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A Continuing Studies Program
Serving special education students, ages 18-22
The Dedham Public Schools are committed to preparing students with disabilities for a successful transition to adult living within their home community. For students with disabilities, the Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA) mandates preparatory, results-oriented services beginning at age 14 (or earlier if deemed appropriate by the IEP team) as part of developing a
student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), and continuing until a student’s graduation, completion of education program, or until the age of 22.
Planning for the successful transition of students away from special education and toward their vision for adulthood requires a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that:
- is designed within a results-oriented process, focused on increasing independence and capacity of a student with a disability so that the student is able to successfully move forward from school to post-school activities that reflect their interests and aptitudes, including postsecondary education, vocational education, employment (or supported employment), independent living, citizenship, and community participation.
- is designed based on individual student’s needs, taking into account their strengths, preferences, and interests.
- includes instruction, related services and community experiences that are geared toward increased skills for employment, opportunities for leisure and recreation, acquisition of self advocacy skills, self-determination, skills for daily living, and adult living.
- makes important and sustainable connections for students and families as they make a transition away from special education.
Important concepts about transition services capture important concepts about transition services:
- Activities must be personally defined
- Activities must be coordinated with each other
- The process focuses on results.
- Activities must address the child’s academic and functional achievement - Activities must smooth the way into the post school world.
LifeStart Program Components
The LifeStart Program offers comprehensive programming that addresses eight specific domains of adulthood:
Employability
- Provision of a functional vocational evaluation
- Development of post secondary objectives
- Group and individual supported internships
- Individual paid employment
- Development of a work ethic
Health and Wellness
- Identify hobbies, interests and leisure options
- Fitness and stress management
- Access community resources
- Human development and sexuality
- Hygiene and personal presentation
Communication
- Social pragmatics
- Self-advocacy and problem solving
- Develop coping strategies for a variety of social situations • Make friends and establish relationships
Citizenship
- Register to vote and commit to following current events
- Comply with laws and regulations
- Participate in community service
- Learn responsible use of social media
- Be environmentally responsible
Core Academic Skills
- Money management
- Time management
- Executive functioning skills
- Use of technology to enhance learning
- Independent Living Connections
- Get from place to place; access transportation options and travel training
Household management
- Food and nutrition, maintaining a living space, etc.
- Personal health, hygiene, clothing care
- Manners and etiquette
- Emergency preparedness
- Making healthy lifestyle choices
Post Secondary Planning
- Formally connect with outside agency structures and supports • Identify post secondary education options
- Identify resources for education, training and adult services • Explore career options, job training, and job seeking skills • Develop a functional resume
Self Determination and Self Management
- Identify strengths and challenges
- Set priorities and goals
- Manage your time and adapt to changes in routine
- Learn from mistakes
- Advocate for self