaluated and communicated at the end of each program session to gauge the Core Member’s progress. The average percentages of attendance and participation of all sessions will be used to determine if a Core Member meets graduation requirements.
Participation includes being an active participant in programs, completing homework fully and by the due date, and giving best effort for growth.
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.
In order to monitor growth and adjust curriculum for Core Member needs, CASS Housing requests that all Core Members participating in CASS Academy complete the Independent Living Skills assessment annually. These assessments will take place during the summer months, when the program schedule is most flexible.
In addition to basic school supplies like pencils, pens, and folders, Core Members should have an electronic device such as a laptop, iPad, or tablet. We require this to offer innovative learning opportunities that prepare members for life and the workforce.
If needed, CASS has a limited number of iPads available for use during CASS Academy sessions.
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.