Real Skills, Real Experience, Real Life
For students with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities ages 18-22
The Parish Hill Transition Opportunities for Post-secondary Success (PHTOPS) program is designed to support students with disabilities and their families as they transition into adulthood. We focus on empowering each student to reach their full potential across social, emotional, physical, and cognitive areas within a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
Our goal is to prepare students to engage in daily living tasks and access their communities and future career opportunities with as much independence as possible.
Our program provides real-world learning through vocational training, independent living instruction, and social skills development across job sites and community settings.
Located on a rural campus that fosters a calm, community-focused learning environment, the program features a low staff-to-student ratio, flexible scheduling options, and transportation services, ensuring supports are tailored to meet each student’s individual needs.
Students benefit from extended school year services and a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, including the ability to earn industry recognized credentials such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification, a nationally recognized credential in food safety and preparation.
Additional experiences may include community college coursework and job-readiness training through partnerships with organizations like Veterans Base Camp.
Morning check-in and goal setting
Life skills instruction (cooking, budgeting, transportation planning, etc.)
Community-based instruction (grocery shopping, banking, meal planning, etc.)
Regular job site visits and on-site vocational training
Agency visits or guest speakers
Independent or small group work tasks (filing, cleaning, food prep, inventory, etc.)
Self-advocacy lessons and reflection activities
Each student’s schedule is personalized based on their strengths, needs, and transition goals.
Students receive direct instruction and hands-on practice in essential life skills, including cooking, laundry, hygiene, budgeting, banking, time management, health and transportation, and basic first aid.
Students develop essential skills for employment success, including resume writing, interview preparation, workplace behavior, time management, following directions, communication, and teamwork.
Students engage in college and career readiness activities, including studying the Connecticut Driver’s Manual, exploring community resources, and learning how to access adult support services.
Students build confidence in everyday interactions by practicing phone etiquette, social skills, completing forms, cursive writing, and recognizing when and how to seek help.
Veterans Base Camp
Chaplin Elementary School
Hampton Elementary School
Windham Hospital
Parish Hill Cafeteria
Chaplin Congregation Church
Joshua Trust
Our Companions Animal Sanctuary
Chaplin Public Library
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)
Level Up
Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Project Genesis (R.I.S.E.)
EASTCONN