Walton Options works with persons with disabilities of all ages, including with young persons with disabilities on their journey to independence. The Youth Services Teams in Georgia and South Carolina provide programs that instill knowledge today to empower a future. The program includes a youth transitions program, Peer Support Groups for young adults ages 18 to 24 including a monthly meet-up and summer sessions, and adaptive camps in conjunction with Walton Foundation for Independence including Camp To Be Independent (TBI) and Walton Winter Weekend.
**Please note: With the current health situation surrounding COVID-19, we are following CDC Guidance with social distancing and reduced face-to-face interactions. We are offering our services Virtually through phone, email and video calls. For more youth services information, please call your local office: 706-724-6262 (Augusta), 803-279-9611 (North Augusta) or 843-538-1600 (Walterboro).**
OH YEA!
Options are available for youth ages 14 to 24 with disabilities!
Are you and your child looking for individualized/group support as together you look to the future and a career?
Do you want to encourage self-confidence, critical thinking, leadership skills, resilience and much more?
We have the resources for you! Through our work with partners in Georgia and South Carolina, The Occupational Horizons Youth Empowering Activities (OH YEA!) program offers a variety of transition resources for youth in various settings.
As an extension of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), The OH YEA! Program reaches youth as they look to the future in school and beyond. We do this through:
- Entrepreneurial Skills Training
- Financial Planning
- Pre-Employment Skills
- Self-Determination Training
- Person-Centered Planning
- Self-Advocacy Skills Training
- Tutoring Referral Services
- Work Experience Opportunities
- Post-secondary Enrollment Counseling
If you are interested in the OH YEA! Program in South Carolina, please let us know! We have set up an interest from online for you to submit your details so we can follow up directly with you about your options.
OH YEA! Pre-ETS 2020/21 Interest Form
OH YEA! is offered in Georgia (Richmond and Columbia Counties) and in South Carolina (Colleton, Allendale, Bamberg, Jasper, and Beaufort Counties). To find out more about the OH YEA! program in your area, contact one our three Office Locations.
Building Empowered Youth Obtaining Uniqueness!
One of our latest Peer Support Groups is designed specifically for young adults 18 to 26 with disabilities looking to build their independence and connect with others sharing similar experiences. It is all about Building Empowered Youth Obtaining Uniqueness! BE YOU works with young adults to help them build their confidence, connect with other young adults, build their skills and expand their future opportunities. The group regularly explores hot topics and looks for exciting things to participate in.
They focus on:
- Social Skills
- Advocacy
- Transition Skills
- Employment Skills
- Understanding your Rights and Accommodations as an individual
- Life Skills
- Peer Support
BE YOU lets members know that they are not alone with Peer Support every time they meet. The group meets every 4th Tuesday of the month from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Click here to find out more about BE YOU! on Facebook and through the Meetup.com Page.
Camp To Be Independent
At Camp To Be Independent (TBI), kids with traumatic brain injuries can just be kids. Camp TBI is an annual weeklong, spend-the-night camp offered at no cost for children and young adults (ages 8-21) with disabilities resulting from a traumatic brain injury, including: Injuries at birth, Stroke, Brain tumors, and Trauma.
Walton Options partners with Walton Foundation for Independence to host Camp TBI. Camp is held at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Ga., a fully accessible campsite featuring: spacious cabins, gym and amphitheater, medical lodge, media center with a teaching center and photography room, an arts center for dance and drama, a library, arts and crafts building, an accessible playground and pool, riding ring, biking paths, climbing wall, zip line and more.
Camp activities include:
- Group games
- Sporting activities including horseback riding & ropes course
- Swimming & Fishing
- Arts and crafts
- Dances & Karaoke
- Talent nights
Every level of ability can participate as every effort has been made to reduce barriers and provide accommodation—even those who are wheelchair/mobility device users—can participate. During the week of camp, each child also sets an individual goal to work toward with their counselor, with an overall goal of furthering each child’s independence.
Walton Winter Weekend
Children ages 6 to 18 with a physical disability and their families are invited to join Walton Options and Walton Foundation for Winter Weekend! Moms, dads, siblings and kids and young adults with disabilities are all invited to play and participate in fun activities in camp together. Families will have the chance—perhaps for the first time ever—to be there when their child or sibling does the impossible, from soaring on a zip line to climbing a ropes course. Each family stays together in their own cabin too!
For more information about Camp TBI or Walton Winter Weekend, please visit the Camp Information Page.
If you are interested in any of our Youth Programs or Services, please contact Walton Options on 706-724-6262 to speak with an Information and Referral Specialist. Or complete the Self-Referral Form online by clicking here.
For more information about other programs, please click on the buttons below:
Assistive Technology &
Home Modifications
Employment Services
GA Vision Program
Nursing Home Transitions
STAR Program Hub
Work Incentives Planning and
Assistance (WIPA) Programs