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LIFE LAB
Life Lab supports young adults with autism and related disabilities, primarily students from Chicago’s West Side public high school transition programs. Many come from underserved communities with limited access to resources, yet share the same desire for independence, friendship, and a meaningful future. Life Lab provides the structure, guidance, and real-world practice they need to take steps toward that future.
A REAL-WORLD LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Life Lab is a fully furnished three-bedroom townhouse in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood. Designed to mirror a real home, it gives students a safe, supportive place to practice everyday routines and build independence.
Students work on essential “activities of daily living” such as cooking simple meals, doing laundry, cleaning, personal hygiene, and basic grooming. Practicing these skills in a realistic setting helps them transfer what they learn to home and community life.
Building Daily Living Skills
Routines & Responsibility
From the moment students arrive, they follow instructions and routines that shape how they learn, interact, and grow. These simple steps reinforce responsibility, consistency, and structure.
Communication and Social Growth
Guided by clinicians, students develop communication skills by expressing their thoughts, feelings, interests, and beliefs. Through visual demonstrations and hands-on learning, they gain both confidence and competence.
Life Lab extends beyond the townhouse. Students learn to navigate public transportation, explore their neighborhoods, and engage in community activities, preparing them for greater independence as adults.
Community Engagement
The Impact
By focusing on incremental progress, participants gain the confidence and skills to contribute at home, build connections with others, and take meaningful steps toward independence.
