Transition Resources
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Rhode Island Regional Transition Centers
The Rhode Island Regional Transition Centers provide direct technical support, training and information on transition services to school personnel in each region and assist in the development of statewide training and information activities. The Regional Transition Centers develop an annual technical assistance plan with each public school district and organize a Transition Advisory Committee (TAC) in four regions and Providence Public Schools. The Transition Advisory Committee meets on a scheduled basis, includes a representative from each high school in the region and adult service agency representatives and is utilized as the primary communication vehicle for sharing emerging transition practices and news.
Contact the Regional Transition Center in your area or click here to download a list of the Regional Transition Centers:
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Northern Rhode Island | Pawtucket, Central Falls, Johnston, Cumberland, Woonsocket, Lincoln, Burriville, Smithfield, North Smithfield, North Providence
Cynthia VanAvery
Transition Coordinator, Northern RI Collaborative – Transition Employment Center (TEC)
640 George Washington Hwy.
Suite 200
Lincoln, RI 02865
(401) 721-0709
email: cvanavery@nric-ri.org -
West Bay | Coventry, Cranston, Foster, Glocester, Foster/Glocester Regional, Scituate, Warwick, West Warwick
Therese Curran
Transition Coordinator, West Bay Collaborative
144 Bignall St.
Warwick, RI 02888
(401) 941-8353 x. 124
email: Curranwbc@aol.com -
East Bay | East Providence, Portsmouth, Warren/Bristol, Little Compton, Barrington, Middletown, Tiverton, Newport
Carolyn Aspinwall
Transition Coordinator, East Bay Educational Collaborative
317 Market Street
Warren, RI 02885
(401) 245-2045 x. 303
email: aspinwac@ride.ri.net -
Southern Rhode Island | North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Narragansett, Westerly, East Greenwich, Exeter/West Greenwich, Chariho, New Shoreham, Jamestown
Joe Walejko
Transition Coordinator, Southern RI Transition Center
15 Highland Avenue
Westerly, RI 02891
(401) 269-1107
email: jwalejko@nric-ri.org -
Providence
Nancy Stevenin
Transition Coordinator, Mt. Pleasant High School
434 Mt. Pleasant Avenue
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 278-0520
email: Nancy.Stevenin@ppsd.org
Rhode Island Dept. of Education: Office of Student, Community and Academic Supports
Programs and Services:
Secondary Transition Services Information for Students
For questions about the statewide system of secondary transition services in Rhode Island, contact Jane Slade at RIDE or click here to download an information sheet about Secondary Transition Services.
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Check out the new Rhode Island web site for students
Being informed is the best way to advocate for the services/programs you may need to effectively transition from high school to employment, post-secondary education & training and community living. This page is divided into sections that may help you navigate the transition process and meet with success in the transition from school to adult life
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Understanding the Transition Process
The Rhode Island Department of Education works closely with school districts, public adult services agencies, parent organizations, universities and colleges to provide current and useful information. One tool that many young adults have found useful is and on-line tool called Youthhood. At Youthhood you will find tools to assist you in planning for your life after high school. It is a great place to start!
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Advocating for Yourself
There are many agencies/programs that may become involved with you as you move from school to the adult world. The most important thing to remember is that you are moving from a system of entitlement to a system of eligibility. This means that you will need to apply for the services you may need, advocate for yourself and persist in getting what you need to be successful in the community. There are several resources to assist you with advocating for yourself, and helpful web sites.
Helpful Links About Transition
For students who are planning to go to college
LD on Line
The world's leading web site for Learning Disabilities and ADHD
Preparing for College
is a Rhode Island resource for students, families, and educators to help take advantage of available opportunities in higher education. This web site resource is sponsored by the RI Board of Governors for Higher Education.
Think College.net
is a new resource for youth with intellectual disabilities who historically have not had many chances to go to college. Opportunities are changing as individuals across the country begin to create college opportunities for these youth to reap the benefits of postsecondary education. This website will provide information and links to assist in the college experience process.
For students transitioning to the workforce
By Youth, for Youth: Employment
is a new guide written by and for youth who want to know more about finding and keeping the right job. By Youth, for Youth: Employment discusses subjects such as: what makes a job right for each young person, job search and resume development, and how to interview for a job. The publication also addresses considerations specific to youth with disabilities who must consider disability disclosure in the workplace and how to request accommodations, if needed.
Click here to download By Youth, for Youth: Employment
Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training
is a resource for all Rhode Islanders seeking assistance with employment matters. Of particular interest for students are the one-stop employment centers called NetWORKri. At the NetWORKri centers students can receive assistance with seeking employment, preparing a resume, or assistance with unemployment or other worker benefits.
Guide to Accessing Employment Supports
If you qualify for services from the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) – Division of Developmental Disabilities you may find the Guide to Accessing Employment Supports from the Sherlock Center at Rhode Island College helpful.
NCWD/Youth
is a national website with information about employment and youth with disabilities.