Adult and Community Education Transition Programs at Lively Technical Center and Gretchen Everhart Schools

Many students with disabilities working toward a diploma require ongoing support to maintain a life as employed, independent and active adults.  When they leave the school system at age 22, they face an uncertain future unless there is careful planning, preparation, and connections to post-school supports.  The post-school lives of transitioning young adults can be greatly improved when schools, adult service providers and families work together well before the young person exits the public school system.  The Transition Program is one approach to ensuring a seamless transition from school to independent adult life for young people with disabilities. These students frequently need continuing employment and agency supports, as well as community and life skills training.  Referrals take place through the IEP process in the schools and students must be eligible for services from Vocational Rehabilitation prior to entry.

The possibilities

·        Students have real jobs in the community.

·        Students develop independent living skills.

·        Students have job coaches and agencies supporting these activities when they exit the    

How it happens

·    Students who are 18-21 years of age are referred to the program by their parents,  

·  An Intake Committee reviews the Transition IEP and Referral Packet to determine appropriateness for the program.  An Intake Conference is then held with students, parents, and other stake holders to determine what benefits the program can provide to the student.

·   Teachers work with adult agencies to help young adults find and keep jobs.

·   Teachers work with students to develop and increase independent living skills.

·   Parent/guardian and the student are committed to actively participate in the Program  

General Information

·    The Leon County School calendar is utilized by the program.

·    Lunch is available for purchase from the Lively or Everhart cafeteria or students may bring a lunch.    

·    There is no clinic at Lively.  Therefore, medication must be taken independently.

·    Transportation to and from Lively and Everhart School is provided by the Leon County Schools.  Students will also be taught to 

          utilize public transportation for training, employment and community participation as appropriate.

Transition Program’s Exit Options

·        Student masters Transition IEP goals or

·        Student has completed the semester in which he/she has reached the age of twenty-

·        Student voluntarily withdraws or

·        Student fails to comply with conditions agreed to in the Lively or Everhart Student handbook or

·        Student violates the Lively or LCS Discipline Code

Transition Program Mission Statement

The Transition Program ensures a seamless transition from school to independent adult life for young people with disabilities who need continuing employment and agency supports, as well as community and life skills training.  It is our intent, not guarantee, that students, upon exiting the program, will have full or part time employment in a vocation of their choosing.  They will function independently in the community and in the home to the best of their abilities and will contribute positively to their family and to their community.

Referral Requirements

The graduate who has been instructed using access standards must meet the following criteria:

·      Is a resident of Leon County

·     Graduated with a standard diploma and instructed using access standards from a Leon

·     Is between the ages of 18 and 21

·     Is currently a client of Vocational Rehabilitation (or has applied) and has employment as  

·     Has participated in work experiences throughout high school and has completed

·     Has employment as a goal on the Transition IEP

·     Has community participation as a goal on the Transition IEP

·     Has independent living as a future goal on the Transition IEP, with or without supports

·     Is capable of mobility on an adult campus with minimal supervision

·     Displays a level of social maturity conducive to an adult environment and employment

·     Is able to maintain personal self-care and hygiene independently

A referral packet may be obtained from one of the teachers in the Transition Program. Incomplete packets will be returned to the student's high school and placement in the program will not be considered until a completed packet is received.