STRIDE & Transition services
Preparing students for independence, education, employment and adult life
Overbrook School for the Blind’s STRIDE and Transition Services programs help students build the skills they need to thrive beyond school. Through individualized instruction, real-world experiences and support from highly qualified staff, students prepare for college, career, community participation and greater independence.
STRIDE Program
STRIDE, which stands for Skills for Transition to Independence, Education and Employment, serves students ages 18 to 21 who are preparing for life after high school. Students may come from OSB’s High School Program or from traditional public school programs after completing 12th grade.
The mission of STRIDE is to prepare students to lead productive, satisfying adult lives through instruction in independent living, employment, community access, college readiness, assistive technology and self-determination.
Transition Services
Transition Services support students ages 14 to 21 as they begin planning for life after school. The program helps students and families develop and implement individualized plans for post-secondary education, vocational training, employment, adult services, independent living and community participation.
Students are active participants in their transition planning and work with their families, school districts and OSB staff to identify goals, strengths, needs and next steps.
STRIDE at a Glance
Ages Served: STRIDE serves students ages 18 to 21. Transition Services support students ages 14 to 21.
Program Coordinator: Susan Vaughan
Curriculum Focus: Unique Curriculum, Expanded Core Curriculum for students with visual impairments, Transition Tote System and CALS Independent Living Assessment.
Individualized Planning: Each student’s program is guided by their IEP goals, transition plan, strengths, needs and future goals.
Building Skills for Adult Life
Independent Living Skills
Students practice daily living skills such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, budgeting, personal care and maintaining a living space.
Orientation and Mobility
Students build confidence navigating campus, community spaces, transportation routes and familiar environments as independently as possible.
Career Education
Students explore career interests, build workplace habits and participate in hands-on job experiences on campus and in the community.
Assistive Technology
Students learn to use tools such as communication devices, iPads, computers, adaptive keyboards, screen enlargement software and screen readers to access information and complete tasks.
Social Interaction & Communication
Students practice communication, self-advocacy, teamwork, customer service and social skills needed for work, school and community life.
Self-Determination
Students learn to identify their goals, advocate for their needs, make informed decisions and take an active role in planning their future.
College Readiness
Planning for the future begins before students enter STRIDE.
As students progress through their academic careers, OSB staff help them explore whether college or post-secondary education may be the right fit.
Students may research college requirements, explore areas of study, tour a local community college, take entrance exams or begin taking college courses while still attending OSB. Teachers and specialists support students in identifying accommodations, organizing schedules, completing assignments and advocating for their needs in a new learning environment.
How We Support Students
- Exploring college options
- Researching programs and requirements
- Touring local colleges
- Preparing for entrance exams
- Identifying accommodations
- Practicing organization and time management
- Building self-advocacy skills
White Hall Independent Living Program
In the White Hall Independent Living Program, students learn the basics of living in an apartment-style setting. They develop skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, personal care, leisure planning and sharing space with a roommate.
Students also practice the social skills needed to maintain relationships, manage routines and enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
Technology for Access and Independence
Technology helps students access information in the classroom, workplace and community. Students receive instruction in tools that support communication, organization, reading, writing, scheduling and independent access to information.
Depending on their needs, students may use personal devices, iPads, communication devices, adaptive keyboards, screen enlargement software, screen readers and other assistive technology.
A Collaborative Approach
Successful transition planning requires collaboration. OSB partners with students, families, school districts and adult-based agencies to provide a complete and individualized educational experience.
Each student plays an active role in the process, helping identify their goals and prepare for the next step after OSB.
Why STRIDE & Transition Services Matter
Transition planning is about more than preparing for graduation. It is about helping students build the confidence, skills and independence they need to participate fully in their communities.
Through STRIDE and Transition Services, students gain real-world experience, practice self-advocacy, explore meaningful goals and prepare for productive, satisfying adult lives.
Contact STRIDE & Transition Services
For more information about STRIDE or Transition Services, contact Susan Vaughan, Educational Program Supervisor.