City Connections

• Continued education in an urban, community -based environment for students ages 18 - 21.
• A unique opportunity for post - high school students to access and engage in their communities.
• An individually -designed transition program based on goals identified by the student, family, and educational staff members.
• A community -based learning environment outside of a traditional school setting where transition goals drive the IEP.

• Students currently receiving supports through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Students between the ages of 18 - 21 who have completed at least four years of high school programming.
• Students who have not met requirements for graduation and have not received a high school diploma.
• Students for whom the IEP team supports:
  • A need for continued programing;
  • A less restrictive environment;
  • The ability to meet the measurable goals outlined in the student’s IEP in order to graduate

• Individualized functional curricula.
• Administration and interpretation of age -appropriate transition assessment.
• Linkages to appropriate adult agencies.
• Job Coaching supports, where appropriate, via the District’s Employment Specialists.
• Travel Training to include 1:1 instruction as defined in the student’s IEP.
• Pre -Employment Transition Services (PETS), based on individual needs, may include:
  • Self-Advocacy Skills Instruction
  • Independent Living Skills
  • Workplace Readiness
  • Job Exploration
  • Travel Training
  • Job Shadowing Experiences
  • Community Work Instruction
  • Work-Based Learning Experiences

• Access to real work and real life experiences.
• Mirrors movement of same -aged peers from a traditional setting, to one in which students are immersed in the community.
• A continuum of services and supports to prepare students for life after graduation.
• Practice skills in a real -life setting.
• Nationally recognized transition program with over 20 years history of supporting young adults with disabilities.
• Partnerships with local agencies such as UPMC Supported Employment, Life’sWork, and PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, can provide additional layer of support.
• Partnerships with local businesses such as Manchester Craftsman's Guild, Tickets for Kids Charity, and Animal Friends may provide opportunities for work -based

Students at apartment sites follow daily schedules that reflect opportunities for work -based learning experiences, vocational training, daily living skills, community access, and recreation & leisure activities.

Students at college sites follow daily schedules that reflect upon the opportunity for work -based learning experiences, post -secondary education/ training, and community access. Students can access a variety of campus activities and events or explore desired clubs and organizations. Students may also have the opportunity to explore dual enrollment aligned with their transition goals and connect to post -secondary funding options .