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MCPS Transition Services

What are “transition services?”

Transition services are services provided to special education students, beginning at age 14 (and sometimes younger), to facilitate a smooth transition from school to post-school activities.

What types of activities and services are offered by MCPS to facilitate a smooth transition?

Transition Services are coordinated, results-oriented activities, based on your child’s needs. Transition activities include (but are not limited to) postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, and/or community participation. The activities selected for your child should take into account your child’s strengths, preferences and interests. This chart details the MCPS Transition Services programs that are available to students with disabilities who receive special education.

Who coordinates the delivery of MCPS transition services?

Transition services are coordinated by a transition support teacher (TST) in MCPS. These services may be delivered through direct or indirect (consultative) support. You can find the transition support teacher at your child's school here.

When do transition services from MCPS end?

MCPS transition services terminate when your child reaches the age of 21, or when your child earns a high school diploma, whichever happens earlier.

Where can I find basic information about MCPS transition services?

MCPS provides basic information about transition services on their Transition Services Office web page and in their Transition Services Booklet. Each year, beginning in September, the Transition Services Office offers a series of five workshops called the MCPS Transition Information for Parents and Students (TIPS), that provides essential transition planning information on adult services; Montgomery College; post-secondary education; integrated employment and vocational training; and independent living, community participation, and continuing and adult education.

Which local organizations and colleges provide support programs for students on the autism spectrum?

Organization: College Living Experience (CLE)
Contact: 800-486-5058; info@experiencecle.com
Website: https://experiencecle.com
Description: CLE provides academic, professional, social, and personal support to young adults with autism, ADHD, and other developmental and learning disabilities. The organization’s system of coaching and support enables students to transition to independence as they pursue academic programs or careers of interest. CLE has six program locations across the country, including one in Washington, D.C.

Where can I find information about colleges throughout the country that offer support programs to students on the autism spectrum?

Support Programs for College Students on the Autism Spectrum

Are there any local organizations that support autistic adults living independently after they exit school-based services?

Organization: Integrated Living Opportunities
Contact: Phone at 202-248-7113; fax at 202-248-7635; email at info@ilonow.org
Website: https://www.ilonow.org
Description: Integrated Living Opportunities (ILO) enables young adults with developmental disabilities (self-advocates) to transition to independent living. The organization helps families of self-advocates build supportive communities to which their self-advocates can transition. ILO also reinforces community relationships between different participating self-advocates and their families by hosting local social events and workshops on community building.

Organization: Main Street Connect
Contact: Fill out this online form to ask a question not answered by Main Street Connect's website.
Website: https://mainstreetconnect.org
Description: Main Street Connect is an inclusive residential development in Rockville, MD designed to foster inclusivity and enable independent living for people with disabilities. 25% of housing will be designed and designated for adults with disabilities. Residents of the development as well as neighbors of the community will have access to Main Street’s range of educational, vocational, and therapeutic programming. The development will reach completion by 2020.

Where can I find information about employment training for students on the autism spectrum?

Organization: BroadFutures
Contact: 202-521-4312; info@broadfutures.org
Website: https://broadfutures.org
Description: Located in the D.C. metropolitan area, BroadFutures provides paid internships, supported by mentors and coaches, to young people with learning or attention disabilities. Interns work Monday through Thursday for 7-11 weeks. On Fridays, interns participate in group bonding activities and group reflections on their internship experiences. The program incorporates art, yoga, mindfulness, and more to provide a holistic and low-stress experience for interns.

Organization: Franklin Apprenticeships
Contact: 877-673-5046; info@franklinapprenticeships.com
Website: https://www.franklinapprenticeships.com
Description: Franklin Apprenticeships offers paid apprenticeships to young adults looking to compete in the rapidly evolving job market. Apprentices earn competitive wages at entry-level positions, and they gain experience and credentials demanded by many employers. The organization currently offers apprenticeships in the IT/digital and automotive industries, working with employers in Missouri and Maryland.

Organization: Project SEARCH
Contact: Send completed applications for regional programs to Lu Merrick at 301-469-0223 or lmerrick@ivymount.org
Program-specific contact information is as follows:
Karen Hochberg, Project SEARCH at Montgomery County Government: karenhochberg@montgomerycountymd.gov
Nancy Eaby, Project SEARCH at Montgomery County Government and National Institutes of Health: 240-418-7468; neaby@seeconline.org
Hope Christensen, Project SEARCH at the Smithsonian Institution: 301-312-7690; hchristensen@seeconline.org
Website: https://www.projectsearch.us;
http://ivymountschool.ss11.sharpschool.com/programs_models/PS
Description: Project SEARCH helps young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities acquire marketable skills and practice independent living to prepare themselves for the transition to adulthood and employment. The organization offers immersive training programs at sites around the world, including at the Montgomery County Government, the National Institutes of Health, the Smithsonian Institution, and Capital Area Hilton Hotels. Interns spend approximately five hours a day at their internships, and internships last for the duration of one school year. Regional programs are supported by Seeking Equality, Empowerment, and Community for People with Developmental Disabilities (SEEC) and The Ivymount School.

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