Transition Services
Transition planning encompasses the development of post-secondary outcomes in the areas of post-secondary education, employment and independent living. These are developed through the completion of various assessments, courses, and activities.
The Westmoreland Intermediate Unit provides a variety of services to aid in the transition planning process:
Learning Independence for Travel (LIFT)
Navigating one's community is one of the leading barriers to independence for an individual with a disability. The inability to travel independently, whether on foot, by car or bus, inhibits opportunities for post-secondary education, employment, and living independently. The LIFT program provides instruction in pedestrian skills and the utilization of public transportation, opening doors to future possibilities.
Living Independently in the Community (LINC)
There are many aspects of independent living incorporated into the curriculum within our local school districts. The LINC program expands upon these experiences by providing instruction in an authentic independent living environment within a community based setting.
Work Discovery
Program Description
The WIU Work Discovery Program is a transition program designed to help students with IEP's explore and experience working in a community setting, under the supervision of a job coach. Small groups of 3-5 students attend one of our 34 community sites, located near their school, within Westmoreland County. These community partners encourage the students to learn and practice marketable job skills, along with the social skills and professionalism needed to acquire and maintain employment after graduation.
Students gain experience in:
- Consumer/Service
- Assembly/Industrial
- Landscaping/Outdoor Maintenance
- Warehouse/Stocking
- Child care/Education
- Housekeeping
- Processing
- Retail
- Dietary
Program Goals
- To assess the physical and mental requirements for work readiness in a community setting
- To offer training on specific job tasks
- To offer training on interpersonal skills necessary for job retention
- To experience the work environment directly with supported instruction
- To broaden the knowledge and skills of students for increased vocational independence
Student Qualifications
- Students must be 16 years of age when they start the program
- Students must have an IEP
- Students must be able to communicate with their job coach and partner site personnel and be able to understand directions given
- Students must be ambulatory
- Students must be able to function independently or have a personal care assistant accompany them
- Because this is a voluntary program
- Students must be willing participants
- Students and parents must complete all documents
- Students and parents must agree to program and work site rules and regulations
Students usually attend the program one to five days a week for either a half-day or a full-day, for the entire school year. An evaluation of the student's job performance, professionalism and social skills is completed on a daily basis and reviewed with the student and shared with his/her teacher.
Referral Process
Referrals can only be made by the student's teacher.
PAES Lab
The Westmoreland Intermediate Unit received a grant from PaTTAN and was able to purchase a PAES (Practical Assessment Exploration System) Lab, which is set up in Center ICE at the administration building. Through this lab, students complete jobs in five different categories and learn where their strengths lie. Below is a printable flyer and more information about the PAES Lab, as well as pictures of our students trying out the different lab areas. Please contact one of the staff listed on our flyer for more information.
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