Transition planning takes place during the high school years or earlier, and it involves collaboration between the student and his or her family, school staff and community partners.  Each transition plan is unique and is designed to help an individual achieve post-high school aspirations with as much independence as possible in the areas of education or training, employment and independent living skills. Setting meaningful and measurable postsecondary goals is a critical part of this process.

Developing a thorough and accurate IEP is like preparing for a trip.  You wouldn’t pack a bag until you knew where you were going.  Similarly, it only makes sense to develop the IEP once you have an idea about where the student is headed post high school.  In both cases, the destination requires well thought out and executed steps in order secure successful outcomes.

Students from the New York School for the Deaf (NYSD) have forged a partnership with Caritas of Port Chester, a community organization offering meals, groceries and more to qualified individuals living in and around the surrounding area. The project is a win-win, according to Caritas Coordinator of Services, Bill Cusano. The students, all of whom use American Sign Language, are learning vocational skills including food handling, measuring, inventory and record-keeping. They are also learning about customer service. They help the food pantry patrons select produce and as well as packaged goods, and they also serve meals.