Transition – A team approach

Division for Rehabilitation Services & REACH Resource Centers on Independent Living

Collaboration

Working with others to achieve a common goal

Benefits of Collaboration

The expertise of each member is available to all

Consensus is facilitated Decision making is shared Creative approaches are born Resources are maximized Conflict is resolved

CHIRP - Centers Hatching Initiatives for Realizing Potential

Players, Purpose, Process

• History of IL and VR

CHIRP - Centers Hatching Initiatives for Realizing Potential

Players, Purpose, Process

Facilitating more effective transition of youth with disabilities

CHIRP - Centers Hatching Initiatives for Realizing Potential

Players, Purpose, Process

Demonstration project conducted by the Region 6 Technical Assistance and Continuing Education Center (TACE)

Innovative Ideas

Transition Connection

Independent Living Academies

Piloting the Transition Connection

WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHERE? WHY?

Taking the show on the road

Launching the Independent Living Academies

Method

Content

Participant Comments

“I had a good fun and exciting week at the academy”

“I learned to be more independent and how to be safe out there on my own”

“I learned to cook different things this week” “I learned things about helping others and

making new friends” “I learned three strengths about myself”

Participant Comments “I can advocate for myself” “I learned to focus on what I’m good at” “I got to meet people with other disabilities

and to be more independent” “I felt safe! I felt Wonderful! I met neat people

and made new friends!” “The Independent Living Academy was a great

experience for me, because I learned to do things on my own”

Expanding the Collaboration

Building a “village” to aid students with disabilities as they prepare to assume adult roles.

Possible partners

Benefits

Broader continuum of services available to transitioning students

More consistency in information provided to students and their families.

Improved achievement of IDEA indicators related to transition

Greater success rate for students transitioning from school to work and independence