My loved one with a disability is between the ages of 14 – 26. How can I help them seamlessly transition out of school with no gaps in service?
The Arc Prince George’s County Transition 101 Program
Led by our Outreach Program Administrator Melonee Clark, The Arc’s Transition 101 program provides families and their loved ones with the tools they need to seamlessly transition from children’s service to adult services.
“It can be a very confusing and challenging time. You know your child or loved one needs support, but you don’t know what support is available, what would work best for them, or even where to start looking for those answers,” says Melonee.
“As a parent of a child with special needs, I know that families need resources that are easily accessible and tailored to their child’s specific needs, that’s why we created Transition 101.”
Transition 101 is a curriculum of workshops, training, provider references, and 1:1 education for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities between the ages of 14 – 26, and their families. Transition 101 programs include:
Benefits Enrollment Center – a free screening and assessment service designed to connect individuals and families with benefits they are eligible for, but may not yet be receiving.
Ready @ 21 – a guide to job training and post secondary education for people with disabilities.
Resume Ready – a course on skill identification and resume writing for high school students with disabilities.
Financial Literacy – a family workshop on financial planning, ABEL accounts, SSI benefits and much more.
Brunch Bunch – a monthly forum on community inclusion, transportation, advocacy and support.
Project SEARCH – an internship & classroom-based learning program that helps students gain work-ready skills in a variety of areas.
“We have partners from other Arc Chapters, county providers, first responders, financial advisors and employers, who all come together to share their expertise and answer questions for families as they and their loved one, prepare for meaningful and satisfying adult lives” says Melonee. “We believe everyone has the ability to do something meaningful in the community and we hope that is work. We also help prepare students for post secondary education in a form that works for them, and expose individuals and their families to opportunities and choices that meet each person’s abilities and interests. We want to make sure the people we support have control over their own lives and fill them with meaningful activities, interactions and experiences.”
Transition 101 programs are ongoing. Visit our EVENTS CALENDAR for information on upcoming workshops or call 301-925-7050 for more information.
