The Horizons School was first established in 1991 as a UAB School of Education Program and became a fully functioning 501(c) (3), state licensed post-secondary school non-profit organization in 2000. This independent living skills-based program is for young adults, ages 18-26, with a primary diagnosis of a specific learning disability or mild learning disabilities and who have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Students must be able to live in a supervised apartment, manage their own medication or health related issues and have a commitment to work and gain personal independence.

Horizons School is licensed as a postsecondary program in the State of Alabama and is fully accredited by the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services - an affiliate of the National Association of Private Special Education Centers. Dr. Jade Carter, EdD, Special Education/ Learning Disabilities, is the Director at Horizons School and Marie McElheny, MAEd is the Assistant Director. The length of this program is generally two years with a third year-community transition program available.

Students live in an apartment complex located near the University of Alabama at Birmingham. They are supervised by two resident assistants and have a curfew of 10:00 pm on weeknights and 12:00 am on weekends.

Curriculum for the students is divided into four main subjects for both first and second year students, focusing on Personal Independence, which includes life skills, cooking and nutrition, money management, transportation, fitness and wellness. Social Independence teaches conflict management and social skills, Career Independence includes career orientation and exploration via field trips, reading and interviews, with internships added in the second year and Self Determination, in which students work on goal setting and problem solving, creative writing and art.

Recreational activities include a weekly supper club, lake trips, cookouts, bowling, attending concerts and sporting events and outdoor adventure groups.

[This information is from the Horizons School website and brochure.]