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Danville Area School District

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Transition Program

Welcome to the Danville Area School District’s Transition Webpage

Transition is the process of preparing students for adult life after they leave high school. Transition planning begins at age 14, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team, as students consider their goals for life after graduation through career awareness exploration activities. The transition process continues through high school as academic instruction and community experiences help clarify and support students’ goals. The entire process is based on the individual student’s needs, taking into account each student’s strengths, preferences, and interests. Transition can be thought of as a bridge between school programs and the opportunities of adult life, including higher education or training, employment, independent living and community participation. (https://www.secondarytransition.org)

Our special education department provides many opportunities for students to prepare to meet their goals after high school graduation. We teach skills that cover several areas of transition. 

Post-Secondary Education

Educational opportunities occur at universities, community colleges, trade and technical schools, military, and training programs. 

  • Daily instruction, attendance, class selection, assignment completion, test-taking, organization, and study skills are a few of the transition skills students learn on a day-to-day basis while attending school. 
  • The high school guidance office provides many resources, including meeting representatives from several post-secondary education programs, scheduling the PSAT, assistance with SAT/ACT exams, ASVAB testing, sending required documentation to disability offices, financial aid information, and much more. 
  • The special education department coordinates several college visits each school year. 
  • The special education staff can assist students with completing post-secondary education applications and receiving accommodations for SAT/ACT exams. 
  • The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is a great resource for students and parents to learn more about disability accommodations in post-secondary programs.

Employment

Having the opportunity to get and maintain a job is important for everyone. Some students with disabilities may benefit from services and supports to overcome barriers to meet employment goals. Types of employment goals may include competitive, self-employment, customized, supported, or sheltered. Employment may be full-time or part-time. 

  • Students are provided the opportunity to complete a variety of career exploration activities, interest inventories, and skills assessments. 
  • Preparing for employment happens each day at school as students learn to work with others, be on-time, and follow directions/expectations. 
  • If needed, students learn additional skills in the areas of filling out job applications, the interviewing process, and developing a resume. 
  • Students are granted the opportunity to participate in a Work Experience course within the community for on-the-job work experience as part of their daily school day.  
  • The special education department coordinates several visits to career fairs throughout the school year. 
  • The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) provides monthly career readiness groups, paid work experience, job shadowing opportunities, and supported employment.
  • The local Pennsylvania Careerlink is a resource that provides career readiness groups, information on training programs, career related web services, and job explorations.

Independent Living

Obtaining skills in order to function independently in life is an important goal to accomplish before graduating from high school. 

  • Our special education teachers assist students with learning about personal hygiene, dressing & clothing care, healthcare, cooking, nutrition, home management, home & community safety, financial management, and learning to access the community. 
  • Throughout each school day, students learn to develop problem solving, self-determination, and self-awareness skills while focusing on personal growth. 
  • The special education department coordinates several community based trips to further develop independent living skills. 
  • The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is a great resource for students and parents to learn about services and supports available after graduation. 

Each student’s transition program is different to meet their unique needs and transition goals.