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Welcome to the Dickinson ISD Transition Page!

This page is designed to provide parents and teachers with information and resources for students as they transition from public school education to adult settings.  Information regarding the DISD transition instruction program is also provided.  The DISD Transition and Employment Services Designee is Laura Batson, 281-229-6095.

If you have questions about transition, please contact our Transition and Employment Services Designee / Coordinator:

Laura Batson, 281-229-6095

There are many resources to help parents and guardians with the transition process.  Follow this link to the Student-Centered Texas Transitions Network where you will be able to to download the newly revised resource created by the (SCTN) to assist educators with implementing quality transition services for students with disabilities. 

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The Revised 2021 Texas Transition and Employment Guide can help students with disabilities plan for adult life. The guide contains information about employment, postsecondary education, agency connections, and contacts to obtain additional resources.

Transition is a collaborative process of planning for a student to transition from a public school educational setting to an adult life. In Texas, we begin this process when a student turns 14 with a conversation at the student's annual ARD meeting. As the student progresses through junior high and high school, the conversation becomes more formal, and will include discussions about vocational interests, class selection, plans for independent study and living after high school, and financial planning. In Dickinson, we have a strong belief in the student's voice in this process and we actively promote self-determination and self-advocacy. Each student's transition plan is very unique and tailored to the individual student. 

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Transition 18+ services for students with disabilities are essential programs and resources designed to support young adults with disabilities as they move from the educational setting into adulthood. These services aim to facilitate a smooth transition from school to post-secondary education, employment, independent living, and community engagement.

  • Vocational Training: DISD staff provide a variety of vocational training opportunities, including specialized instruction and skills development tailored to the unique abilities and interests of students with disabilities. The focus is on equipping them with practical skills that match their individual strengths and career aspirations.
  • Job Placement and Support: These services assist students with disabilities in finding suitable employment opportunities. DISD actively works with Texas Workforce Commission to assist students with obtaining job coaches and support staff. Texas Workforce works closely with employers to ensure a smooth integration into the workforce and continued assistance as needed.
  • Post-Secondary Education Support: For students with disabilities who wish to pursue higher education, transition services can provide guidance on the application process, academic accommodations, and accessibility resources available at colleges and universities. Our DISD counselors work closely with students to access these services.
  • Independent Living Skills: Preparing young adults with disabilities for independent living is a crucial aspect of transition services. Training in essential life skills such as cooking, budgeting, transportation, and self-care can empower them to live more autonomously. Our DISD special education teachers provide this instruction and support.
  • Social and Communication Skills: Some students with disabilities may require assistance in developing social and communication skills to enhance their ability to interact with peers, colleagues, and members of the community. Our DISD special education teachers provide this instruction and support.
  • Assistive Technology: Transition services may offer access to assistive technology, including communication devices, mobility aids, and adaptive tools that empower students with disabilities to engage more fully in education and employment opportunities. Our DISD special education teachers and assistive technology team provide this instruction and support.
  • Community Engagement: Encouraging active participation in the community is vital for fostering social connections and a sense of belonging. Transition services may support students in finding community activities, volunteering opportunities, and recreational programs. Our DISD special education teachers provide this instruction and support.
  • Transition Supplements: During the ARD, the committee will review transition services collaboratively with the student, their family, educators, and service providers. The transition plan that is created in the ARD committee is called the transition supplement. The supplement outlines specific goals, timelines, and steps to achieve successful post-school outcomes.
  • Advocacy Support: Transition services may provide advocacy training to students and their families, empowering them to navigate systems and access the necessary resources throughout the transition process.
  • Family Involvement: Inclusive transition services recognize the importance of family involvement. These programs collaborate with families to provide guidance, support, and encouragement during the transition period and beyond.

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Transition 18+ services for students with disabilities are aimed at ensuring that they have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive as they transition into adulthood, promoting independence, empowerment, and inclusivity


 

For parents:

 

For Students:

Questions to ask yourself:

  • What do I enjoy doing?
  • What paying jobs match what I enjoy doing?
  • What type of training or school do I want to do or go to after high school?  
  • Where do I want to live after high school?

 

Dickinson ISD Special Education Vocational Classes at DHS:

DHS offers specialized classes in addition to the traditional Career Technology Education (CTE) classes offered. ARD committee placement is required for these courses. Brief descriptions and contact information for the teachers is listed below.

Mrs. Megan Turner is the Community Based Vocational Instruction (CBVI) Teacher at DHS.

Mrs. Turner has worked in Special Education in Dickinson ISD for the past 20 years. She teaches CBI/CVBI skills to our DHS Gators.

  • CBI - Community Based Instruction lessons and generalization of skills that we have practicing at school, we visit various job sites.  CBI is an extension of the learning lessons and classroom practice into a real-life setting. 
  •  CBVI-  Community Based Vocational Instruction lessons and generalization of skills that we have practicing at school, we visit various job sites.  We explore and work in various  volunteer roles, trying out different tasks. 
  • Travel instruction:  As much as possible, we use the Connect Transit bus route to teach independence. Mrs. Turner also maintains her CDL and she drives the school bus to various sites to participate in engaging opportunities to learn new skills, work with community members, and practice future employment skills, while giving back to our community. 

DISD 18+ Transition Program: 

When an ARD committee determines that a student needs additional transition instruction after the student has finished all required credit classes, DISD offers specialized classes and services - called the 18+ Transition Program. Typically, this program is for students who require a significant level of support and a small teacher: student ratio. 

The 18+ transition program focuses primarily on community-based instruction to help students achieve their maximum level of independence in self-help, advocacy, accessing public services and transportation, and employability skills. The primary goal is to foster social independence with the goal of obtaining competitive paid employment, with the majority of instruction taking place in community or employment settings.The aim is to help both the students and their families learn how to maintain a level of self-sustainability in their future endeavors.

 

Our goal is to facilitate the student’s transition to adulthood after successfully completing all high school credits. These goals can vary from following hygiene routines to working on pre-vocational tasks that prepare them for areas like 18+ Work-Based Learning, jobs, day habilitation, and more. The specific opportunities available depend on the family supports and services accessible to the students before their final year of attendance.

Meet our Teachers:

Mrs. Ashley Bennett teaches the 18+ Transition Class which is housed at McAdams Junior High School.

email: abennett@dickinsonisd.org               Office:  281-229-7170

 

Ashley Bennett has worked in DISD as a paraprofessional for 7 years and now as a teacher for 5 years. She is known as Ms. Ashley, or Coach to her students and athletes. She has also coached Special Olympics for 6 years. Mrs. Bennett graduated from Dickinson High school in 2002, and is the mom to three wonderful sons, one of whom is on the autism spectrum.  They are all proud members of Gator Nation.  Prior to becoming a special education teacher, Mrs. Bennett notes that she informally studied autism and positive behavior training through various parent-trainings. She states, "The most significant training I received was the basic understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at UHCL Autism Center that my son attended for 2 years for behavioral supports."  Click here if you want to learn more information on Mrs. Bennett. 

Ms. Angela Faarup teaches the 18+ Transition Class which is housed at McAdams Junior High School.

email: afaarup@dickinsonisd.org           Office:  281-229-7170

Ms. Faarup earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business Administration, Psychology and Organizational Development at AIU.  After graduation from University, Ms. Faarup continued her career as an Executive Staff Development Training Specialist within the Hospitality Industry. With her extensive experience within employment - education collaboration partnerships Ms. Faarup transitioned to the public and private sectors of education teaching Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade, general education, and special education during the past 32 years.  

Ms. Faarup is currently a Special Education Teacher with Dickinson High School extension project housed at McAdams Junior High School, teaching as the 18 + Independent Living Skills Teacher, and with the Work Based Learning Program.    

She has two sons who attend Dickinson ISD schools, and when not performing her teaching duties, she is devoted to her family, which includes her husband, her children and grandchildren.


The Gulf Coast Center provides services and supports for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities that enhance their lives and highlight their strengths.

  • If you need assistance registering  your child with the Gulf Coast Center, you may contact our district social worker, Ms. Jamie Harbuck.

 

The Gulf Coast Center runs Connect Transit, which offers a range of transportation services in Galveston County, including fixed-route service, ADA Paratransit and shared on-demand service.
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