Student to Adult Transitional Program

New Horizons helps school districts evaluate potential vocational and living options for students who are age fourteen and older.  These evaluations can assist family members and school districts in planning for the student’s transition to adulthood.

New Horizons is available as a resource to school districts and family members to provide information about the adult services and the procedures for accessing those services.

New Horizons assists school districts by providing a transition service.  As a secondary provider, we expand the district’s scope of services to include those available through our Agency. A High School Transition Program meets the vocational needs of most types of disabilities. 

The Transition Program usually is of a half day duration, although we have had students enrolled for full days.  The students are placed in jobs found in the community that are of interest to them.  We try to rotate students to new sites every 4-6 months to expose them to different types of jobs.  Along with the job experience, we also conduct a job readiness class.  Job aspects such as completing an application, interviewing, how to address your employer and co-workers, and payroll deductions are covered in the class.

HSA is also a provider for Project Skills.  This program allows students to be paid for their work experiences in the community.  They must be eligible under Vocational Rehabilitation guidelines to qualify for Project Skills.

Many of the students will need supports while starting these jobs.  HSA provides staff to job coach individuals on a limited basis.  We also have students who will require supported employment on an ongoing basis.