LIVES Program
The LIVES Program (Learning Independence, Vocational, and Educational Skills) is a four-year transition program located on the campus of the State University of New York College at Geneseo. The LIVES Program provides students with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities the opportunity to become more independent, as well as learn vocational and educational skills within an inclusive community.
The LIVES Program is an educational and vocational initiative funded through a collaborative partnership with SUNY Geneseo, Genesee Valley BOCES, Hilltop Industries (a Division of The ArcGLOW), and the Finger Lakes Developmental Disabilities Services Office. It is designed to provide transition and post-secondary programs for students with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities who are eligible for OPWDD (Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities) services (21 years and older section) and live in Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates Counties.
The SUNY Geneseo/Genesee Valley BOCES LIVES Program will seek to accept 8-12 new students each year, typically those who are 18 years of age or older at the start of their program and who have an intellectual or other developmental disability.
The SUNY Geneseo/ArcGLOW LIVES Program will seek to accept 8-12 new students each year, typically those who are 21 years of age or older at the start of their program and who meet eligibility criteria for OPWDD services.
The LIVES Program will address the development of and improvement in:
- Independent living skills to enhance success in community and family living
- Vocational and career exploration skills
- Educational skills in reading, math, and writing, and academic classes of interest to individual students
- Social skills and relationships, as well as leisure-time activities
Each student will participate in an individualized assessment, including career interests, learning styles, social and independent living skills, and academic skills. From these assessments as well as information from students regarding their individual goals and needs, a plan of study will be developed. This initial plan will be for one year; the plan will be assessed and modified as needed at the completion of each academic year. When students complete their plan of study and their individually designed capstone project, they will receive a certificate of completion highlighting progress toward their goals. We hope that all students participating in the LIVES Program will have gained valuable skills which will enable them to live a more satisfying and independent life.