Boca Raton, FL — January 3, 2011 – Imagine a place where youth with developmental and learning disabilities can find a safe, bully-free environment, where they are judged on their abilities and not their disabilities. A place where social, communication, and life skills training, allow for participation in community settings, a chance for a real job, and opportunities for independence. Suppose there was a program that respected parental involvement, that was non-judgmental and allowed for student and family choice.  Lastly, visualize a cost effective, best-practice model that allowed each student to live out their own dreams and direct their own futures.
Unicorn Children’s Foundation Board of Directors has agreed to direct funds to the development of a unique high school for 14-22 year-old students with developmental and learning disorders that will provide a safe and dignified learning environment for them to explore and realize their true abilities and potential.  Using an innovative, strength- and interest-based teaching model, integrating academics, social and inter-personal communication strategies, students will develop the necessary skills to successfully transition to work, college and independent living. This high school will give each student the opportunity to discover and explore their own interests, pursue their own goals, and ultimately engage in the communities in which they live.
This prototype high school will also be used as a center of research on best-practice strategies through collaboration with Unicorn Children’s Foundation existing university partners to identify elements of the program that result in improved quality of life.  Results of the research at this innovative high school will then be disseminated as a model program that can expanded into other communities around the world.  It is expected that by improving the outcome for adolescents with developmental and learning differences a significant reduction in the expense of long-term care for these individuals provided by the State and taxpayers will be realized.  Anticipated opening of this program is projected for August 2012.
Community participation and support is encouraged.  Funds raised at Unicorn Children’s Foundation March 5, 2011 Palm Beach An Evening Aboard the Orient Express Gala and May 7, 2011 Denim, Diamonds, & Dice Casino will support the realization of this much needed program.  Visit the www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org or call 561.620.9377 for more information and to learn how you can get involved.