Instruction

Instruction for transition services covers a broad range of activities in group and individual settings. Instruction is designed to meet the unique needs of students as they complete their secondary school requirements and explore postsecondary options. This includes basic academic instruction in math and language arts, practical life skills (personal finance, grocery shopping and cooking, using public transportation), work readiness (resume building, interview skills, professional habits), vocational-specific training, and more. PACC Transition Specialists are experienced teachers who are well-versed in differentiated instruction and special education.  

 

Related Services

As students transition from high school to postsecondary opportunities, they could require additional services that would allow them to participate in transition activities. This can include physical therapy, speech therapy, psychological services, behavioral services, medical services, and more. Although PACC does not provide all these services directly, they are able to help the student (and their family) locate providers and help advocate on behalf of their client(s). While many of these services are coordinated through a school’s LEA, Transition Specialists can assist clients with applying for Medicaid Waivers which can be a complicated process. Starting this process while students are below the age of 21 supports a seamless transition to adult services.

 

Community Integration

It is critical for students to gain experience living and working in their community as they transition into postsecondary options. For students interested in pursuing higher education, this can mean touring college campuses, working on an application for admission, or enrolling in a college class to gauge interest. Students also benefit from learning about the services and activities available within their community. This includes healthcare facilities, the post office, libraries, banks, laundromats, and more. Giving students the opportunity to practice using these resources will support their transition from high school. Some students could also benefit from learning the public transportation system, grocery shopping, obtaining a driver’s license or ID card, touring apartments, or joining a gym. As with all transition services, activities are specific to each client and designed to support their individual goals.  

 

Employment Experiences

One of the primary goals for students receiving transition services is integrated competitive employment. This means obtaining employment at a competitive wage, or at least at minimum wage, comparable to someone without a disability performing the same job. For students, many of whom have not worked before, this means developing proper work-related behaviors, job seeking and keeping skills, career exploration, skills training, and actual employment. Volunteering provides an excellent way for students to learn these skills and could provide a direct path to employment. Other activities that support the transition to work include participating in a community-based employment program, internship, or apprenticeship, completing an application for OVR services, practicing job interview and application skills, and obtaining information about a specific career or line of work through interviews or attending a career fair. PACC maintains and continues to build partnerships with a wide array of local businesses and institutions to meet the diverse interests of students.

 

Acquisition of Daily Living Skills

Much like Community Integration, Daily Living Skills are designed to foster independence for individuals receiving transition services. Activities that support the building of these skills include financial literacy and budgeting (opening a checking account, using an ATM, managing income and costs), registering to vote and learning about the election process, choosing the appropriate attire for work or leisure, learning emergency procedures, medication self-management, keeping a daily schedule, hygienic and self-care practice, operating a washer and dryer, etc. The successful development of these skills is often a prerequisite for employment, higher education, and/or independent living, so it is essential to evaluate these skills early in the transition process.

 

Functional Vocational Evaluation

A functional vocational evaluation or assessment is a tool that helps students identify which career or educational options would best suit their goals. These assessments are designed to evaluate interests and strengths, work history, functional use of academics, behavioral and social skills, work stamina and more. PACC works with School Districts and OVR to assess students’ skills, abilities, and interests and provide work samples from multiple career paths. This evaluation is critical to developing achievable and measurable goals for any student receiving transition services.

 

Extended School Year

The Extended School Year (ESY) is an 8-week program designed to help students with disabilities maintain a skill in one or more goal areas of concern. The ESY program is offered in June and July with a focus on academics, life skills, and job experience.  The student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) determines the student’s need to receive services beyond the typical school year.

PA Connecting Communities’ ESY Program Overview:

• PACC holds full insurance coverage.
• Multiple weeks are offered from June 16 to August 15, 2025, to fit various schedules (pending home school approval).
• The program is fully customizable to cater to each student’s academic. requirements, fulfill IEP goals, and emphasize personal interests.
• Functional reading and math skills are comprehensively integrated throughout the program.
• Diversity plays a key role in the program, showcased through various opportunities and experiences.

 

Program Details:

• Post-Secondary Exploration – Research, take tours, and participate in experiences at various post-secondary sites, such as:
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Vocational Schools
  • Community Colleges
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Apprenticeships
• Explore diverse cultures while building connections with new peers from various school districts in the Pittsburgh region.
• Community Engagement – PACC utilizes community-engaged learning to foster and apply practical skills, emphasizing the retention of academic competencies, functional math and reading abilities, as well as the enhancement of independent living skills.
• Career Exploration and Skill Development – Gain insights into yourself, researching various options, experimenting with new experiences, and formulating a strategic plan to achieve your professional aspirations. Visit various workplaces, engage with employees, and relate classroom knowledge to real-world applications.
• Self-Determination – Self-determination empowers the ability to make choices, solve problems, and take responsibility for one’s life. Learn the skills to shape and maintain control over your life.
• Travel Training – Discover how to effectively navigate your community. Explore and practice various forms of public transportation through community trips.
• Service Learning – Combines community service with educational experiences. Cultivates a sense of social responsibility and illustrates how to apply academic knowledge to real-world issues.
• Social Skills – Engage in real-life situations in order to develop and practice essential social skills.
• Essential Home Skills – Build independent home skills at Connecting Me Home, PACC’s fully stocked and furnished home situated in a residential neighborhood.

 

For more information contact Anthony Mannella, Director of Transition at transition@pacc.org or 412-523-4269