Community Partnerships In Monroe County Presentors Laura Bilotta Dawn Petersen Doug Allard

Todays Agenda Structure of transition services in Monroe County Legal basis for forming partnerships Rationale for building community partnerships Types of community partners Practical tips for building partnerships

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History of Transition in Monroe 1987 – The Skills Center Began with 15 students, 1 teacher, and 1 aide Utilized the former St. Marys Academy building Focus Work experience/work study Functional math and English Pre-vocational skills Life role studies

History of Transition in Monroe 1988 – 25 students, 2 teachers, 2 aides Increase in students created a need for additional work sites in the community

History of Transition in Monroe 1989 – 2003 Number of students and staff remained the same Focus Increased independence Accessing community agencies that would assist after graduation (ex. Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Community Mental Health)

History of Transition in Monroe Fall 2003 – Transition Center New building designed to meet the needs of students in the area of transition Program Growth 45 students 3 teachers, 3 aides Expansion of work based learning and individualized vocational trainings

Current Structure of Transition Services Transition Center focus 60 students, 3 teachers, 1 Transition Coordinator, 8 aides (Many staff trained as job coaches) Program Focus Adult Daily Living Skills Community Based Education Work Based Learning Vocational training program Educational Center Regional Transition Coordinators

Transition Services Provided to Local Districts 9 school districts in Monroe County 53 Resource Rooms 17 Cross-Categorical Classrooms 2 MOCI Classrooms 4 HI Classrooms Students in LRE Monroe County does NOT have a vocational technology school Access to general education IVT program

Regional Transition Coordinators Assess student strengths and weaknesses in the area of transition Organize information on individual students to share with educators, families, and community agencies Work with families to determine which agencies/businesses will be most effective in assisting students to achieve their post-secondary vision.

Vocational Trainings Acquisition of competitive, marketable, and transferable skills Planting the Seeds for Success Project SEARCH Goodwill Industries

Planting the Seeds for Success Vocational Training in the Greenhouse Industry Monroe County Community College

Project SEARCH A business-led collaboration that enables young adults with disabilities to gain and maintain employment through training and career exploration.

Goodwill Industries Life Skills Program-computer technology Goodwill Retail Store St. Isidore Farm-agricultural technology

Importance of Partnerships Legal Basis: Transition services are designed to be within a results-oriented process that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the childs movement from school to post-school activities.

Importance of Partnerships Legal Basis – The transition process is based on the individual childs needs, taking into account the childs strengths, preferences, and interests. It includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives.

Rationale for Building Community Partnerships Our community is the Least Restrictive Environment for adult students Sharing of resources Continuum of services after graduation Disability awareness

Types of Community Partners Non-Profits Human Services Government Agencies Private Business Experts in the Area of Transition

Tips for Building Partnerships Utilize personal connections Identify leading businesses/industries in your community Identify agencies that have the resources to complement your programs Maintain relationships when not working directly with a business/organization Interagency collaboration Be innovative

Our Community Partners C:\Documents and Settings\ISD\My Documents\My Videos\Transition Services.wmv C:\Documents and Settings\ISD\My Documents\My Videos\Transition Services.wmv

Activity Sharing of information

Contact Information Doug Allard, Transition Coordinator (734) ext Laura Bilotta, Transition Coordinator (734) ext Jim Samsel, Transition Coordinator (734) ext Dawn Petersen, Principal (734) ext. 2000