Young Adult Transition Program

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About Us

Empowering Independence for Young Adults with Disabilities

Age Range:

  • Students from the age of 18 up to 26.

Focus Areas:

  • Employability
  • Independence
  • Self-Advocacy

Program Features:

  • Daily living skills (shopping, meal preparation, budgeting skills, personal hygiene, and housekeeping)
  • On-the-job social skills
  • Vocational Experiences 
  • Community-Based Instruction.
  • Work-based learning.

Designed For: 

  • Young adults interested in employment

Application Process: How to Apply?

Referral and Discussion:

  • Involves the student, parent, Local Education Agency (LEA) case manager, LEA administrator, and ISD Special Education Supervisor.
  • Completion of Young Adult Transition survey by student and parent.  

Tour Arrangement

  • Contact your local school district case manager or coordinator to arrange a tour through an ISD Special Education Supervisor. 
  • Tours are by appointment on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 2:30 to 3:30 PM.

Transition IEP 

  • LEA Special Education Teacher arranges for a transition IEP.
  • Transition IEP will be held to determine the appropriate placement.

Enrollment Packet

  • Enrollment packets will be sent to the student/parent after the transition IEP is completed.

Empowering Futures

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the ISD Young Adult Transition Center, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
  • Should not possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum of 18 years old.
  • Have four years of high school.
  • Must have a desire for engagement and independence in employment or active community participation.
  • Enrolled in local school district in St. Joseph County. 

Empowering Through Experiences

Program Components: Hands-on Learning for Real-World Success

Community-Based Instruction:

  • Exploring the communities in our county.
  • Fostering skills and independent functioning in the community.
  • Providing a variety of activities based on individual goals.
  • Examples: shopping, budgeting, restaurant etiquette.  

Vocational Experiences:

  • Opportunities In the community and on-site. 
  • A variety of employment and volunteer experiences.
  • Building relationships with community members to increase inclusion opportunities.
  • Real-world employment skills practice.

Job Coaching:

  • Takes place during work-based learning, vocational experiences, and independent living skills development.

Work-Based Learning:

  • Develops job-specific skills and work-related tasks.
  • Tailored to individual strengths, preferences, and interests.
  • Opportunities in both school and local businesses.
  • Inclusive of public transportation training.

Community Partner Participation:

  • Valued partners enhance independence through various opportunities.
  • Partners include business sponsors, employment agencies, and community living support.