Transition Center Program Supports Independence
The District’s Transition Center is a community-based educational center for special education students ages 18-21 with mental disabilities or autism. The program was begun in 2001 to assist students in increasing their level of independence within the community.
The on-site staff consists of certified special education teachers, paraeducators, and a job coach. The program administrator is located at the Educational Service Center. The Transition Center is also supported by Grant Wood AEA staff for additional services including speech, school psychology, school social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and vocational counseling.
“Our goal is to help each student acquire the daily living skills to live more independently, whether in a setting with minimal supervision, a group home setting, or at home with their families,” explained Nancy Rife, teacher. “During our mornings, we work on life skills such as functional academics, daily living skills, community mobility, recreation/leisure, and fitness. The afternoons are devoted to working in the community.”
The amount of independence each student achieves is based on the extent of that student's disability. Some develop the ability to work independently, while others are better able to work in groups with direct supervision. Some students work with an increased level of independence in a sheltered workshop setting.
Transition Center students work independently at Hy-Vee Mt Vernon Road, Hy-Vee Collins Road, Benchmark Inc., Hardee’s, Quizno’s Edgewood Road, St. Luke’s Hospital Work Well Clinic, Westdale Bowl, and Hiawatha Culver’s. Supervised worksites include St. Luke’s Hospital laundry, Altorfer Inc., Dee Electronics, Gringo’s, Clarion Hotel, Gordman’s, United Fire, HACAP, the Department of Human Services, and Highway Equipment.
Every student leaves the Transition Center with the advantage of having completed a variety of experiences in the community. These experiences offer an opportunity to develop and apply the skills learned in an authentic setting.
During the 2008-09 school year the program served 24 students; 13 graduated from the program on May 28, with a special commencement event that included personal introductions, the conferring of diplomas, and a reception for families.
“We develop very close, personal relationships with our students during their time at the Transition Center,” Rife noted. “We cheer them on when they achieve a milestone toward independence, and we feel their pain when they have setbacks. Most of our students go through their graduation ceremonies when they leave their high school setting; that ceremony is really the culmination of their school career up to that point. Their graduation from the Transition Center is a very personal experience, and one that means a lot to the graduates, their families and support systems, and to our staff.”
Of the 13 2009 graduates, five are already employed in the community. Six will soon work at Options of Linn County. One plans to work as a community volunteer. Another will work at a vocational center.
Prior to the June 2008 flood, the Transition Center was located in the Roosevelt Hotel. The facility was badly damaged by flood waters, forcing the temporary relocation of the program to the ESC at Kingston campus. The program will relocate during the summer of 2009 to the Kubias Building in downtown Cedar Rapids.