Programs
Transition Services
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
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
For information, please contact:
Desiree Duda, Transition Specialist
092 Administrator's Certification, Sacred Heart University
M.A. Deafness Rehabilitation, New York University
B.A. Deaf Education , Penn State University
Phone/text: 860-944-6179
VP: 860-899-1056
Keri Weston Thomas, Coordinator of Student Transition Services
M.Ed. Special Education, University of Hartford
B.A. Psychology/Sociology,, Central Connecticut State University
Phone/text: (860) 570-1860
VP: (860) 899-1587
