All students need guidance in order to make the leap from high school to adulthood. However, students with disabilities may need extra help planning their next steps. Prior to age 16, the Annual Review IEP must include a transition plan that discusses the student's individual needs, strengths, skills, and interests. Transition planning is used to identify and develop goals based on the student's post-high school plans, such as post-secondary education, the development of career and vocational skills, as well as the ability to live independently.
A student's needs, interests, and skills will help determine what services may be needed. The student, case manager, and parent(s)/guardian(s) will begin the process of linking the student to appropriate agencies and resources prior to high school graduation.
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) The Division of Developmental Disabilities serves more than 40,000 people with developmental disabilities including the following conditions mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injuries and certain neurological impairments. Some of the services provided include case management, residential services, the provision of day programs, supported employment services, and various family support services. DDD also helps with guardianship procedures.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) Some of the services provided to eligible clients of DVRS include Vocational Counseling & Guidance, Placement Services, Job Seeking Skills, Supported Employment, Time Limited Placement and Coaching, Job Accommodations, Skills Training, College Training, Physical Restoration, Emotional Restoration Services, Mobility Equipment, Driver Training, Vehicle Modification, and Home Modifications.
Access Link Access Link is NJ TRANSIT's paratransit service required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Access Link provides paratransit service comparable to the local bus service. This service is specifically for people whose disability prevents them from using the local fixed route bus service.
The New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired promotes and provides services in the areas of education, employment, independence and eye health through informed choice and partnership with persons who are blind or visually impaired, their families and the community. The Commission recognizes three major thrusts in carrying out this mission, which are (1) providing specialized services to persons with vision problems, and (2) educating and working in the community to reduce the incidence of vision loss and (3) to improve attitudes concerning people with vision loss.
Students who are interested in continuing their post-secondary education may want to apply to a 2-year or 4-year college, specialized training program, or vocational school. Although there is no Special Education in a post-secondary setting, students with disabilities can apply for support services and accommodations. Please reach out to your case manager for guidance as you apply to colleges/programs. Information from local colleges is provided below.
Bergen Community College Office of Specialized Services provides services and accommodations to all Bergen Community College students who have current documentation of a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including but not limited to walking, talking, learning, hearing, or seeing.
Montclair State University Disability Resource Center will assist you in receiving the accommodations and services necessary to equalize access. The DRC provides assistance to students with physical, sensory, learning, psychological, neurological, and chronic medical disabilities.
Kean University Office of Accessibility Services provides assistance and accommodations for all students with documented physical, medical, learning, emotional and/or physical disabilities both temporary and permanent.
New Jersey City University Specialized Services and Supplemental Instruction NJCU students with disabilities are provided equal access to college programs through the provision of reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The OSS/SI serves as a resource for students with mobility, vision, hearing, learning, and other disabilities that may require campus/classroom accommodations and/or academic support.
COMPASS Program | Fairleigh Dickinson University (fdu.edu) Fairleigh Dickinson University The COMPASS program is New Jersey’s first university support program for students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We provide a number of support services including weekly individual counseling, group therapy, and academic support. Ideal candidates for this program are those who are already candidates for a 4-year college, but who would benefit from social, academic, and emotional support in order to be successful in their university endeavor.
Eastwick College and Hohokus Schools consists of four schools that offers non-degree programs and degree programs such as Business and Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Welding, Plumber Apprenticeship, HVARC, and Ultrasound Technology. All students requesting accommodations due to disabilities must register with their state’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The evaluation completed by DVR must be presented to the campus director to determine what reasonable accommodations can be offered.
Lincoln Tech is a post-secondary vocational program that offers training in five program verticals; Automotive, Health Science, Skilled Trades, Hospitality Services, and Business. Students can complete a Request for Accommodation to the Director of Education/Academic Dean. ADA-Students_with_Disabilities_Policy.pdf (lincolntech.edu)
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