(Formerly known as the VOICE Program)
Independence Academy is a special education program that operates outside of the traditional high school environment to provide students with relevant educational and vocational experiences in community settings.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a federal law that requires planning for transition to adulthood for a young person with a disability as part of his or her Individualized Education Plan. Transition is the process designed to assist students in their move from high school into adult living. Lincoln Public Schools created the Independence Academy to help prepare students, ages 18-21. The Independence Academy program has designed daily living, educational and vocational experiences to help students gain the skills and connections they need to facilitate a positive transition into adult living.
Students receiving Special Education Services from the six high schools in LPS, who are between the ages of 18 and 21 years old may be considered to take part in the Independence Academy program. Students enter Independence Academy when they are at least 18 years old. Students may participate in Independence Academy through the school year in which they turn 21 years old. Independence Academy serves a variety of students with different levels of disabilities.
