4th Annual Transition Fair a Success
Kalamazoo RESA’s County-Wide Transition Team hosted its Fourth Annual Transition Fair on Wednesday, March 14th.
With more than 90 people in attendance and 27 organizations represented, the event creates a great opportunity for students with disabilities and their families to think about life after school, as well as the specific challenges they may meet.
The event offers information on transition through many informational booths. Topics covered include 8th grade to post-secondary transition, community agencies, college preparation, employment, volunteer opportunities, housing resources and more.
Students with disabilities and their families may face challenges in four areas of transition: employment, post-secondary education, adult living and community participation. Through a successful transition, students participate in activities and skill building exercises needed to develop work-related behaviors that prepare them for successful job experiences. They work on skills related to job applications, interviews, resume building and employability. Transition helps students develop skills related to instruction and post-secondary situations through college visits and tours, financial aid information, classes and internships. To help students transition to adult living, students can participate in activities and skill building opportunities related to buying or renting a home, registering to vote, budgeting, preparing meals, and making appointments. A focus on transition also helps students make a positive impact in their community by working on recreational activities, transportation training, telephone skills, safety and more.
“The transition fair is a great opportunity for parents of students with disabilities to learn more about options to assist their student in preparing for life after school,” said event coordinator Kathy Hurley. “Kalamazoo RESA partners with many agencies to assist with this important transition.”
For more information on Kalamazoo RESA’s Transition Services and the Transition Fair, visit kresa.org/transition.