Young Adulthood can be an exciting and adventurous time however, this stage of life can be difficult, especially for those who have sustained a brain or spinal cord injury. Rainbow Rehabilitation Centers’ Young Adult Program offers tailored cognitive retraining and individualized and group therapies that maximize recovery. Additionally, the program provides participants the social skills to enter the workforce.

Both the Pediatric and Young Adult programs are led by a Ph.D.-level pediatric psychologist and are located in an excellent school district near abundant community resources.

Varied group therapy sessions are offered by licensed therapists after each work day. Group therapy sessions provide team building opportunities and guided peer support for young adults who have a traumatic brain injury.

Examples of group therapy include:

• Physical health and wellness
• Mental health
• Art therapy
• Communications

A culinary education program encourages young adults to create and cook healthy recipes. A therapeutic community-based outing is offered once a week focusing on social skills, leisure skills, and fundamental activities of daily living.

A full complement of individual therapies are also available at Rainbow’s Oakland Treatment Center which is conveniently located next door to the work groups. The treatment center features a fitness center, gymnasium, therapeutic pool, therapeutic kitchen, private therapy rooms, and library and computers.

For the young adults interested in furthering their education, the program assists with college enrollment. Working with many local community colleges, our programs are tailored towards school entry and re-entry. These programs include specialized services such as note taking, tutoring and test adaptation.

Young adults who require residential services have access to Rainbow’s age-appropriate community houses. For young people who have reached a greater level of self-sufficiency a Specialized Residential Program is available for further independence.

Participation in the Young Adult Program is available to individuals in the Residential Programs and on an outpatient basis.

Those individuals who have attained a high school diploma or equivalent, are working on their GED, or have completed their post-secondary education are also eligible for the program. Young adults who have not completed their formal education are accepted and evaluated for GED services.

Vocational rehabilitation for young adults typically requires additional guidance. Considering this, Rainbow’s Young Adult Program uses a habilitative approach for vocational planning and re-entry. Initially, focus is given to basic work skills such as attendance, break management, productivity, and comprehension of work tasks.

Supported Employment Work Group

Young adults entering the vocational program are placed in a facility-based work environment where their job skills are evaluated daily. Feedback is provided by a job coach and vocational program manager. Jobs may include cleaning, light office work, delivery, assembly and seasonal craft projects in conjunction with third-party suppliers.

Young adults can move into a community-based work environment with job coaching based on good attendance and proven motivation to succeed. Vocational specialists work with employers to develop work schedules and responsibilities to meet the individual needs of each client, assist with job placement, teach job maintenance skills, and conduct interest inventories to help further vocational goals.

When appropriate, the final step in the process is the transition to competitive employment.

Interested in Rainbow’s Young Adult Program?
Call our Admissions Department at 800.968.6644 to learn more!