Trailblazer Academy

TRAILBLAZER ACADEMY

This pioneering community-based program develops skills for life.

STARability is a regional leader in providing innovative, results-driven programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southwest Florida and beyond.

Our pioneering outreach program, the Trailblazer Academy, offers community-based skill development experiences for young adults, whether they are on a path to life enrichment or have vocational aspirations.

We began offering the Trailblazer Academy curriculum on virtual platforms in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the Trailblazer Academy’s virtual classes, activities and workshops have become a permanent part of this program.

ENROLL

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

This pioneering community-based program develops skills for life.

The STARability Foundation is a regional leader in providing innovative, results-driven programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southwest Florida and beyond.

ENROLL

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

This pioneering community-based program develops skills for life.

The STARability Foundation is a regional leader in providing innovative, results-driven programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southwest Florida and beyond.

ENROLL

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

A Proven Approach

We use a proven approach to assess our Trailblazers’ mastery of eight life skills as they work toward goals.

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Rehabilitation Research & Training Center developed this evidence-based model, which focuses on building proficiency in these skills: self-determination and advocacy; health and safety; socialization and communication; leisure and recreation; transportation; community participation and personal finance; career path and employment; and home living.

STARability Foundation's Trailblazer Academy

Specialization

Our instructor team is the heart of the Trailblazer Academy. Each instructor has unique qualifications, and they collectively have years of experience, insight and expertise working with individuals with special needs. Instructors are provided with advanced training in vocational, behavioral and educational strategies promoting goal achievement.

A distinguishing feature of the program is our dedicated employment specialist who offers comprehensive services, including initial consultation, interests/skill inventory, job placement matches, supportive interviewing, on-the-job coaching and support, and post-employment follow-ups for successful career placements.

Everything we offer comes from an authentic, loving and empowering place.

STARability Foundation Trailblazer Academy Staff and Participants

Blazing a Trail for Inclusion

Started in 2016 to fill a gap in services, the Trailblazer Academy is the only one of its kind in Collier County. The program’s success hinges on the linkages between families, instructors and vocational site partners in serving each Trailblazer.

We partner with families to learn about their Trailblazer’s aspirations, including input on their strengths and goals in developing an Individual Academy Plan that serves as a roadmap for success.

Our vocational site partners provide opportunities for Trailblazers to access training and exposure to the work world.

Instructors design guided work-based activities that enable our Trailblazers to learn, practice and demonstrate vocational skills while providing meaningful service to our vocational partners’ businesses.

IMPACTability!

The Trailblazer Academy is outcomes-driven. By measuring our results, we demonstrate the tremendous impact the program can make on a person’s life.

Here’s how we do it.

Our instructors take a baseline assessment of a Trailblazer’s abilities to help instructors learn about the Trailblazer’s strengths and to set goals in an Individual Academy Plan.
Instructors take periodic assessments throughout the program for interim reads on a Trailblazer’s progress.
Instructors check for Trailblazers’ progress and update goals.
Instructors analyze data from the assessments.
We share our impact with Trailblazer families, community partners and supporters.