Entrance Criteria/Course Description

Blount County School Transition Program

Entrance Criteria

• Be at least 18 years of age or graduating year.

• Have excellent attendance.

• Completed high school credits/IEP requirements necessary for graduation.

• Agree that this will be the last year of student services, and will accept diploma at the end of the school year or have already graduated and are returning for the exit year.

• Meet eligibility requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation

• Meet eligibility requirements for the Developmental Disabilities Organization and other service providers for follow along services (At least 75% of cohort should be eligible for long term supports).

• Have independent personal hygiene and grooming skills.

• Have independent daily living skills.

• Maintain appropriate behavior and social skills in the workplace.

• Take direction from supervisors and adjust to appropriate behavior

• Be able to communicate effectively.

• Utilize public transportation when available and participate in travel training to ensure success when using ETHRA independently.

• Have previous experience in a work environment (including school, volunteer, Work Base/Community Base Program and/or paid work).

• Be able to pass drug screen, felony check and immunizations up to date.

• Have the desire and plan to work competitively in the community at the conclusion of the Project SEARCH program.

PROJECT SEARCH Course Description:

This course is a one year program for students with disabilities ranging in age from 18 to 21 or exiting year. The student must be enrolled in their last year of high school and have met their IEP requirements for graduation. The program consists of onsite classroom instruction, job skills development, and job placement.  It is targeted for students with the primary goal of competitive employment, assisting with career exploration and training in the community. The intern will spend 5 hours at the program site with 1 hour of onsite instructional time. Rotation through three unpaid sites is required to assist in building a variety of skills, such as communication, problem solving and job specific task.  Supports will be provided with accommodations, adaptations and on the job coaching. Connections are made to appropriate community service providers in order to ensure a successful transition to work, as well as, retention and career advancement.