Transition - Planning for What's Next | | |
Just as spring brings a welcome change in the weather and new growth everywhere, children and adults with disabilities are changing and growing too. Transition can be exciting – a time for renewal and discovery.
Through every season, Starbridge is here to support with a wide array of free resources, workshops, webinars, and special events.
Check out our website for updates, including information about the fall session of Creating A Life After High School!
| | | Creating Pathways to Opportunity and Growth | | |
Project Esteem is a free service for youth, ages 18-24, who want an education or career and need support in: preparing for college or occupational training, exploring career options, resume preparation, practicing interview skills, searching for jobs, and more.
Den’Nise Meeks, Starbridge Youth Workforce Navigator, describes a recent experience with a young adult who is seeking to expand his career horizons.
“As a Youth Workforce Navigator, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the dedication and success of my participants as they work diligently to achieve their goals.”
“One such individual is Ziere P., a devoted parent and a committed employee of the City of Rochester. With many responsibilities at home and at work, Ziere successfully completed and obtained his GED (General Educational Development, an alternative to a traditional high school diploma).”
“During our initial meeting, he expressed, ‘Having my GED will help me get a better job.’ Now that he has accomplished this goal, he is well on his way to pursuing his ultimate aspiration of entering the healthcare field. As his Navigator, I am incredibly proud of his perseverance and achievements.”
For more information on Project Esteem, call Den’Nise Meeks at 585-224-7212 or email dmeeks@starbridgeinc.org
| | Keeping Your Child's Voice at the Center of Transition Meetings | | |
It is important that you and your child express your child’s needs and vision with the school team at their transition meeting. By using spoken or written words, photos, video, or pictures, your child can let their future plans known to school district officials. Encourage your child to lead with their strengths.
We caught up with Krista Hauschild, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and District-Based Transition Specialist for Monroe Boces 1, who shared the following reflections and tips.
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We can help your child to identify their strengths and post-high school needs by first working on choice-making, problem solving, goal setting, and self-advocacy.
- Experiences are everything. Encourage your child to be curious and try new things.
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As a parent, ask to see the completed Age-Appropriate Transition Assessment and be sure your child's views are well-represented in the transition sections of the IEP. Many districts also have a parent form they use to note information as well.
- Be an advocate for your child and coach them to speak up for their needs. Seek out professionals that can help keep your child's voice central to their transition planning. For example, a Transition Specialist, School Counselor, or Special Education Teacher can provide this support.
Click here for additional tips!
| | TIES Can Support Recreational Transition Activities | | | | |
Together Including Every Student (TIES) promotes the participation of students and young adults who have developmental disabilities in inclusive, organized extracurricular and community activities such as after school clubs, recreational classes and programs through the support of trained student volunteers.
TIES is designed for children and young adults (ages 8 to 22) who want to join in, connect with others, and enjoy the same experiences as their peers, but who may need a little extra support to do so comfortably and confidently.
Student volunteers help make inclusion possible. These students, typically in grades 8-12—are trained to be supportive peers, offering encouragement, companionship in a natural setting. Their presence helps turn ordinary activities into meaningful experiences and lasting memories—for everyone involved.
Through TIES, volunteers gain leadership skills, and see firsthand the power of opportunities and connection.
Whether you're a student looking to volunteer or a parent seeking opportunities for your child, TIES opens the door to new experiences and choices.
To explore all the opportunities, contact Sarah Salamone, TIES Senior Manager, at ssalamone@starbridgeinc.org or (585) 546-1700.
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Barbra Maryniak, a Project Esteem Navigator, comments on a Rochester agency that supports young adults in transition.
"One of my favorite transition partners is Threshhold at Community Place for young adults who want to earn their GED. They have two sessions, so learning is flexible. The instructor is kind and compassionate, respects every student and their needs, provides one on one attention, allows and encourages students to openly discuss what they are learning, and is well liked by her students."
"They offer spaces for Project Esteem navigators to meet with youth enrolled in their classes, and they have supportive services onsite, like a food pantry, which benefits the youth’s families as well."
"We now have five young adults enrolled in the program and just had someone graduate. I am expecting more great results!"
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“We stopped asking ‘what’s available?’ and started asking ‘what’s possible?’ That’s when things changed.” - A parent's perspective
| | May is Mental Health Awareness Month | | |
Does the thought of transition cause you or your family concern? Check out the Starbridge Resource page on our website with Mental Health tip sheets, links, and guides.
Turn Your Struggles into Strength—Let’s Build Hope Together
“Every challenge you’ve faced has shaped you into who you are today. By embracing and sharing your experiences, you empower others to do the same. Together, we create a movement of courage, healing, and connection. Share your mental health story with us by sending in a video, a message, a quote, or using #MyMentalHealth on social media.” From NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness
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JUNE
22nd
Come see us and meet other parents at the Parent Connection Summer Support Spectacular, 10am-2pm, Challenger Miracle Field, 100 Ridge Road, Webster, NY 14580.
Coming in the July issue
The Power of Story — Redefining What’s Possible
We’ll explore storytelling by and about people with disabilities as a tool for expressing their needs and desires, belonging, and social change.
Want to contribute a story? Email us at marketing@starbridgeinc.org
Follow Starbridge on Social Media for stories, resources, and ways to get involved.
| | Go Monroe - Get Where You Need to Be | | |
School meetings, community & recreational events, even just going out as a family for fun…Go Monroe can help!
For Eligibility Requirements, please click on Go
Monroe (English version) or Go Monroe (Spanish version)
Contact us today to learn more or to apply! Contact Jessy May at (585) 224-7250 or
jmay@starbridgeinc.org.
| | Your support makes a difference. Please consider a donation to help us partner with people who have disabilities and their families—helping them achieve success in education, employment, and healthy living. Together, we transform communities to include EVERYone. | | | | |
