Transition Program

The Transition program is about transition planning for youth with a developmental disability who are presently in the secondary school system. In order to have a seamless transition from school to work and community, a planning process needs to be in place before the child is out of the school system. The transition process is based on a life centered model developed through input of the child, family and other significant people in the child's life.
Programs can be developed that will cater to the individual child's needs. In addition to the school providing skill development, other local facilities could also provide training. Planning for the future is crucial for children with developmental disabilities as many families are unaware that services are not automatically provided once the child leaves the school system. The result is that support systems are reduced to only the parents or family. Other support services are unavailable until referrals are made. Waiting lists for support and the funding that go with it are lengthy.
It is the goal of the transition planning team to start preparing for these needs before the need arrives. By providing programs to enhance lifeskills and linking with other community based organizations, we hope to prevent gaps in service to the developmentally disabled in our community.