Transition Students and IEPs

Self-determination is a primary goal of many transition programs for high school students with disabilities. Learning to use public transportation can increase self-determination, thereby enhancing a student’s ability to pursue further education, vocational training, or other employment. It can also enhance opportunities for recreational engagement with peers in the community. Travel training may be included in a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to ensure that the student receives the life skills needed for post-secondary success.

Travel Training Curriculum for Transition Classes

Laketran offers a curriculum in Travel Training for students in transition classes with mild to moderate disabilities. In the spring of 2008, Laketran conducted research on the benefits of travel training for students with disabilities in a suburban setting. The outcomes support the enhancement of self-determination. Laketran staff has completed extensive travel training instruction and has completed Human Subjects Certification required for conducting research with students. All student data is kept confidential and anonymous names are used for recording data. Consent forms are required as outcome data is collected for future research reporting. Students participating in these research programs are expected to be allowed to travel independently using public transit following the training.

For more information about travel training to students in transition classes, please call Jessie Baginski at 440-350-1008 or email jbaginski@laketran.com.

IEPs

For students with disabilities, the Individualized Education Plan can become a gateway to a successful future beyond high-school. Whether defining assistive technologies, or support services, the IEP paves the way for assisting students with disabilities to become active members in adult society.

At the age of 16 it is important that the student has an active role in his/her IEP and begins to take responsibility for the actions it outlines. Including travel training in an IEP assures the student will receive appropriate training to meet individual goals. Laketran, in partnership with our schools, can provide a staff member to be present during an IEP to assist in clarifying transit-related goals. This service, as well as the training, is offered at no cost to the school or the student.

For more information about IEP-transit related assistance, please call Jessie Baginski at 440-350-1008 or email jbaginski@laketran.com.