Our SPIRIT program recently completed its first full-program Community-Based Instruction (CBI) trip to MOD Pizza in Valley Square! The outing gave students a chance to take the skills they have been building in the classroom and put them to work in a real-world setting.
The trip began with safety. Students practiced navigating parking lots and crosswalks, using what they have learned about staying aware of their surroundings and moving safely through the community.
Once at the restaurant, students put their money management, purchasing, and ordering skills to the test. Each student independently ordered and paid for their own meal, from choosing their food to handling the transaction. It was a proud moment to see their confidence and independence on display.
Community-based instruction is an important part of the SPIRIT program because it allows students to practice essential life skills in the places where they will use them. Opportunities like this help students build confidence, strengthen their independence, and connect classroom learning to everyday life.