Working, Learning and Becoming An Independent Adult David Desmond, Aaron Triphan, Nicole Beschta and Lindsey Mathys.

Working, Learning and Becoming An Independent Adult

David Desmond, Aaron Triphan, Nicole Beschta and Lindsey Mathys

A Little About Pulaski SchoolsThe Pulaski Community School

District has a population of 3700 students. We have roughly 380 students in special education Early Childhood through age 21.

Pulaski High School has 129 students in special education at this time.

Beginning the Transition Journey

Transition Action Guide

PARTNERS IN THE TRANSITION PROCESS

Age 14 to the end of 9th gradeTransitioning Activities:•Career Inventories/Interest

Inventories•Exploring options for post-secondary

options•Conversations about career options•Begin the Post Secondary Transition

Plan•Developing Pre-Employment Skills•Focus is Academic and Life Skills

Grade 10 Transition Activities•Begin Transition Portfolio•Review areas of academic needs •Refine identified Social Skills needs•Work on Interpersonal Skills•Work on Intrapersonal Skills•Participate/Volunteer in School and

Community Activities•Learn about Recreational Activities

Grade 10 Continued.....

•Develop Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy Skills

•Focus on Academic and Graduation Requirements

•Continue exploring post-secondary options for possible career interests

•Begin exploring transportation options

•Enjoy school activities

How the Red Raider Cafe Started...

RED RAIDER CAFE

Kitchen Workers

Grade 11 Transition Activities•Redefine identified needs

academically, emotionally and socially.

•Continue working on Transition Portfolio.

•Begin contacting the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).

•Contact Aging and Disability Resource Center.

•Discuss Guardianship Possibilities.•Complete transition assessment

o Enderle-Severson Transition Rating Scale

Grade 11 Continued.....

•Explore adult long term care options and apply for appropriate services if eligible.

•Apply for SSI and re-apply for Medicaid.

•Complete a functional skills assessment if necessary.

•Discuss living options.•Collaborative effort to focus on

functional skills at school, home and community.

Grade 11 Continued....•Focus on personal safety and

community safety.•Attend the Social World Class if

appropriate.•Possible academic testing or

cognitive testing for preparation of post secondary needs.

•MAP testing•Attend the Transition Fairs in your

County.

Grade 11 Continued....

•Attend the Oneida Nation Exploratory Career Days.

•Complete TABE or ACT testing for post secondary education.

•Visit College Campuses.•Continue Career Preparation

Planning.•Update Job Interests.•Begin work experiences in the

school setting.

Grade 11 Continued....

•Work on Employability/Work Skills.

•Obtain Employment.

•Begin exploring independent housing options.

•Begin exploring transportation options.

Rita- The Job Coach

Thoughts from Daniel SloweyCo-Principal of PHS1.Absolutely wonderful real life

experiences that can't be simulated in classroom settings.

2.Self- esteem rises, students become empowered, make an impact at school and earn a paycheck.

3.Spark students who didn't have a spark or interest at school. Students love to be involved......

Work Experiences- SuperRon's

Work Experiences

Grade 12 Transition Activities•Update or Finalize Transition

Portfolioo Add work experiences, letters of

recommendations, references

•DVR representation at IEP's if eligible.

•Aspiro representation if appropriate.

•Possible Functional Skills, Academic or Cognitive testing.

•Continue working on adaptive behaviors.

•Healthy Transition Skills.

Goodwill Industries

Grade 12 Continued...

•Focus on Safety and Security•Attend Transition Fairs in your

Countyo Example- Pulaski attends both

Shawano and Brown County Fairs- Set up and information is very different.

•TABE or ACT testing if appropriate.•Visit College Campuses.•Apply to hopeful technical or 4 year

colleges.

Grade 12 Continued....

•Attend the Social World Class if appropriate.

•Job Training/Community Integration •Work Sampling of Jobs.•Employability and Work Skills•Work Experiences through the

School and the Community.•Additional Supports and links to

resources.

Grade 12 Continued....

•Transportation Optionso If a driver's license is not an option,

the teachers work on preparing students for transit on the bus systems.

•Encourage students to obtain housing that would be close to work options as they complete high school.

Kevin Bahr- Facilities Director

1. Work in a collaborative effort where both departments learn and grow together. (Getting the work done isn't the highest priority.)

2. Students develop life-long skills that promote independence and responsibility.

3. Getting the students actively involved and caring for our school.

4. Win-Win situations for all departments involved. (Our students are our most devoted, happy and hard working students.) There is no way that projects and work would done without our help from our student workers.

Work Experiences

Work Experiences

Transition Years Age 18-21

•Continue the process of Grade 12 for students. Student options are based on individual needs.

•Finalize Transition Portfolio.•DVR options for possible

employment.o Last year in school.

•ASPIRO options for possible employment.o Last year in school.

The Final Transition Years...•Oneida Tribal Community Options•Celebrate Disability Employment

Awareness•Finalize PostSecondary housing

options.•Attend the CESA program:

o Learning for Independence Cooperative Transition Program at NWTC.

•Employment Options with a job coach or independently in the community.

The Final Transition Years...•On the job training options.•Review continued areas of needs

and connect families with appropriate agencies.

•Transportation OptionsStudents are given opportunities to

practice becoming independent on the bus transit.

Learning for Independence

Learning for Independence

Community Employment -Daycares

How does this happen?

Collaborative Effort with Student, Family, School and the Community Agencies.

Important Resources

•

http://www.wsti.org/

•Opening Doors: A Guide to Adult Services

(published by the Department of Public Instruction)

•Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dvr/Wisconsin Statewide Transition Initiative

More Resources

•Aging and Disability Resource Center

http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov//ltcareadrc/

•Additional Questions: Contact your school district's transition coordinator/representative.

Special Thanks to ......

•The Students in the Pulaski Work Experience Program

•Special Education Staff•Job Coaches•Paraprofessionals