The Arc of Massachusetts and The Arc of Greater Haverhill and Newburyport are partnering on a three-year demonstration project focused on transition planning for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Metro Boston and Newburyport in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Northeast Arc also received an award.  The project will provide intensive transition planning support to 20 students.  Potential or confirmed collaborators include agencies with expertise on parent training in education outcomes; state agencies responsible for adults with disabilities; Newburyport High School or Public Schools; and the trade association for adult providers of DD supports/services. 

The project focuses on concrete outcomes for students to be prepared for adult life in the community.  These include employment, social & recreational activities, transportation and housing.  A “whole person, systems” approach will help staff focus on individual student goals, skills and training needs while encouraging parent/family involvement and a leadership role on the part of the student.  Family members will be trained to assist the student to develop collaborative relationships for the purposes of achieving the student’s vision.   

The project includes the following components:

• Personal meetings related to students’ individual educational plans and  other planning activities
• Group meetings and training sessions 
• Use of a support broker on planning and implementing transition
• Interagency outreach and planning
• Webinars and group meetings including topics such as
  • Personal development
  • Best Practices in Transition in school and community
  • Housing Options and the Adult Service System
  • Social Security, Work Incentives, SSI and Mass Health
  • Link with local businesses and local agencies to implement transition (generic, e.g., The Y, provider, state)