Arlyn School recognizes the uniqueness of each student and also recognizes the growing need to assist students with disabilities who have completed graduation requirements yet still require further development. Arlyn School has expanded its Transition Program to offer a one or two year full-time or part-time placement for young adults between the ages of 17 and 21 to work towards post-secondary goals including self-determination, self-advocacy skills, community experiences and independent functioning to become successful and contributing members of society. Referrals are now being accepted for students eligible under SLD, ED, OHI and/or AUT (Asperger’s Syndrome) who need further support navigating the transition process due to a range of social, emotional, learning and attentional difficulties including:
Upon entering Arlyn’s Transition Program, students participate in an extensive vocational evaluation and consultation including interviews, observations, assessments and a review of records. The assessment data and information gathered is presented at a Transition Planning meeting in which the student, parents, Arlyn staff, school district representatives, and program consultants collaborate to develop an Individualized Transition Plan and to coordinate a flexible program that meets the student’s personal needs and supports post-secondary goals. Services take place during daytime and evening hours based on the student’s scheduled activities in the community. The student-centered and student-directed philosophy of the program empowers students to take responsibility for developing and implementing their transition plan.
Each student is assigned a Case Manager whose role is to be an advisor and coach, overseeing the student’s schedule and ensuring that all components of the student’s program are properly planned, implemented and regularly evaluated. Academic and transition specialists, utilizing a case management model, work with students to identify their strengths, needs, goals and appropriate accommodations through career and academic assessment, vocational counseling and transition planning. Students explore post secondary education and work place settings, establish career goals, and identify skills needed for a successful transition. The Transition Team of professionals who service each young adult student meet regularly to collaborate, review student progress and make necessary revisions to the program plan.
The following services are available to the young adult students in Arlyn’s Transition Program based upon diagnostic assessments, team decisions and Individualized Transition Plans:
Transition Services and Supports
Community College/College/Vocational School transition supportAcademic Tutoring
Vocational Counseling
Job Coaching
Self-advocacy Skills
Community Linkages
Internships - on and off campus
Community Integration Opportunities, including Volunteer Experiences
Community Exploration and Mobility Training
Career Exploration and Portfolio Development
Independent Living Skills, Career Education, and Consumer Education
Leisure and Social Experiences
Technology Support
Linkage with Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
Related Services
Art Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Social Skills Instruction
Sensorimotor Treatment Program
Individual, Group, and Family Therapy
Flexible Hours during the day and evening
Categories of Disabilities Served Under §14-7.02 of The School Code of Illinois
Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)
Emotional Disturbance (ED)
Other Health Impairment (OHI)
Autism (AUT) - Asperger’s Syndrome
Age Range: 17-21
By providing educational and therapeutic support while gradually increasing academic, social, and emotional demands, Arlyn’s Transition Program is a great way for students to enter community college, competitive employment or other post secondary settings while learning and practicing academic, social and pragmatic skills from a team of professionals providing intensive individualized support. If you are interested in exploring The Transition Program at Arlyn School, please contact the school and ask for a member of our Transition Admissions Team. Referrals are accepted from local public school districts, private providers, agencies and individuals. If interested in pursuing placement in The Transition Program, educational, clinical and medical information along with an IEP and the most recent case study evaluation are required for consideration.