Having worked with WILC since 2014, I am always amazed at the evolution of the autism programs. WI Independent Learning College, Inc. offers a wide range of training programs for daily living skills, prevocational to vocational job training to hires with job coaching and accommodations for autistic students aged 18-30 at the school, in the community, at specific employers, and in the home. The staff continues to improve skills through extensive autism training, RPM augmented educational / communication, Recreational, Art, and Music Therapies, physical activities such as yoga, stretching, walking, YMCA, nature trail/public parks, and so much more. WILC is both an WI IRIS and WI DVR Customized and Supported Employment, Career Profiles, Job Shadows, Job Development, and Temporary Paid Work Experiences at individual employers in the home communities of the students, along with job hires! Reaching for Independence is the mission of WILC!
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Working with WILC families, the staff, board members and all the friends of WILC is a privilege. Watching as WILC's students, autistic young adults aged 18-30 progress in their lives at school, in the community, in fair paying jobs, and in their homes has been amazing. The curriculum evolves each year to better meet the live skill needs and vocational choices of the students. Staff is first rate. The facility is sensory sensitive for all. A new full student training kitchen and laundry area enhances the culinary activities. Recreational therapy is provided daily, music therapy weekly, daily living skills and prevocational activities. WILC is both an IRIS and DVR Customized and Supported Employment Vendor. This nonprofit works with many area school districts for 18-21 Transition program students. https://www.wisconsinilc.org
Wisconsin Independent Learning College has been serving young adults with autism since 2012. It has filled needs for training and experiences in the community that are autism specific. The participants and their families experience belonging to an organization that considers all aspects of life from an autism lens. The majority of the participants end up with part time employment and multiple experiences that help them determine what job is right for them. Belonging, having choices, fun and socialization, learning, and independence are all outcomes that have been realized by the participants at WILC.
I have been volunteering at WILC since 2015. The new building in Waukesha has been renovated for the students needs focusing on their autism sensory regulation. I have met all the staff and they are a dedicated bunch of great people. Students and families always share at the Gala how much the school means to them and their dreams.
Wisconsin Independent Learning College or WILC is a great educational nonprofit that is autism specific located in Waukesha, WI.. It is so great that the adult students, aged 18 to 30 have so many opportunities to learn and practice daily living skills, prevocational training, and vocational training that leads to paying jobs! Social skills, communication, varied everyday community and recreational life skill outings are all a part of WILC. Students and families comment on how WILC is life changing.
I have volunteered at Wisconsin Independent Learning College for over 3 years, primarily as a yoga assistant. It has been an honor to be part of the WILC mission. The staff are very dedicated, caring, skilled, and knowledgeable about autism. WILC provides ongoing continuing education to staff and volunteers to ensure that the best possible outcomes occur for students. The atmosphere at WILC is positive and welcoming and students are treated with respect and dignity. Students really enjoy the many engaging activities such as weekly yoga sessions, gardening, cooking, birthday parties, and community outings. I have particularly enjoyed observing growth in students' confidence, communication and social skills. Individualized vocational education and support is given. We all celebrate as each student completes job explorations and obtains meaningful paid work experiences. Wisconsin Independent Learning College is a very special place!!
WisconsinILC 02/05/2025
Ron has been our "Appliance and Everything Else Repair Man" since 2014. He has helped WILC with repairs, replacements, new appliance and kitchen/pantry building from installing cabinets, floors, ceilings, hardware, purchasing, connecting us with other trades and so much more. He has proved to be invaluable over the years!