Independence360 (A Program of Spectrum360)

Independence360, also known as Spectrum360 adult services, helps enrich the lives of adults with autism and related disabilities.

Our day habilitation program offers a person-centered and tailored experience for our adults in an active, safe and supportive environment encouraging growth and development. Independence360’s prevocational/supported employment services provides training for individuals seeking employment skills.

As approved vendors for the NJ Division of Developmental Disability (NJDDD) and Medicaid we maintain the highest standards and compliance requirements.

Our learning principles

Designed around four pillars to maximize the potential of our adults:

Life Skills

From daily community outings to hands-on activities, we encourage engagement by infusing key lessons and practice with an adult’s preferences and interest to help them reach their potential for full independence in as many life skill areas as possible.

Personal Development

Our goal is for our adults to learn and grow in areas that meet their interests, preferences, skills and needs, assisted by direct support professionals (DSPs) or an outside expert in that area. Volunteering, group outings and participating in the community is a core component of gaining confidence and independence.

Social Interactions

Respites, nights out, game nights, holiday parties, basketball team, luncheons and other events are held often to encourage larger social interactions across our community and to create opportunities for friendship and deeper, more meaningful connections.

Focusing on three core content areas — social skills, life skills and personal development — our adults receive training in technology, travel, health and fitness, money management, reading and writing for adult life, citizenship and civics, as well as recreational and sports/fitness opportunities.

From the outset, our dedicated DSPs spends time with each adult to identify their interests, preferences, skills, and abilities, as well as areas where training or support are needed. From there, a personalized schedule is designed, within a group setting of peers with similar cognitive, behavioral and social abilities, to provide a productive and engaged program.

Groups use the greater community as their classroom, so it’s not uncommon for clients to train in an area and then use the community to practice. These community-based instructions or trips happen four or five times a week. Schedules are busy and there’s very little downtime at I360.

Our program offers:

• Use of technology: Helping to develop skills in email, Microsoft Office, Adobe design programs, Powerpoint and other tools
• Work readiness: Both office and interpersonal skills, job-specific skills and training, career planning and assessment
• Self-direction and self-advocacy: Helping adults learn to speak up for themselves
• Healthcare and safety skills: Making doctor’s appointments, when to call 9-1-1, fire drills and appropriate conversations/verbal skills with first responders
• Practical life skills: For self-management and increasing each individual’s ability to live as independently as possible, including travel training and household management
• Self-expression: Communication skills and development
• Money management and financial literacy: Checkbook and banking skills, budgeting and responsible debit and credit card use

Independence360 After Hours Classes offer engaging, skill-building opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment. Held in convenient block sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM at our Whippany campus, these paid classes are designed to foster independence, creativity, and personal growth.

Participants can explore a wide range of interests, including culinary arts, horticulture, fitness, theatre, art, travel training, and more. Our programs are open to individuals with autism and related challenges, as well as any interested members of the community, creating a diverse and welcoming learning experience for all.

Whether you’re looking to build new skills, pursue a passion, or connect with others, i360 After Hours Classes provide meaningful opportunities beyond the traditional day.

To learn more or to get started, please contact:
Jason Wetzel, Program Director
jwetzel@spectrum360.org
973-509-3050 ext. 611

The Volunteer Work Experience Program offers adults a meaningful alternative to traditional prevocational services — one built around hands-on learning in the real world. Through thoughtfully matched placements at local organizations, participants contribute to important community work while developing practical skills at their own pace.

Each placement is tailored to the individual — accounting for sensory preferences, physical stamina, and personal interests — so every experience feels like the right fit. With job coaches providing ongoing support, participants gain confidence, independence, and a clearer sense of what environments and roles they enjoy most.

• Individualized matching – Placements aligned to your strengths and comfort
• Job coach support – Guided learning every step of the way
• Community connection – Give back and be seen for what you can do
• A path to employment – Placements may open doors to paid opportunities