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Adult Based Life Experience Program (ABLE)

 
 
 
Adult Based Life Experience Program (ABLE)
The Adult Transition Program serves students with disabilities aged 18 to 22 as they prepare for the next stage of adult life. Designed for individuals who are continuing their special education services through the Individualized Education Program (IEP). The program supports students working towards a high school diploma, individuals who have completed the alternative pathway to a high school diploma, and those who have earned a certificate of completion. With a focus on employment readiness, independent living, and meaningful community involvement, the program empowers students to develop the skills necessary for a successful transition into adulthood. 
Directions 
 
Contact Information
 
ABLE Mt. Vernon Campus
 
501 S. Mt. Vernon Ave.
Bakersfield, Ca. 93307
Phone: (661) 397-5720
Fax: (661) 397-5700
 
ABLE @ RCC Campus
 
610 Ansol Ln. 
Bakersfield, Ca. 93306
Phone: (661) 366-4401
Fax: (661) 363-0828
 
ABLE Administration
 
Kristyn Radman - Assistant Principal
Leah Wong - Coordinator
Chad Blain - ABLE @ RCC Assistant Principal
Teresa Smith - ABLE @ RCC Coordinator
 
ABLE Program Specialists
 
Jeremy Essen - ABLE Mt. Vernon Campus
Danny Kinder - ABLE Mt. Vernon Campus
Brian Brandon - ABLE @ RCC Campus
 
Office Hours
 
Monday - Friday
7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 
Program Hours
 
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
 
A.B.L.E. focuses on providing functional academics, community-based instruction, job skills training and recreational activities to ensure that each student makes a smooth transition from school to post-secondary community involvement with as little disruption as possible.
 
Program Information
  • Students must live within the boundaries of the Kern High School District. 
  • ABLE follows the Kern High School District Student Attendance Calendar. 
  • Services and supports provided based on Annual & Triennial IEP Meetings.
  • Staff includes:                                                                                                                                
          • Credentialed Special Education Teachers
          • Instructional Assistant Special Needs Mobility
          • School Psychologist
          • Speech & Language Pathologist
          • Mental Health Clinician
          • Behaviorist
          • Nurse, LVN and Health Care Specialists
  • Bus transportation may be provided to and from A.B.L.E. based on IEP.
  • Breakfast and lunch are provided by KHSD Nutrition Services. 
  • Provide assistance in accessing information to Community Agencies/Adult Programs upon completion of the A.B.L.E. Program.

Students enrolled in the ABLE Program will receive instruction in the following areas:

  • Community Based Instruction (CBI): to teach age-appropriate skills in community settings which may include tours of stores and local businesses, pedestrian safety and accessing community resources to help students acquire life-skills that will increase opportunities within the general community. Instruction is based on the student’s IEP goals and objectives. 
  • Functional Academics: learning to read/recognize practical words such as functional/survival signs, food/menu words and directions. Learning number recognition, counting, use of numbers and the understanding of money and time. Instruction is based on the student’s IEP goals and objectives. 
  • Independent Living Skills: making purchases, household tasks, exhibiting proper grooming and hygiene, dressing appropriately, preparing meals, reading labels, following recipes and demonstrating appropriate eating habits. Instruction is based on the student’s IEP goals and objectives. 
  • Daily Living Skills Lab: students learn basic nutrition, food handling, shopping and preparation of small meals. Students will be taught safety, cleaning and operation of common kitchen appliances. Students will learn additional living skills such as the operation of a clothes washer and dryer, how to fold clothes and other household items. Instruction is based on the student’s IEP goals and objectives. 
  • Social Skills: public greetings, personal space, impulse control, seeking help and requesting information/services, understanding emotions. Instruction is based on the student’s IEP goals and objectives. 
  • Job Skills: pre-vocational readiness skills, interacting with co-workers/superiors on job site, task completion, vocational inventory. Instruction is based on the student’s IEP goals and objectives. 
  • Recreation/Leisure: determining and accessing preferred activities, appropriate social skills while participating in group activities. Instruction is based on the student’s IEP goals and objectives. 
 

Transition Websites

ABLE @ Mt. Vernon Staff 
 
Title Name Email
Assistant Principal  Kristyn Radman
Coordinator  Leah Wong 
Program Specialist Dustin Wilkins
Teacher Anthony Acevedo
Teacher Alicia Aguilar
Teacher  Tania Alanis
Teacher Jeff Craft
Teacher Karen Covington
Teacher Deya Cunningham
Teacher Erin Finnegan
Teacher  Israel Flores
Teacher Jake Fortnum
Teacher Esteban Guzman
Teacher Karan Harrington
Teacher  Jennifer Heffler
Teacher Jessica Hernandez
Teacher  Analuz Hernandez 
Teacher Tyler Higgins
Teacher Lisa Holle
Teacher  Brooks Keller
Teacher  Gayla Kern
Teacher Jasmine Higgins
Teacher Tim McDowell
Teacher  Isabel Pacheco
Teacher  Candice Pena
Teacher  Van Roberts 
Teacher Grace Baldwin
Teacher Joslin Kretsinger
Teacher Rudy Rosales 
Teacher LuAnn Ruoss
Teacher Amanda Sisneros
Teacher  Stephani Yanez
Teacher  Chris Ruiz
Teacher  Kendyl Chavez
Teacher  Matt Akers
Teacher Carlos Angulo
Teacher Melissa Miller
Teacher Juan Gonzalez
Mental Health Clinician Karen Carrasco
Behaviorist Frank Rodriguez
Behaviorist Brooke Copus
Behaviorist Qiana Roberts
Speech Therapist  Ana-Maria Rios
Speech Therapist Marinna Castillo
School Psychologist Angel Gonzales
School Psychologist Marvin Villegas
 
ABLE @ RCC Staff
 
Title  Name Email
Coordinator Teresa Smith
Program Specialist Brian Brandon
Teacher Claudia Esparza
Teacher Erik Morales
Teacher Matthew Pratt
Teacher Sellessa Herrera
Teacher  Donne Tan
Teacher  Mary Long
Teacher Marc Urmston
Teacher  Michelle Stephens
Teacher Kathy Young
School Psychologist Angel Gonzales
School Psychologist Marvin Villegas
                             Holly Mell - Special Education Alternative Programs Director 
                             Greg Hicks - SELPA Director                           
                             Jennifer Anderson - Special Education Instruction Director