CrossingPoints Tier 1 program is a collaboration between UA, Tuscaloosa City Schools, and the Tuscaloosa County School System. Students follow the transition curriculum entitled “Life Centered Career Education” involving Daily Living skills, Personal Social Skills, Occupational Guidance, and Preparation.
CrossingPoints strives to create authentic transition connections among individuals with disabilities, their families, and the community that foster caring partnerships to ensure the achievement of enviable lifestyles supported by ongoing self-determination and empowered decision-making.
How do I apply for the CrossingPoints Programs?
Referral packets are sent to special education teachers in all the Tuscaloosa City and County schools in late December each year. Students must be enrolled in one of these systems for at least a year and referred by their current special education teacher. To learn more about eligibility requirements, please email us at crossing@ua.edu.
From Campus to Adulthood
Our Tier 1 Program provides transition services for students with disabilities ages 18-21. Students in CrossingPoints receive instruction in employment, independent living, functional academics, self-determination, socialization, and recreation.
Employment Placements
Employment development in the CrossingPoints Program includes hands-on instruction during placements at specially selected job sites on the UA campus or at local businesses. Students work at several real-world job sites, helping them make informed employment decisions after graduation. Furthermore, tours of local and regional industries expose our students to careers that may interest them.
Independent Living Skills
Daily living instruction is provided, enabling students to acquire the skills needed to live as independently as possible in the future. Students receive instruction in areas such as planning, shopping, cooking, ordering meals in restaurants, banking, taking care of clothing, and dealing with emergency situations.
Socialization & Recreation
CrossingPoints provides opportunities throughout the year for social development. Students exercise at the Student Recreation Center; enjoy monthly karaoke parties; participate in inclusive basketball clinics with UA's Wheelchair Basketball Team; attend local theater and music productions; participate in canoeing, fishing, and bowling; and attend parties sponsored by UA sororities and fraternities. CrossingPoints collaborates with PARA and its Therapeutic Recreation Program for adults with disabilities.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Monday – Thursday
8:00am–2:30pm8:00am Arrival at CrossingPoints
8:15-9:00 Academics (4 Groups Literacy & Math)
9:00-11:45 Employment Practicum and Internships
11:45-12:30 Lunch
12:30-1:30 Program Coursework (3 Groups)
1:30-2:30 Program Coursework (3 Groups)
Friday
8:00am–2:30pmA variety of campus activities such as music therapy and/or leisure/recreation activities in the community such as canoeing trips or lunch and a movie with PARA
SCHOOL CALENDARS
CrossingPoints follows the Tuscaloosa City Schools and Tuscaloosa County School System schedules.
A partnership between The University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa City Schools and the Tuscaloosa County School System
