Community-Based Transition Programs for Teens and Young Adults

When students with disabilities begin to “age out,” that is, when they have benefited as much as they can from what is contained within the curriculum and walls of the school, they still have much to learn in order to continue to grow. Poised to gain increased independence and autonomy, they need training in life skills to make a successful transition to adulthood.  To meet this need, IPPI offers individualized programs for students aged 18 to 21. We engage the student, family and school district in creating a program that matches the student’s interests and skills levels and meets the school’s IEP objectives.

Our services are provided primarily through 1:1 support within the home, neighborhood and community, creating opportunities for academic and real world skill development in natural settings. Some examples of skill development areas include:

• Prevocational and vocational – occupational competence; interviewing; resume development; behavior on the job; job expectations; getting along with your boss and coworkers
• Household maintenance – planning the menu; shopping; cooking; household repairs and upkeep; laundry; lawn care; cleaning
• Financial responsibility – identifying bills and coins; budgeting; purchasing; banking
• Social activities – having a conversation; stranger/friend identification and safety; resolving conflicts; reducing challenging behavior
• Health – medical management; exercise; psychological well-being; dental care; good nutrition; good sleep habits
• Handling a crisis – keeping safe and in touch; responding to an emergency

“Betsy has Prader-Willi syndrome. At 20 years old, her school was not able to offer the in-school supports she really needed and offered us the opportunity to use an outside provider until she reached 21. Betsy required a one-to-one aide who could manager her stresses and occasional acting-out behaviors.  IPPI was recommended to us as a top-flight provider who could hire a dedicated caregiver to carry out a community-based learning and skills building program, including academics and work and volunteering. The transition from school into the real world can be one of the most difficult times that special needs families face – finding a job and worthwhile things for the person to do.  The IPPI team made that transition work for Betsy, although it wasn’t always easy.  One of IPPI’s greatest strengths is their ability to provide “emergency services” to their clients if needed; so, for example, if Betsy had a stress ‘meltdown’ or any problem in the community they would respond immediately. Knowing that they were always there for our daughter allowed us to relax and ‘breathe’ during the day.”

-Tim McMahon, Betsy’s father and guardian 

                                                  

Betsy's close knit family supports her love of animals, community theatre and athletics. 

Pictured: Betsy McMahon

To learn more about the community-based teen and young adult transition programs, which are typically funded by local school districts or paid for privately, be in touch with:

In the greater Nashua area:
Brad Kent, Project Director
(603) 595-0511 Ext. 302

In the greater Concord/Manchester area:
Michelle Cutting, Project Director
(603) 224-8085

In the greater Seacoast area:
Katie Kelly, Project Director
(603) 772-5991