Unicorn Village Academy Opening
​for the 2013-2014 school year
​(August 19, 2013)

​Providing a strength-based learning environment that prepares students with Neurodiversity to live, work, and enjoy life in communities, and with individuals, of their own choosing.
 
Unicorn Children’s Foundation presents UNICORN VILLAGE ACADEMY
 
An innovative High School for Youth 14-22 years of age with Neurodiversity* and Hidden Abilities offering a personalized learning environment and intensive support services to help students overcome academic, career, and social barriers.
 
In 2011, internationally acclaimed Unicorn Children’s Foundation (UCF), decided to create a Community High School where youth with Neurodiversity and hidden learning differences can find a safe, bullying free environment where they are respected and treated based on their strengths and abilities; a place where social skills, communication skills, career education, and life skills training allow for participation in community settings.  UCF developed a strength-based, interest-centered training model that allows each student to live their own dreams and control their own futures in a supported, measurable outcome-based learning environment.
 
The number of children affected by neurodevelopmental disorders continues to climb at alarming rates with nearly 1 of every 6 children affected.  At Unicorn, we believe that every individual, regardless of his/her disability, deserves an opportunity to lead fulfilled and productive lives.
 
 
Unicorn Village Academy’s mission:
To provide a strength-based learning environment that prepares students to live, work, and enjoy life in communities of their own choosing
 
A Program that Prepares Students for Life!
Unicorn Village Academy is an individual, strength-and interest-based educational model that allow students to achieve educational, personal, and career goals in an environment highlighted by self-determination and self-advocacy. The program integrates academics with speech/language, occupational therapies, counseling, social skills training, work-readiness preparation, activities of daily living and community based employment experiences. Unicorn Village Academy empowers students to cultivate respect for themselves and others by offering opportunities for life-long personal and social development.
 
Unicorn Village Academy uses a student-centered framework to intertwine the necessary and requisite skills building curriculum that traditional academic environments fail to address. Student educational plans are supported and self-directed, and student self-determination and self advocacy are integrated into all phases of the curriculum and the student’s community. The ultimate objective through customizing accommodations and educational supports is for individuals to sustain employment, contribute to community life, and develop and maintain relationships.
 
What is Neurodiversity?
 
Neurodiversity refers to the idea that people experience the world differently based on their neurological attributes. It is most commonly applied to people with autism spectrum conditions such as Asperger's Syndrome, but has also sometimes been applied to describe certain, learning disabilities, Tourette’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, and other neurological differences. The neurodiversity movement parts company with the disability rights movement in that it does not recognize neurological differences as disabilities, but rather as equally valid, unique, and socially beneficial neurological experiences of the world that should be celebrated.
 
Alarming Statistics:
 

• Nearly 1 of every 6 children is affected by some form of neurologically-based developmental, learning or communication disorder.

 

• 1 child in 88 will be diagnosed with autism, the fastest growing and most severe neurodevelopmental disorder.

 

• Dyslexia affects approximately 20% of children.  Without question, if a child cannot read, he will fail in school, leading to high drop-out rates, and juvenile delinquency.

 

• Approximately 1 in 10 children is taking medication for ADHD.  This represents a 22% increase from 2003-2007.

 

• The economic impact of these disorders is significant ranging upwards of $80,000-100,000 per individual per year

 

• Unemployment rate for adults with disabilities is 67%

 

• Young children with developmental and learning challenges are at greater risk of child abuse, and their families are at greater risk for divorce and suicide 

 

• As many as 50% of individuals in correctional facilities have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and were untreated as children or teens for ADHD.

 

• 25% of adults with disabilities live at or below the poverty level.

 
About the Unicorn Children’s Foundation Unicorn Children’s Foundation is an international nonprofit organization that transforms the quality of life of individuals with neurodiverse challenges through the support of education, awareness, and research initiatives.
 
For more information on Unicorn Village Academy or Unicorn Children’s Foundation , view our website at www.uncicornvillageacademy.org  or www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org.  Follow Unicorn Children's Foundation on Twitter: @ucfoundation/ Like Unicorn Children's Foundation on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/unicornchildrensfoundation.org