Programs

Transition Services

photo of a student stocking shelves while working

ASD is committed to preparing our students for successful lives in a competitive world. Our transition services program is tailored to meet our students’ individual aspirations and post-secondary plans – whether they choose to pursue a college degree, immediately enter the workforce, or find an alternative placement.

Transition programming begins early in middle school and becomes more formal as students move through high school. (Please see the Student Transition Resource at www.studenttransitionresources.org for links to student-friendly materials.)

At ASD, transition services are divided into three categories: (1) an academic track for students who are on a typical 4-year track of high school, (2) an alternative track for students who could benefit from life skills training , and (3) a fifth year "bridge" program for students who are enrolled in the post-high school transition program (includes work and optional college experience).

ASD’s high school students are provided the following transition planning services beginning the year they turn age 16, or younger depending on their town/state:

Assessments: career inventories, academic assessments, interest/learning style inventories, and self-determination scales
Self-advocacy and self-determination skills development
Legal rights and responsibilities
Technical assistance
Career exploration, planning and readiness
Postsecondary education readiness
Postsecondary work readiness
Healthy and safe life choices
Portfolio development
Connection to state agencies

Bridge Program

photo of students waiting for the bus to go to work

ASD's 5th Year Bridge Program is available to students who have completed their required courses for graduation and who would benefit from an additional transition year (or more).

In this program, students may attend a college class paired with work experience, or they can choose to focus only on work experience. Students are provided practice in self-advocacy and skills for independence, an opportunity for earned income and management of these resources, while preparing for postsecondary education, training, and / or employment.

The Bridge Program consist of three main components:

Transition Planning Classes
- Financial literacy
- Communication and technology skills development
- English and math in the workplace and everyday life
- Self-advocacy skills development
- Portfolio development
- Communication with community providers and state agencies

Community and Work-Based Learning Experience:
- Employment experience
- Community volunteerism
- Development of “soft” skills:
  - Communication
  - Work ethic
  - Time management
  - Teamwork
  - Use of public transportation
- Development of “hard” transferrable skills:
  - Reading / writing / math skills
  - Computer & technology skills
  - Specific skills development through on-the-job training

College Enrollment
- Attend a mainstream college class
- Request accommodations through the college’s Office for Students with Disabilities
- Meet college level expectations