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Throughout life we’re called to take both small steps and giant leaps…though usually a little closer to home than the moon. We do this by calling on all that we’ve learned growing up, with loved ones or at school. In the Olympia School District, the Transition Academy provides additional education and career-building skills to post-secondary students with disabilities.

This four-year program for ages 18 to 22 bridges the gap between high school and adult services like housing and job training, which usually begin at the age of 22. Students practice interviewing, resume building, job shadowing and enjoy community-wide engagement.

The Olympia School District’s Transitions Academy works to bridge the gap between high school and adulthood for students with disabilities. Photo courtesy: Olympia School District

Hands on Learning, Career Skills and Real-World Experience Bridge Gaps at the Transition Academy

“The Transition Academy serves as a bridge to prepare students and families for life after high school,” explains teacher Julia Calhoon. “The real world presents so many new challenges for students and families that have always been supported by the school system and we want to make sure we are helping them to be as prepared as possible for that change.”

High school graduation is a tremendous milestone. It’s a jumping-off point into the next phase, with its responsibilities and endless potential and that’s something no-one should miss. “Adult life also provides our students with amazing opportunities to develop as engaged, represented and valued members of our community,” says Calhoon. “It’s a big shift, and our goal is to use the time students have in transition services to set them up for success.”

a man with a backpack getting on a bus
Transitions students spend time in the community learning, job shadowing, volunteering and working towards their next stage of life. Photo courtesy: Olympia School District

For Graduating Students with Disabilities, Deciding What Comes Next Takes Teamwork

Fellow teacher Jesse Davis explains that in Washington State, staff are mandated to start planning for Transition Services by age 16, at the latest. Unfortunately, many families and teachers are unfamiliar with the services offered to help at this crucial next stage.

“Parents and guardians should ask their IEP case managers and teachers what they should be doing to prepare for life after high school,” advises Davis. “If a student has an IEP and the student and team feel like they are not prepared for life after high school – things like college, employment and living life as an adult – they can access Transition Services to get specialized training in these areas.”

Calhoon agrees that reaching out early is always better. She says that once the student, family and educational support team have discussed their options, they can all move forward together. Students in the Olympia School District with an IEP who choose to enroll in the Transition Academy can attend until 22 years of age. Neighboring school districts also provide similar programming.

The Transition Academy is just one model for Transition Services in the Olympia School District. Under the “Transition Services” umbrella, students also have access to school-based services at the high schools, as well as a program called “Project SEARCH” housed at the Evergreen State College Campus. The goal of Project Search is to have 100% of the students employed by the end of each school year.

a man poses for a picture wearing and apron and holding a to go tray with two coffee to go cups in it
Community partners provide hands on work experience in a peer-to-peer setting. Transitions Academy is always looking for new businesses and organizations to share in their mission. Photo courtesy: Olympia School District

Community Partnerships Provide Real World Assistance, Experience and a Strong Future

Davis and Calhoon both praised the Thurston County Food Bank and its warehouse as well as Olympia’s Parks, Arts & Recreation’s Park Stewards program. There, students receive employment and job readiness skills by working side-by-side with volunteers and employees. By providing experience outside of the typical parent/child or teacher/student dynamic, attendees learn to communicate and collaborate with peers in a real-world setting.

“Transition students are also introduced to the agencies who will become part of their adult life,” says Calhoon. These include the Developmental Disability Administration, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Supplemental Security Income and a variety of supported employment providers. Because eligibility varies, the Transition team helps students apply and navigate services as well as introducing families to the case managers and coaches who’ll help out during the next phase.

But it’s not just about the paperwork and red tape of adulthood, says Davis. “We are also trying to connect our students with local organizations that can potentially replace the social and activity connections our students left behind at high school,” Davis says. “Thurston County does not have a community day center for the adults with disability population like many other counties do. The options for leisure and engagement for our adult students can seem really limited. Our students visit the Briggs YMCA at least once a week, attend open studio at Hummingbird Art Studio, utilize the game area at Gabi’s Olympic Cards and Comics and much more. Our goal is that they use their time in Transition Services to explore all of the great options and build routines to fill their schedule.”

Outside of employment preparations, students fill the social gaps with visits to the Briggs Community YMCA, Hummingbird Art Studio and Gabi’s Olympic Cards and Comics. Photo courtesy: Olympia School District

Join the Transition Academy and Become Part of Team Squirrel

The official mascot of the Transition Academy is a squirrel, thanks to the vintage décor at the Dee House where the program was founded. Transition students now share a space with Avanti High School (1113 Legion Way SE) for classroom sessions but can typically be found out in the community.

To learn more about transition services, or find out about the next open house, you can email Julia Calhoon (calhoonjs@osd.wednet.edu) or Jesse Davis (jbdavis@osd.wednet.edu). If you’re part of a business or volunteer group that could provide learning or employment training/opportunities, please send them an email about potentially joining forces.

For the last 10 years, the Transition Academy has averaged nearly 25 students annually. Both Calhoon and Davis love seeing their former students around town at work, play or just exploring. If you or someone you love could use a helping hand during their time of transition, reach out today. This first step could be the launching pad for a lifetime of success.

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