On November 15th Calais hosted our 4th Annual Transition Fair!

Over the past few years we have watched our Transition Fair steadily unfold into a hub of resources for young adults with special needs looking for guidance and support as they transition to adulthood.  The Transition fair offers an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students and their parents to connect with representatives from four year colleges, community colleges, trade schools, employment and state agencies and advocacy groups. Knowledgeable representatives field questions and provide information about available resources and options.

This year our vendors included Allied Wealth, The Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center of the State University of Rutgers, The ARC of NJ, Bice Del Galdo (counseling), Bergen County Community College, Bloomfield College, Centenary, College Internship Program, County College of Morris, DAWN Center for Independent Living, Easter Seals, Employment Horizons, Prism Support Services and many more!

As always, this event is free and open to anyone-students, parents, clinicians, case managers and more looking to explore transition options for their student(s).  Attendees are guaranteed a wealth of information and knowledge about post-high school options for young adults with disabilities.

transition services for young adults with special needs

The Calais School Transition Fair vendors were busy discussing Transition options to students, parents and case managers.

We implore students and parents to start transition planning as early as possible to set the building blocks for post-secondary success.  At the Calais School we offer a comprehensive Transition Education Program.  Starting at 8th grade, students began receiving transition related services including career and guidance counseling. Our guidance counseling team meets one-on-one with each student to explore academic and nonacademic interests. For High School and 12 Plus students, career and guidance counseling also includes collaboration with our Learning Disabilities Teach Consultants (LDTC) to plan an educational road map.

Additionally, the Calais C.O.R.E. Transition Program provides students with individualized coaching, interest, and aptitude testing to identify an optimal path for student success. The goal of C.O.R.E. is to allow students to experience regular job coaching and 21st Century life and career instruction. The Calais School also  offers a 12 Plus Transition Program which serves to help bridge the gap between high school, college and a career path. Students ages 18-21 are prepared for the next step in an encouraging environment.