1. Newington Public Schools TRANSITION ACADEMY “STRIVE” Newington Town Council December 14, 2010

2. OUR MISSION It is our belief that young adults with varying needs, given the opportunity to explore their interests, have the ability to reach their full potential. The Newington Public Schools Transition Academy program is founded in this belief, offering its participants real life experiences centered within their community. Utilizing local and surrounding community businesses, our participants are given exposure to real life vocational settings. Addressing social and continued academic needs, the Transition Academy assists participants in setting obtainable and realistic goals for independent living which will foster independence. Our goal is to provide each participant an individual program that meets their specific needs allowing them to build confidence and skills in order to be a successful member of their community.

3. What is the reason for the focus on Transition? Under the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) students with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). In addition, this law focuses on transition services for students with disabilities that are between the ages of 15 and 21. Our transition program is designed to facilitate the movement from school to post- secondary activities including vocational training and independent living skills.

4. Our goal is to assist our participants in developing a vision for their adult life. Our aim is to: Provide transition opportunities based on individual participant interests and strengths.

5. Our aim is to... Create a program that involves daily living skills and recreational activities.

6. Household activities and social skills are important to learn

7. Life-Long Learning is Stressed

8. Learn skills to become contributing members of our community.

9. Community based instruction focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of young adults with disabilities

10. Our aim is to... Utilize Newington and the surrounding communities to provide internships and post-secondary options.

11. : Each participant’s internship and social experiences are driven by their individual goals and objective

12. as they move from high school to post- secondary activities

13. Current Internship Sites CCSU Bookstore Hartford Hospital Veteran’s Hospital Creative Organics The Hospital for Special Care, New Britain Tax Assessor’s Office Central Supply Lucy Robbins Welles Library New Britain General Bob’s Clothing Store Tunxis Community College Fresh Place MKMS Library STRIVE Digital Center

14. The Transition Academy Scanning Center In-House Job Training

15. Skills are transferable to “real-world” job opportunities

16. Students with a variety of ability levels

17. Add value to our community and society

18. Benefits to Newington Funded by One Time Federal Grant Money Furthers the Town Hall Renovation Process Compliance Potential for considerable savings in outplacement tuition Gives our students valuable life and vocational skills It’s good for kids

19. Questions?