Transition Services
(Ages 14 to 21)
Curriculum: Transition Tote System, CALS Independent Living Assessment, and the Expanded Core Curriculum.
For young people with disabilities, the transition from high school to work can be very challenging. The Transition Program works with students and parents to develop and implement a plan for their child to achieve success and independence after their Overbrook years.
The Transition Program is designed to be a results-oriented process which promotes movement from school to post-school activities including post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living or community participation. Work opportunities, which may be on-campus as well as off-campus, help to provide a realistic view of the strengths and weaknesses of each individual.
Collaboration is required in order for a student to have a successful transition from school to school, college, or work, and each student plays an important role in planning their transition and are included throughout the process.
White Hall Program
In the White Hall Independent Program, students learn the basics of living in an apartment and develop skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, leisure activities, and personal care. Also, students learn how to live with a roommate and the social skills necessary to enjoy a work-life balance. You can learn more the White Hall Independent Living Program here.
College Readiness
OSB students actually begin the process of planning for their futures starting in the Middle School program. As they progress through their academic career, some students take an interest in attending college. The teachers, specialists, and other team members help support that student as they research requirements for college and what course of study they are interested in. The students are encouraged to take a tour of a local community college as well as the entrance exam to see if college would be the best fit for them. Students also have the opportunity to enroll in college and start taking college classes while they are attending our school. Their teachers support them in identifying what accommodations they need for their class as well as how to finish assignments on time and organize their class schedule. The goal is to make sure the student is prepared for college and is able to advocate for their needs in a different learning environment.
Vocational Experiences
Our students receive hands-on work experiences on campus and in the community. They learn how to interact with customers, run a cash register, clean up their work area, and more. On campus jobs include newspaper deliveries, recycling pick-up and sorting, selling produce through the Farm to Table program and working at the school store, Huskies Café and Snack Bar. Off-Campus jobs include work at cafes, restaurants, daycares, and offices in the area.
Technology
Technology is a useful way for students to access information in the classroom and the community. Students receive instruction in utilizing technology ranging from communication devices to iPads. Students can use their personal devices to take notes, organize their schedules, send emails and access information in print. In the classroom, students use computers with adaptive keyboards and software that will enlarge text or read what was is on the screen.
For more information on Transition Services contact Susan Vaughan at svaughan@obs.org.
