Transitional Work 

Transitional Work provides vocational experiences for high school students who are preparing to move from special education into adult life. 

Program Description

Transitional Work allows high school students to experience a variety of vocational settings so that they and their families can put together a realistic transition plan.

Students work in Spectrum's sheltered workshop as well as various community job sites. The intent is to help students discover their interests and abilities by exposing them to a variety of vocational experiences.

Students are referred to the program by their school. Requirements are flexible, with students attending up to 35 hours per week. 

Geographic Area Served

The Transitional Work program is based at Spectrum Vocational Services in Downers Grove, Illinois. Students from various counties including DuPage, Kane and Will are served.

Eligibility

Individuals interested in receiving services through Transitional Work must:

• be a high school student
• be currently receiving special education services
• have a disability that significantly interferes with their ability to be gainfully employed in the community 
• possess a social security card
• be legally eligible to work in the United States
• behave in a manner that does not endanger the safety of others, or significantly disrupt the program
• be independent enough that one-on-one staff assistance is not required, unless the school or family are able to provide a personal assistant
• have secured funding (school district, co-op, etc. or private pay)
• complete all requirements of Spectrum's intake process
• be able to benefit from the services offered 

Fees

Fees for the Transitional Work program are paid by the student's school or school district.

FAQ's

• What will my schedule at Transitional Work be like? Will I still attend school?

Each student's schedule is developed on an individual basis by the school IEP team, with input from Spectrum staff. Therapies received at school and educational requirements are considered in this process. Students generally attend Spectrum on a morning, afternoon or full day schedule. Transitional Work is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

• Does Transitional Work follow the school's annual calendar or Spectrum's?

Unless other arrangements have been made, the school's schedule should be followed.

• Is transportation provided?

The school is responsible for setting up transportation to and from Spectrum. One reason to follow the school calendar rather than Spectrum's is that school bus companies may not be available on school holidays.

• Are one-to-one aides provided?

If the school team feels that a one-to-one aide is needed, they may provide one. Spectrum does not provide one-to-ones. One of our chief goals is to help students reduce their dependence on one-to-one staff, since it is very difficult to obtain funding for this assistance in adult programs.

• Once a student is accepted into Transitional Work, does that mean they will be accepted into Spectrum's adult programs?

Spectrum gives consideration to applicants coming out of the Transitional Work program for admission into our Regular Work, Developmental Training, and Supported Employment programs. However, acceptance into adult programs is not guaranteed and unless private or third party funding is obtained there is an extensive wait. 

For more information...

For more information about this program, please contact Nicole Fox at (630) 929-2704 or via e-mail at nfox@lilfriends.com.