The document discusses the purpose and components of 18-21 transition programs. The key points are: 1) 18-21 transition programs are located in community settings to provide intensive transition training for students ages 18-21 as they prepare for life after high school. 2) The Boulder Valley School District's 18-21 program has three components: Pathways for higher support, Bridges for less support, and Employment Services to help students gain work experience. 3) The goal is to simulate a weekly schedule and assist students' transition to adult independence through workshops, community experiences, and agency connections.

1. Boulder Valley School District 18-21 Services PowerPoint Developed by Donna Miers, Transition Specialist

2. Transition in relationship to 18-21 services… It is important to note that transition is a process…and not a program. Everyone needs to prepare for life’s transitions. Parents and students need to think about the future and prepare appropriately. Purpose of the IEP…. He who aims at nothing hits it every time Indicator 13 requirements: PSGs (after high school, measurable,….not wants to , or is considering) Annual meeting Assessments to drive the process Services and Activities stated appropriately (who is doing what) Course of study outlined and meaningful (multi-year & focused) Was the student invited? Do the annual goals relate to the future outcomes? SMART PSGs (specific, measurable, attainable, results oriented, time bound) Annual meeting Agency Invitation/permission?

3. Remember…..there are many transitions in life…. prepare

4. “ Community-based transition programs are developed by public school systems but located in age-appropriate settings for students who are ages 18-21. The purpose of 18-21 programs is to provide intensive transition experiences and training in real-life settings. An important feature of 18-21 programs is that the students do not go to a high school building on a daily basis; instead, they spend their time in community-based settings.” www.transition coalition.org

5. “ Keep in mind that the district responsibility is to identify post-school goals, prepare the student for the next environment, and link him with the next appropriate services.” Barb Palmer

6. One of the major goals of our program is to collaborate with each student and family to simulate a weekly schedule similar to the one the students will have at age 21

7. Boulder Valley School District Our 18 to 21 Program has 3 components: Pathways: students that need a higher level of support as they participate in instructional community access opportunities. Bridges: students that need less support and minimal instructional hours as they move toward their post-secondary goals. Employment Services: for students seeking work experience leading toward paid employment

8. To access BVSD’s 18-21 services a student must have completed the academic credits required to receive a diploma. In addition, the student must agree to attend a minimum of 5.5 hours of instruction per week. Additional hours are decided by the IEP team and based on the need(s) of the student.

9. The transition to adulthood is perhaps the most complex of any we encounter. The paths we select have consequences for the remainder of our lives. Transition programming for youth with disabilities is a focus of attention at the Federal level through several laws. One of the most notable is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) The IDEA defines transition as a coordinated set of activities for a student designed within an outcome-oriented process with long-range goals in mind.

10. Our goal is to transition each student to the best possible level of adult independent living. Students will have the opportunity to: * experience self-respect and dignity * exercise choice and control over their lives * earn respect for their dreams and aspirations * experience freedom to form their own relationships Each student is dealt with on an individual basis according to his/her unique needs. Additionally, we know that students have a right to work for employers who appreciate them and who will compensate them accordingly. We want each student to learn that their abilities are valuable and that they can contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.

13. How do we assist students? Access Boulder TEC or Community College Independent Living Workshops Social/Recreation Work Study Program Bus Training Community Agency Connections

14. Agency Connections Community College (FRCC orientation/assessment connections Division of Vocational Rehabilitation SWAP WFBC Association for Community Living (ACL, activities/advocacy) Boulder County Social Services Center for People with Disabilities Imagine! (Boulder County’s Community Based Board) SSI/SSDI (Supplemental Security Income; Social Security Disability funds)

15. We Provide Workshops/Community Experiences that Focus on: Advocacy Money Management Job Skills Living on Your Own Cooking Health and Nutrition Social Skills Safety in the Community and on the Internet

16. http://www.transitioncoalition.org/transition/ics.php

18. A Glimpse at our program

19. Bus Training

21. Workshops

22. Voting Information and Registration Opportunity

23. Students learned from, Jerry Leary, a blind business owner the challenges that can occur (and be overcome)when starting a business

25. Project: Senior Connections

26. Learning that we all, eventually, have to learn to adapt to difficulties and the loss of abilities

27. Cooking

29. Social Gatherings

32. Job skill Opportunities

33. Accounting 101

37. Volunteer opportunities in the community

38. Worked with the city of Lafayette to fill eggs for a spring business promotion

39. Recreation opportunities

40. Making connections and celebrating successes

41. Boulder Valley School District Providing youth with the tools they will need to live a successful and fulfilling life Internet sites: Website: www.mierstransition2010.pbworks.com Blog: www.bvsdintotheworld.wordpress.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/bvsdsped