316-942-6300 3033 West 2nd St N. Wichita, KS 67203 Contact Us Donate

How It Works

The Mission

As part of the Independent Living Resource Center’s mission of “Empowering People with Disabilities,” Greater Expectations empowers individuals with an autism spectrum disorder and other developmental differences to live their best lives through self-determination and increased social competence, executive functioning skills, and independent living skills.

 

Apply Now

Prior to starting the program, the individual/caregiver will:

  • Complete the application
  • Informal “Meet & Greet” Meeting with Staff: The individual and family/friends meet staff and learn about the program.
  • Individual Rapport Session with Instructor: The individual and instructor spend time getting to know each other and building a comfortable, trusting relationship.
  • Initial Assessment: The individual, family/friend, and instructor complete an interview style assessment during a 2-hour session.
  • Successful participants are those that have the cognitive ability to communicate their thoughts and feelings, and the ability to explore and discuss abstract concepts.

What are Social Competencies?

Social competencies are the bases needed for evaluating social situations and determining the expected behavior in each context. They include self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible problem solving.

Personalized Goals and Plan

Participants identify their personal vision and goals using evidence-based practices, guidance from current research, and collaboration with their family and friends. An individualized plan is developed to target each participant’s unique needs in:

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Flexibility
  • Problem Solving
  • Responsibility

 

The Greater Expectations program has three levels and begins by addressing the following areas:

  • SELF DETERMINATION

    1. Understanding autism/developmental disabilities
    2. Advocating for self and others
    3. Effective communication
    4. Goal setting and attainment

  • SOCIAL COMPETENCIES

    1. Self-awareness
    2. Social awareness
    3. Self management
    4. Relationships skills
    5. Responsible decision making

  • EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS

    1. Planning
    2. Time Management
    3. Organization
    4. Task initiation
    5. Impulse control
    6. Flexibility
    7. Working memory
    8. Attentional control
    9. Emotional control
    10. Problem solving
    11. Self-monitoring

  • LIFE SKILLS

    1. Self-care
    2. Home management (maintaining a comfortable and clean living space)
    3. Budgeting
    4. Health management
    5. Transportation

"I gained better communication skills and the experience to convey my message more effectively than before I started the program. I learned better organization and reasoning skills that have benefited my career and home life. The most challenging part was adjusting to a different style of work than I was used to. It is somewhat of a big jump from part time kennel assistant to flower shop employee. Working with other people who have the same issues I have faced in my life. It is where I meet Jacob Hampton who I call a friend. This program allowed me to attain a full time job that I enjoy and allows me to support myself. Before my current job, I was a part-time kennel assistant and a part time courtesy clerk at Dillons. I had graduated Magna Cum Ladue from Friend University, but due to certain aspects about myself I could not find a suitable job. It was through greater expectations that I was offered a job at the Maintenance Supply Company at a position I had no experience at. They gave me a trial period to see how I would do, but after a month and a half they were so impressed that they decided to fully hire me. This program gives an opportunity to those who wish to improve their life and become more self-sufficient. It may be difficult to change from a comfortable or set routine, but the rewards for opening your minds to new ideas are worth it."

- Matthew A.

DIVE DEEPER INTO THE GREATER EXPECTATIONS AUTISM PROGRAM

The Difference

How It Works

Program Levels

Our Staff

Success Stories

Apply Now

Program FAQs