School Partnership
Life after high school can be a daunting concept with or without a disability. To help ease the transition, RCIL has partnered with the United Way to create collaboration among a number of agencies -- including VESID (the state vocational rehabilitation office), the Learning Disability Association of Mohawk Valley, and the Special Education Training Resource Center -- plus two local school districts, one urban (Utica) and one rural (Waterville), to create the Independent Living Center & School Partnership Program.
Funded by VESID and the United Way of the Greater Utica Area, this program is designed to improve transitional outcomes for students with disabilities. Students ages 14 - 21 who receive services from the special education department work with staff to take advantage of the following program elements:
- Individualized transition plans using a strength-based model
- Educational programs related to transition topics, rights, and pertinent disability issues designed for students, parents, and faculty
- Technical assistance with transition
- Information and referral to community resources
- Intensive trainings and support to students in the areas of self-concept, communication skills, social skills, and decision making through group activities with a transitional focus
Contact RCIL for more information.