Helpful points of contact in the Garden City School District
Garden City School District Transition Guide 2020
CURRENT Diploma Requirements
Transition Planning for Life after High School for Students with Disabilities (IEPs or 504s)
"'Transition Services' means a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability, designed with an outcome oriented process, that promotes movement from school to post-school activities..."
The goal of transition planning is to identify and provide students with opportunities and necessary supports while they are in school that will lead the student to achieve his or her post-secondary goals for lifelong learning, community participation, and work for pay. The process of transition planning requires a partnership among the student, family and school, and, when appropriate, other agencies that can provide transition activities for the student. The transition pages of the IEP must reflect the student's interests, preferences, strengths, skills and limits.
Transition planning is a collaborative effort and must be considered an on-going process during a student's years of school. In order to have a meaningful and effective transition, it will require the district to have appropriate instructional, work-related and community experiences available to their students.
If a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), many transition goals are reflected in the student's IEP and addressed through the CSE and at the annual and triennial evaluation processes. For each student the transition planning process depends significantly upon whether a student will likely pursue post-secondary education, employment or other experiences.
Under New York law, measurable post-secondary goals and recommendations for transition services and activities must be included in each classified student's IEP beginning no later than the first IEP to be in effect when the student is age 15 (and at a younger age, if determined appropriate), and updated annually.
Students must be invited to CSE meetings when transition goals and services will be discussed. If a student does not attend, the district must take steps to ensure the student's preferences and interests are considered. The school district must also invite a representative of a participating agency that is likely to be responsible for providing or paying for transition services. Parental consent (or the consent of the student who is age 18 or older) must be obtained prior to inviting other agency representatives. If the invited agency does not attend, the school must take steps to involve the agency in the planning of any transition services.
Transition information
Transition Planning Timeline
THINGS TO CONSIDER AS YOUR CHILD TURNS 18
Click here Transition Planning | IEPs Help Teens Prepare for Young Adulthood - Understood for a good article for parents about Transition Planning from Understood.org
6 Independent living skills kids need before moving away from home.
Check list of Independent Living Skills
Click here for a link to the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Newsletter with an article by Cathy Pantelides, Long Island RSE-TASC Transition Specialist. "This article will illuminate the status of our specific region and how we envision the future of transition on Long Island through the lens of the Transition Specialists (TS)".
Transition Tool Kit from Autism Speaks
**Click here transition for the newest Transition Tool Kit from Autism Speaks. Click here new_york for Autism Speak's Transition Information specific to New York.
Click here for Information Related to Graduation Requirements for Students with Disabilities
Click for "safety net" options Students with disabilities have the following "safety net" options available to meet testing requirements for a local high school diploma: the Regents Competency Test (RCT) and the 55-64 passing score on Regents examinations and the compensatory option. Download the PDF here. safetynet-qa-dec12.
Students with significant disabilities have the right to attend school through age 21 and work to obtain a Regents diploma.
My Teen Has a Learning Disability, Should He Go to College?
http://paalprogram.org - PAAL “Preparing Adolescents with Autism for Adult Life” began operations in September of 2006. PAAL is a specialty secondary-educational program for adolescents with moderate to severe autism between the ages of 14 and 21, which establishes a professional collaboration between the educational system, families, and the community-at-large. The primary goal of the PAAL program is to identify and teach the skills which must be mastered to prepare the student for his or her post-21 years.
College Bound Students With IEPs or 504s
For students who are planning to attend a two or four year college program upon graduating from high school, transition planning includes goals and objectives on a student's IEP, if any, as well as many other steps to be taken to prepare the student for a successful college experience.
***Please be sure to visit Garden City's Guidance Department Page for tons of great information including this Link for Colleges with Learning Disability Support Services
This site contains information about living college life with a disability. It's designed for high school students and provides video clips, activities and additional resources that can help you get a head start in planning for college.
Click here to learn about obtaining Accommodations
If you have a documented disability, you may be eligible for accommodations on SAT Program tests. Visit the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) site for information about accommodations, the request process, and required documentation.
Click here for an interesting article written by Autism Advocate, Haley Moss.
What I Learned as an Autistic College Student|Haley Moss.
High School to College Transition for Teens with ADHD
Speech Disorder Resources for College Students
Types of College Accommodations and Services
How to Navigate Student Supports in College
SAT or ACT: How to Know Which Is Best for Your Child
This article is a great guide for students with disabilities and their parents on preparing for college. It includes tips on creating IEP plans, completing FAFSA forms and gathering other necessary documentation. https://word.tips/accessible-colleges/
College Options for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Think College! The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) of the University of Massachusetts is the National Coordinating Center for approved Transition Postsecondary Programs for students with intellectual disabilities.
Comprehensive Transition Programs (CTPs) offer students with Intellectual Disabilities diverse opportunities to learn academic, career, and independent living skills as they prepare for employment.
Resources for Students with Learning Disabilities:
https://thebestschools.org/resources/learning-disabilities-online-college/
Learning Accommodation Resources:
https://thebestschools.org/resources/learning-accommodations-online-college-students/
Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
Students With Disabilities 2017 Resource Guide
20 Incredible Colleges for Students With Special Needs - BestCollegesOnline.com
You can also visit www.thinkcollege.net for more information.
Top 10 Campuses for Students with Physical Disabilities
Need help?
Next Step Solutions NY LLC is located in Nassau County, NY. The company is designed to help high school students with Autism, and their families, navigate the college application process, find the right support program, and to support you throughout the entire process. They also offer a variety of additional services for degree-seeking adults and individuals who need assistance with the transition to independent living.
New Frontiers is committed to helping clients reach their fullest potential through a collaborative, creative and flexible coaching model.
Some College/College Experience Programs
For a larger list, please visit our Guidance Department’s webpage here.
Adelphi University - The Bridges to Adelphi Program offers individual and group academic, social and vocational support services to Adelphi University students with neuro-social and other non-verbal disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Click here for details.
Hofstra University - During the past thirty years the Program for Academic Learning Skills (PALS) has been serving students with specific learning disabilities and ADD or ADHD at Hofstra University. stddis_21149PALSbrochure
Otsego Academy at Pathfinder Village provides the full college experience. They offer creative, individualized options that improve preparation for employment for students with disabilities who have completed their high school education.
University of South Carolina CarolinaLIFE - An inclusive certificate college program for students with diverse learning needs.
Marist - Each student is enrolled in credit-bearing courses and completes degree requirements set forth for all students. Learning Disability Specialists work closely with faculty and administration to assist the students. Each individual is encouraged to openly discuss his or her learning needs with appropriate faculty at the start of the semester.
Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI - On Your Marq seeks to support students on the autism spectrum throughout their time at Marquette University using an interdisciplinary approach to foster the development of the whole student, and the inclusivity of Marquette University at large.
Mitchell College - A nonprofit four-year coeducational, residential liberal arts college offering bachelor degrees and associate degrees, Mitchell developed its distinct educational approach over 80 years, blending a tradition of mentoring with an expertise in teaching diverse learning styles to create a highly individualized model that benefits all students. Mitchell is committed to the broader community through building strong, creative, and cooperative partnerships. Located on a beautiful waterfront campus in historic New London, CT it is also home to championship NCAA Division III athletics and highly sought-after living & learning support programs including Thames at Mitchell College, The Mystic Program, and the Bentsen Learning Center.
The Molloy Opportunity for Successful Transition (MOST program at Molloy College) is a program designed for individuals with developmental disabilities to attend classes to increase social and academic skills. Classes will be given at the Molloy College Rockville Centre Campus. The program course areas include health, wellness, budgeting, literacy, citizenship and employment. MOST allows students to connect and interact with peers on campus. The program is designed for two years, building upon skills gained in previous semesters. The program is designed so that the students gain academic and social skills that will allow the student to transition into employment.
Nassau Community College - Achilles Project
A Postsecondary Educational Program for the Twice Exceptional (2e) Student Mission: To develop and improve the potential recognized in [self-esteem, academic performance, and behavior of] 2e [twice exceptional] students andhelp define their career direction.
Nassau Community College - Aspires Program
The Mission of ASPIRES is to give support with transition and managing the college campus for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The program provides academic support, assistance in executive function skills and social relationships. The goal of this program is for each student to graduate with an associate degree, have the option to continue their education and/or be competitively employed.The College Experience is a 2-year campus-based residential program (with an optional third year) that, in partnership with Russell Sage College and Living Resources, provides young adults with disabilities the support, skills, confidence, internships and work experiences they need to gain independence.
CareerNext at SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Schenectady offers personalized academic and residential support for students with Autism and learning differences. It is focused on helping students who need guidance successfully complete an accredited Bachelor’s Degree, Associate’s Degree or Career Certificate.
SUNY New Paltz - Compass Support Services provides services for DRC students who have a documented disability that lies on the Autism Spectrum. Students can choose to focus on building a variety of skills based on their own individual, academic and personal goals. It is a voluntary program that can help students to find their way at New Paltz.
Randolph–Macon College is a private liberal arts college in Ashland, Virginia. Founded in 1830, the college has an enrollment of more than 1,500 students. There is a faculty-to-student ratio is 10:1. But what really makes RMC special is this 1:1 Mentorship ratio for all students.
Rutgers University - Center for Adult Autism Services vocational and residential programs aim to integrate adults with ASD into university community - Rutgers Announces Initiative to Launch Center to Support Adults with Autism | Media Relations
InclusiveU brings students of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to experience college life in a fully inclusive setting to Syracuse University - https://taishoffcenter.syr.edu/inclusiveu/
The UC Davis Redwood SEED (Supported Education to Elevate Diversity) Scholars Program, is a new program designed for students ages 18-23 who have intellectual disabilities. Through this four-year program, students will study on campus at UC Davis and enjoy support from peer mentors in academics and health and wellness. Redwood SEED Scholars will take part in internships both on and off campus with the goal of competitive, integrated employment. They will also live alongside other UC Davis students in on-campus housing and participate in extracurricular clubs and organizations. Promoting personal growth, self-determination and choice are key objectives of the program.
More info on Inclusive Postsecondary Opportunities for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Transition Work Programs
Tommy’s Friends - BEST - Bridge Education for Successful Transition
Collaboration Station - Transition Program
Positive Behavior Support - Positive Transitions to Work
Winters Center for Autism - Transition Work Experience Program
Employment
Click here for information on ACCES-VR - ACCES-VR assists individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and to support independent living through training, education, rehabilitation, and career development.
Career Zone - A place to explore careers related to your strengths, skills and talents.
Careers for Young Adults Who Don't Like Sitting Still | ADHD - Understood
Career Guide for Students with Disabilities
The Community-based Skills Assessment Survey (CSA) by Autism Speaks
Employment Toolkit (Autism Speaks)
Strategic Staffing Works is an agency providing a full array of community integrated employment services for individuals with disabilities.
STRIVE Pre-Employment Transition Services for Nassau County - The Viscardi Center is proud to offer STRIVE (Students Together Reaching Independence through Vocational Exploration), our new Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for Students with Disabilities through the New York State Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES). The program is for students between the ages of 14 and 21 in secondary, post secondary, nontraditional or alternative educational programs who are or potentially eligible for, but not currently receiving a ACCES vocational rehabilitation services.
Uptimize.com - Uptimize helps organizations attract and leverage neurodiverse talent. Online video training designed specifically to unlock the potential of the neurodiverse workforce. Their vision is world where neurodiversity is universally championed, and where organizations thrive thanks to their neurodiverse teams.
Disability Rights NY - The Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a federal program exclusively operated by DRNY to assist New Yorkers with disabilities with questions or problems encountered while receiving or applying for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services from state VR agencies.
Mentra.me is a neurodivergent-friendly talent platform that intelligently matches neurodiverse individuals with employers that value their strengths. Mentra puts recruiters in front of candidates rather than forcing them to navigate through the challenging process of finding a job. How? Through humantistic AI and community-driven design.
PrimeWeld’s guide on trade school and career options for people with disabilities
Housing and Community Living (Autism Speaks)
Etiquette for working with Students with Disabilities
ADDitude Slide Show - 8 Most ADHD-Friendly Jobs, Experts in adult ADHD suggest good jobs for your unique skill set -- creativity, enthusiasm, energy, problem-solving skills and more.
Business Ideas for People with Disabilities - According to the United States Census Bureau, roughly 15 percent of people with disabilities have started their own businesses, and that number is growing. In fact, the percentage of disabled business owners overshadows the 10 percent of non-disabled business owners in the United States. Many people with disabilities are launching successful businesses from home, franchises, and even niche startups. With such a wide range of business opportunities open to people with disabilities, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which one is best.
Different with Dignity - Empowering students and professionals to promote diversity and unity throughout the world. They provide digital resources to educate people about the disabled. Disabled people face discrimination in personal and professional environments, and their aim is to stop this through resources designed to facilitate knowledge.
https://learningforapurpose.com/2018/01/11/necessary-life-skills-for-teens-with-autism/
Free Community Outings - Life skills - Printables
Scholarship Information
Click here for a list of various disability Scholarships
College Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Scholarships for students with intellectual disabilities
Caroline’s Cause is a non-profit charitable organization that provides scholarships to undergraduate students who have siblings with severe disabilities.
Financial resources for students with disabilities
The Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships offer financial assistance to two graduating high school seniors with documented learning disabilities and/or ADHD who are pursuing post-secondary education.
45 Hand-picked Disability Scholarships for 2021
Scholarship guide for students with disabilities
The Fully Accessible Guide to Paying for College for Students with Disabilities
The ASAN Autistic Scholars Fellowship program, a new ASAN project to advance campus leadership, will provide 3 to 5 autistic students $5,000 tuition scholarships each to create systems change on their college campuses. Fellows will be required to establish or participate in a leadership role within an ASAN campus chapter or a disability rights student organization, work to promote Autistic culture and community, and take steps to improve disability accessibility and inclusion on their college campuses. Click here for details.
ScholarshipBee is full of useful information, including a variety of scholarship opportunities, articles with advice on how to win scholarships, and much more.https://scholarshipbee.com/
Guide to paying for college for people with disabilities
Alternative Post High School Options
Students who because of their disabilities or aspirations are unlikely to pursue traditional college paths, often have transition plans in their IEPs that emphasize employment skills, independent living skills and community-based experiences.
Click here NYSCDOSQ&A for the New York State (NYS) Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential Questions and Answers
The Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential for Students with Severe Disabilities will provide students with severe disabilities (limited cognitive abilities combined with behavioral and/or physical limitations and who require a highly specialized education) who are exiting school after attending at least 12 years, excluding kindergarten, with a commencement certificate similar in form to the diploma (this would not be considered a regular high school diploma in accordance with State standards or for federal accountability purposes) issued by the school district. The Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential must be accompanied by documentation of the student's skills and strengths and levels of independence in academic, career development and foundation skills needed for post-school living, learning and working.
Understanding OPWDD
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
is responsible for coordinating services for more than 128,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological impairments. It provides services directly and through a network of approximately 750 nonprofit service providing agencies, with about 80 percent of services provided by the private nonprofits and 20 percent provided by state-run services.
DIY Guardianship of a Person Who is Intellectually Disabled or Developmentally Disabled
Garden City SEPTA's Transition Answers to our FAQS FAQ Answers
Also visit Pacer.org (Pacer's National Parent Center on Transition and Employment) which has a very comprehensive website that includes many wonderful transition planning tools.
Please remember, parents will have a number of important decisions to make as their child approaches adulthood and many of these, such as guardianship and access to medical information and decision-making are outside the scope of the special education laws and the role of public schools.
Information courtesy of NYS Transition and Services Report, the Long Island Parent Center and fellow SEPTA informational sites.
Here are some good questions from LeDerick Horne to have your student answer about themselves to get the conversation started about where they see themselves in the future.
I am
I wonder
I hear
I see
I want
I understand
I say
I dream
I try
I hope
