Transition Services American School for the Deaf

photo of a student stocking shelves while working

ASD is committed to preparing our students for successful lives in a competitive world. Our transition 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. At ASD, students are divided into three program areas: (1) typical 4-years of high school, (2) alternative placement for students who benefit from life skills training and who may stay in programming until age 21 - 22 , and (3) fifth year Bridge Program for students who have met high school requirements and are enrolled in our post-high school transition program (includes work placement with pay, ongoing transition planning activities, and optional college experience for those qualified).

ASD students are provided the following transition planning beginning the year they turn age 14, or younger, depending on their town/state:

Assessments: career inventories, interest/learning style inventories, and self-determination scales
Self-advocacy and self-determination skills development
Career exploration, planning and readiness
Postsecondary education and work readiness
Legal rights and responsibilities (American with Disabilities Act (ADA))
Exploration of technology for equal access to communication and information
Healthy and safe life choices
Transition portfolio development
Connection to state agencies

Please see the following documents related to transition Planning:

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 benefit from an additional transition year (or two).

In this program, students are placed in an appropriate cohort to build on their work readiness skills. Students focus on transition planning and may participate in community experiences, practice independence and life skills, participate in work experiences off and on campus, earn a CT hourly wage, and may attend a college class paired with work experience. Students actively practice self-advocacy skills for independence, learn how to manage their earned income and bank account, and prepare 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” transferable skills:
  - Reading / writing / math skills
  - Computer & technology skills
  - Specific skills development through on-the-job training

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