Transitions

Student Services

Our goal is to prepare students for a meaningful and successful educational experience.   Please direct your questions to your program coordinator or program director.

Educational Transitions

Our priority for younger students in our program is to develop communication, language, and social skills. This allows students to develop self-advocacy skills and manage their personal needs. We also encourage students to take responsibility for their actions and help them develop strategies for managing their time, educational materials, and personal belongings.

As students transition into middle school, we introduce them to work-related activities that help them apply their academic knowledge and develop the foundational skills needed for employment.

Students in our high school program focus on building their academic and independent living skills while engaging in vocational training. Teachers, counselors, and service providers work to help students understand the connection between school and work so they can make a seamless transition into adulthood. We encourage every student to try new things and expand their knowledge and skill sets, especially in regard to developing skills needed for the workforce. That might mean joining a club or afterschool activity to explore new areas of interest or improve problem-solving skills. Or it could mean setting aside classroom time to boost workplace behaviors and learn industry-specific skills.

We determine the settings for and time allocated toward vocational training activities on an individual basis at each student’s annual IEP meeting.

iWork

i-Work is our school-to-work program. It is designed to provide interest-driven, community-based work experiences to students who have both demonstrated an interest in working and the ability to work independently.

These paid internships include an on-site, company-employed support person who understands the purpose of our program to mentor each working student while LABBB staff conduct periodic site visits to ensure a quality experience.

i-Work experiences are intended to promote career readiness by helping students connect their academic knowledge to the skills necessary for independent living. We help students:

  • explore their vocational interests;
  • narrow their field of interest;
  • develop independent working skills;
  • develop specific job-related skills;
  • build a network of support outside school;
  • build a resume; and
  • collect work references.

Students who attend transitional classes for i-Work will learn independent living skills for public transportation and travel; home management; financial management; time management; health, nutrition, and personal care; and both hard and soft workplace skills such as communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution skills, office procedures, MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Web 2.0.

Go Program

Greater Opportunities is our adult services program for current students or other adults with disabilities who have aged out of our school-based program. These 22+ year-olds participate in community-based services Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. that help to develop greater independent living skills, social and work-related skills, and travel skills. It also provides recreation opportunities.

GO also allows us to support employed individuals with disabilities to acclimate to their new jobs, build relationships with their supervisors and colleagues, and establish routines. LABBB staff provides lessening support tiers (from daily to weekly to as-needed) throughout the program to encourage complete independence while remaining available to help with on-the-job challenges or career changes.

Or LABBB staff can provide onsite support as an employment coach to allow individuals with limited work experience to build workplace skills and successfully hold employment in group or independent settings. Learn more in our GO program brochure.