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Community PartnershipsIn Monroe County
Presentors
Laura Bilotta
Dawn Petersen
Doug Allard
Today’s 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
Activity What do you want to learn from this presentation?
History of Transition in Monroe1987 – The Skills Center Began with 15 students, 1 teacher, and 1 aide
Utilized the former St. Mary’s 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 SEARCHA 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 child’s movement from school to post-school activities.
Importance of Partnerships Legal Basis – The transition process is based on the
individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s 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
Activity Sharing of information
Contact InformationDoug Allard, Transition [email protected](734) 242-5799 ext. 1868
Laura Bilotta, Transition [email protected](734) 242-5799 ext. 1826
Jim Samsel, Transition [email protected](734) 242-5799 ext. 1916
Dawn Petersen, [email protected](734) 242-5799 ext. 2000
