RFL-Student Application Academy
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  • Student Application

  • Ready For Life Academy
    Postsecondary Transition Program

  • Hope College, Holland, MI
    Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI
    Northern Michigan College, Traverse City, MI

  • Eligibility Requirements

  • Is at least 18 years of age and not older than 30 years of age.*
  • Has an intellectual/developmental disability and/or autism.*
  • Has health insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, Private).*
  • Has exhibited an interest and desire for greater independence and parent(s)/guardian(s) support the pursuit of independence.*
  • Has the capacity to independently navigate campus and to/from campus housing.*
  • Possess or is willing to learn time management skills and can follow a schedule.*
  • Can communicate with others effectively with/without accommodations.*
  • Has a cell phone (prior to starting the program).*
  • Has socially adaptive and responsible behavior so when left unsupervised is able to follow/adhere to rules and instructions.*
  • Is willing to learn and use alternative forms of transportation.*
  • Is independent in grooming and hygiene routines. ***
  • Applicant is able to self-administer medicines. ***
  • Is able to prepare simple meals (i.e., breakfast, sandwich, salad, use a microwave).*

  • ** Residential staff do not have the certification required to provide medication management or serve as a personal care assistant.  If these services are required, the family will need to contract with a private provider for personal care and/or medical management during the program.

    By signing this form, the potential participant and his or her parent(s)/Guardian(s) acknowledge having read and understood the basic eligibility requirements of the Academy and Residential Programs.   All information provided must be accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge. Any intentional omission or misrepresentation of pertinent information may result in dismissal from the program.

    This form must be signed and returned with the application packet.  It must also be noted that this form includes ONLY the basic eligibility requirements.  Final acceptance to the program will be determined by the Admissions Committee.

  • Date*
     - -
  • Date*
     - -

  • Application

  • Please be prepared to provide the following with this application: 1) a recent photograph of the applicant, 2) $50 application fee, 3) high school transcript - can be unofficial, 4) most current IEP, 5) educational/psychological/behavioral evals/support services evaluations. Be sure to complete all sections of the application. Document submission and payment instructions are at the end of the application.  Thank you for your thoroughness.

  • Student and Family Information (A)
    (to be completed by the student and/or family member/guardian)

  • A. Student's Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Date of Birth*
     - -
  • Enrollment Start Date*
     - -
  • Student receives support or services from: (please check all that apply)
  • Type a question*
  • Student currently resides with:*

  • B. Parent/Guardian Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • C Siblings 

  • D. Independent Activities

  • Have you ever been away from home before?*

  • Educational Information (B)
    (to be completed by parent or guardian)

  • Did you graduate from high school?*
  • Have you participated in general education classes in his or her high school years?*

  • Reference Information (C)

    Ready for Life requires two people to complete a reference form on you, please list two people from your education career who can attest to your school performance in the past few years.

  • Work Information (D)

  • (to be completed by student with assistance from a parent or guardian)
  • Has the student demonstrated success in supported or independent work experiences (unpaid job tryouts or volunteer opportunities) in the community or the school?*
  • Has the student held a paid job in the community?*
  • Is the student currently employed in his or her neighborhood?*

  • Behavior Information (E)

  • (to be completed by a parent or guardian)
  • Does the student demonstrate satisfactory school attendance?*
  • Does the student demonstrate satisfactory home/school behavior?*

  • Does the client exhibit these behaviors:

  • Verbal aggression *
  • Physical aggression to self*
  • Physical aggression to others*
  • Property destruction*
  • Inappropriate sexual behaviors*
  • Non-compliance*
  • Elopement*
  • Compulsive behaviors*
  • Sudden Outbursts*
  • Is there a current behavior plan in place*

  • Disability, Medical Conditions and Health Information (F)

  • (to be completed by a parent or guardian. please use space provided to answer the questions and elaborate as much as possible, and feel free to add extra pages if necessary).

  • Sex*
  • Disability or Condition (Please check all that apply)*
  • Do you have seizures?*
  • Are seizures controlled with medications?*

  • Immunization Requirements

    We believe that the campus community is best served when every student is immunized. In compliance with recommendations from the American College Health Association, the following vaccines are required for all incoming Ready for Life Students:

    MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
    Meningococcal Vaccine A, C, Y, W-135 Tetanus booster within the last 10 years
    Serogroup B Meningococcal Varicella Vaccine
    Influenza Meningitis B

    Students must provide documented proof of these immunizations before entering the Ready for Life Academy program on the campuses of Hope College, Ferris State University and Northern Michigan College. 

  • Application Checklist

  • Application will not be considered until ALL requested information is received. The application can be typed and/or printed neatly.

    Application can be mailed to: Ready for Life, 3250 28th Street SE, Ste 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49512

  • You will recieve some follow-up communications where you will be asked to upload the following documents:
  • Application Checklist:
  • with*

  • Academy Application and Acceptance Timeline

    Applications are accepted throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with consideration for enrollment in the following fall semester. Admissions will be processed until all available slots are filled, at which point a waitlist will be established.

    Important Dates:

    • Student Interviews: ongoing
    • Announcement Letters Sent: as accepted
    • Acceptance Letter Return Due Date: within 2 weeks of receipt
    • Tuition Assistance Application: May 1-30
    • Tuition Assistance Letters Sent: June 15
           □ Mandatory Student Orientation: summer prior to start of program
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