Transition programs for students with disabilities near me

Riverview School’s Post High School Transition Program for young adults, ages 17–21, is called GROW—Getting Ready for the Outside World.

The curriculum includes direct instruction in practical academic subjects but also provides students who have completed high school with the social, vocational, and independent living skills they need to function as independently as possible. Additionally, Riverview’s transition planning services are second to none and help students prepare for life after graduation.

Structured much like a college campus, GROW students live in dorms, take classes and participate in an extensive internship program. They learn how to self-advocate, make mature choices and take responsibility for all aspects of their lives, including selecting and planning their own social activities.

Additionally, students gain firsthand experience in a variety of work settings, helping them to develop good work habits and increased awareness of personal strengths and interests. There are 4 flagship programs that make Riverview’s GROW Transition Program the gold standard in post-secondary education for students with complex special needs: Café Riverview, Second-View Thrift Store, Project SEARCH, and our ability to provide support while students take mainstream college classes at Cape Cod Community College.

GROW Academically

The GROW curriculum includes direct instruction in academics with courses that include: Communication and Literacy, Personal Finances, Consumer Math Concepts and Travel Training.

GROW students focus on topics such as effective listening and communication, technology, relationships, self-advocacy, personal safety and self-awareness. Classes cover time, task and money management. Problem solving and budgeting exercises mirror real-world monetary challenges. Coursework is supported through the latest technologies and innovations in teaching.

Mainstream College Courses at Cape Cod Community College

Introductory level courses are an option for Riverview GROW students who meet the College’s eligibility requirements. Students are required to take the Accuplacer test at the college and submit copies of recent Psychoeducational Evaluations. The documents are reviewed by the CCCC Learning Disabilities Advisor and eligibility is determined.

Mainstream courses provide an empowering experience for our students. They take great pride in being part of the mainstream college experience. While the expectations of each course are different, all are time intensive and require considerable levels of persistence and perseverance. Riverview students are provided with extra tutorial support on campus and have a great track record of success within the program. Both students and their families report that participating in the mainstream program is a remarkable experience on many different levels.

GROW Independently

Instruction in independent living is highly individualized. Students learn and practice skills related to cooking, comparative shopping, personal hygiene, health, nutrition and fitness, stress management, home maintenance, transportation and the planning of independent recreational activities. While the routines and structure ensure that these important skills are learned, students at GROW play a very active role in designing and planning their lives. GROW offers an inclusive environment where students utilize the community to maximize their independent living capabilities. Most graduates can expect to live in a place of their choice with friends or family, and in a community where they can work and socialize.

Transition Planning

At Riverview School we help to foster self-determination. Students are provided with the tools and support they need to explore interests, build skills, and establish personal goals for greater independence.

Transition planning at Riverview is a sequential process that begins as early as middle school, and is refined by the time the student graduates from our GROW transition program.

Riverview offers highly-individualized transition planning services to students and their families, including:

• Riverview School College & Career Center

• Assessment of strengths and interests; and personal portfolio development

• Vocational training through integrated internships

• Continuing education opportunities

• Goal planning

• Coordination with adult services

• Transition seminar classes

• Individual and group meetings

• Collaboration with state, local and private agencies and programs

• Riverview Connects an interactive online platform for students and alumni to communicate about events and opportunities, including transition-related presentations.

Riverview School Unveils...

Transition Webinar Series: Pathways to Independence

This Series is the metamorphosis of our traditional Transition Weekend. Instead of 1-jam-packed day of content, this is much more intensive programming that gives the ongoing process of transition planning more time, attention and individualization.

Webinars will spotlight guest speakers who will share/ their expertise in diverse and important transition topics including housing, SSI and independent living. The Webinar Series will provide our Riverview community with rich and robust information that will cover the key aspects of transition and provide you with information and resources to get you started on “the next pathway.”

Want to make sure that you don’t miss anything? Sign up for our Pathways to Independence email list. CLICK HERE and we’ll send you information about upcoming webinars.