Programs for 18-22 year olds

[byrdc]

I am interested in receiving information on programs for 18-22 year old students who are remaining in school. I would like to start a separate program for them in a place other than a high school. The curriculum would be transition areas with an emphasis on employment. I know there are counties out there already doing this. Please share information with me. Thanks!

[Guest]

Miami-Dade County Public Schools just started a new program for our 18-22 year old. The program is called Project ACCEPT (Access to College and Community Environments in Preparation for Transition). The contact person for this program is Jill Brookner, Instructional Supervisor and her phone number is 305-995-2168 or you can e-mail her at jbrookner@dadeschools.net

[Guest]

some of the programs at the broward county school district are:
PASS
Career Ladder (at Atlantic Vocational Center and Sheridan Vocational Center and COral Springs H.S. has its own transitional program and there is one called FLIGHT at I believe Stranahan H.S.

[Angi McCutcheon]

I work with students in our Continuing Student program at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. These students have graduated with a Special Diploma and return for Adult Living Skills training and Career Education. Since we are a residential school, these students also participate in an apartment program which is new this year. If you are interested in specifics, please e-mail me at mccutcheona@fsdb.k12.fl.us and I'll get you in touch with my supervisor who has been instrumental in establishing this program.

[Harriet]

The Pasco School System has a new FAPE 22 program, started Aug of 2006. The class has 10 students who graduated with a special diploma. This program is housed at St. Leo University. The students are receiving additional transition services. They all have community based work exp on the campus. They are allowed to audit the college classes of interest, such as computer basics, health and nutrition and one is in art. They will each have a college student to mentor (edu dept)
All of the students are VR clients. They are learning to use computers. Each has an email address and they are required to email thier VR counselor each week as well as other contacts.
This is a wonderful program. The teacher there is Ellie Grudzinski. Her email address is egrudzin@k12.fl.us
Her phone number is (352) 588-7550

[wifflefrog]

We currently have two programs that currently address the needs of employment while the individual remains in the school setting, but not in the school. These programs are provided in Brevard County.

1. LEAP programs - Supported by the School Board - Kathy Lowe 321-633-1000 ext. 549 is the contact person. Its a community based training program for adults with disabilities who want to use & learn skills in real life situations. Job sites include Walmart and local hospitals.

2. Our local Employment agency provides Level I & II employment supported in the community for high school credit. Brevard Achievement Center is the involved agency. 321-632-8610

3. We have just started a pilot site for Project Search as well to provide hands on & classroom training for individuals in school be prepared for work once they have graduated. This occurs in a local hospital setting.

If there are any other additional questions I would love to open some dialouge.

[Harriet]

Do you know of any group, school, work evaluator who is using the "Discovery" system for this age group?

[wifflefrog]

A few areas in Florida have become pilot sites for the Discovery process. Schools have been incorprated in this process.

[Harriet]

yes, we are one of those sites (Pasco County & USF) We only have one student in this process, I would like to talk with other's who have any exp. or knowledge of the process. I am intersted in:
Numbers in project, work evaluators- who is doing it, time, cost what the final product looks like
I am sort of jumping ahead....

[wifflefrog]

If you are an active sight have you been attending the training sessions over the past three or four months? As well the Florida Provider Network meetings have been useful for discussing all those concerns you noted above.
Time depends on the needs of the individual and expected outcome. Cost again seems to depend on that information. The final product should be easily accessed. I can provide to you a site with success stories.

www.griffinhammis.com --- Cary Griffin is part of all this movement along with Tamara Geary.

We are just attempting our first Discovery process, we have two individuals to access.

[BonnieMcDonald]

Hello Florida. We are currently in Michigan -- planning to move to Florida in a few months. My son is 18 years old. He is considered mild to moderately cognitively impaired. I am seeking suggestions and/or comments regarding Florida public, charter, or private schools and programs for students ages 18- 22+ Specifically, I am looking for a high quality program that offers functional academics, life skills training and vocational skills development. Information about social programs and reputable day programs for adults over age 22 is also appreciated. Thanks very much for your help.