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Community Transitions for Young
Adults |
Upon the completion of four years in a high school
setting, students often make it clear that participating in a high
school program is no longer a goal or desire. Or, perhaps, both family
members and teachers recognize that classes and participation in high
school no longer address the needs of the young adult. It is clear that
it is time to move on, yet the Individualized Transition Plan (ITP) has
goals that have not been met with the level of independence the
committee anticipates. This program is designed to bridge this gap
before the student receives a certificate of completion from the school
corporation.
Community Transitions provides further educational
opportunities for individuals with disabilities whose educational needs
extend beyond the four years of high school. This corporation-wide
program is based entirely in the community.
For students working on a certificate of completion,
Community Transitions offers a dynamic environment in which students may
solidify existing employment opportunities, expand capacity to access
community services, and nurture adult social networks.
Daily activities in Community Transitions will be used to
create a
realistic
schedule for the individual's adult life. Each student,
in collaboration with his family, friends, and school/adult personnel,
will design a unique daily and weekly routine that meets his interests,
abilities, and needs. Typically, a student spends up to two years
designing this daily schedule appropriate for adult life.
Community Transitions faculty and staff serve to connect
the student and her family to community resources, vocational
rehabilitation, and adult service providers. Community Transitions aims
to support a seamless transition from school to adulthood.
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Participation in the Community
Transitions Program Means: |
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Your schedule will be flexible and built
around employment and daily living activities
—not based on school times.
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The focus will be the unmet goals in the
Transition Plan.
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Self-determination and self-advocacy are
essential components. All aspects of programming
include student input.
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All activities will take place in the
community; there is no classroom.
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The family is responsible for arranging
transportation—a school bus is not an option.
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Is this program
for my son or daughter?
Students must meet
the following eligibility requirements in order to be
considered candidates:
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Student is working on a certificate
of completion (i.e. he or she is not pursuing an
Indiana High School Diploma).
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Student has participated in a work
study and/or community based program during high
school.
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Student has/will complete four years
of high school, with their last year being in MCCSC.
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Student already has a Medicaid
waiver, possesses a high potential for independence,
and/or has strong family supports.
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Student has a high interest in
community participation.
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Individual requires support accessing
his or her community, organizing his or her day, and
mastering self-determination skills.
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Gainful employment has been secured
for a minimum of one high school term.
Once eligibility is established, the Case
Conference Committee will determine if Community
Transitions best meets the individual’s needs.
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| As with any transition
from a high school setting, students should have
some components of their day in place. This is not a "from
scratch" program. Due to the community aspect of the
program, the student's schedule needs to have some
stability existing before entering Community Transitions. |
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For more information about Community Transitions,
contact: |
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Jennifer Robinson
Community
Transitions Coordinator
315 E. North Drive
Bloomington, IN 47401
(812)
330-7700 x.3508
jrobinso@mccsc.edu |
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