Transition for a special needs or disabled young adults

If your child has mild cognitive disabilities, when your child graduates from high school, they have the option of going to Gateway Community College.  Gateway has a transition program called the Step Forward Program which is for young adults ages from 18 to 21.  It is non credited, but helps the students in life skills.  It also works with them in planning career skills and moving forward.  This program lasts 10 months and is part 1 of a 2 part program.  Part 2 focuses on their career objective and internships and they have a case manager to assist them.  This is also where they have non-credited courses to begin their college experience.  If you want more information on this program, please contact Jaime French, the Step-Forward Director at JFrench@gwcc.commnet.edu.

As a Cheshire resident, if your child has special needs and disabilities with mild to moderate severity, they have a transition program located at Quinnipiac College, the North Haven Campus.  The young adults learn life skills, such as grocery shopping, cooking, taking care of an apartment, etc.  Your child can be a part of the program from ages 18 to 21.  The main purpose of the transition program is to assist the students to eventually get a job, and possibly live on their own. 

I just want you to know that if your child is graduating this year and has special needs, you have options.  Please be aware of your options before your IEP so you can advocate for your child.