“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” Henry David Thoreau
The Kansas State School for the Blind Transition Program is a one-year specialized program. An option to renew the program is based on team member decisions and progress toward goals identified in the student’s service plan.
About the Transition Program: (click to expand)
• An intensive, 9-month program for students who are blind/visually impaired aged 18-21 (Sunday-Thursday; August-May)
• $1000.00 per student, per year (9 mos.) If applying from out-of-state, please contact KSSB for cost
• Three pathways: community college, technical school, and/or vocational program (Project SEARCH)
• Independent living skills are part of each student’s program
• Students must demonstrate basic independent living skills for placement in the residential program. Apartment and/or cottage options may be available, pending student initiative and success.
• Individualized instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum
• KSSB coordinates services with student’s home school and IEP team
• Students in the transition program remain on an IEP
Students Gain: (click to expand)
Independent Living Skills
(Students develop the skills necessary to live independently, by graduating from dorm living to an on-campus apartment program, then to a free-standing cottage program when appropriate)
• Budgeting, banking and money management
• Personal hygiene and grooming
• Meal preparation
• Cleaning
• Organization of personal living space
• Time management
• Clothing care
• Meeting with transition staff in the candidates’ home community/school
• Approval from school district to support applicant and provide transportation
Orientation and Mobility Skills
• Opportunities for more advanced travel skills are available, including the use of public transportation to work or school, and the chance to plan one’s own outings
Assistive Technology Skills
Students can improve their skills in technology adapted for visual impairments to access print and internet information through:
• Computers with screen readers and magnification
• Electronic magnifiers
• Electronic note takers
• Braille translation software
Compensatory Skills
• Improve skills in braille or utilize low vision devices to read, write, and gather information in the most efficient way; organizational skills are emphasized
• Expand academic knowledge or specialized skills
Self Advocacy
• Students gain an understanding of their visual impairment and their accommodation needs for various environments and tasks
• Advocacy skills are taught and practiced through experiences at the college, on the job, in the apartment, and on community outings
Social Skills
• Students are able to develop and refine social skills formally through classes and reflections with staff, and informally through participation with others on or off campus
Three Pathways: (click to expand)
Career Education (through college, certification programs, Project SEARCH and campus-based and off campus-based volunteer sites)
• Gain knowledge of occupations
• Explore interests and abilities
• Develop skills to conduct an effective job search
College Prep
• Enroll at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) while learning the skills necessary for college success
• Determining necessary accommodations and best format
- Obtaining accommodations, technology and supplies
• Utilizing the college student services office and vocational rehabilitation
• Organizing and prioritizing coursework
Vocational Training
• On-the-job training through Project SEARCH to develop the skills necessary to obtain and maintain employment while gaining valuable work experience.
• Attend classes at the KCKCC Technical Education Center (TEC) to gain training and certification in one of 21 different technical programs.
“My students who went through this program grew so much. I would proudly recommend it.”
— Anne Gurss, TSVI
Program Requirements (click to expand)
The following documents must be provided prior to the student’s arrival on campus in August.
- Recommendation from a TSVI.
- Contact with a case manager (either from VR or DD).
- The completed application for either the KSSB Transition program or Project SEARCH.
- Completed person-centered plan with goals identified.
- Meeting with transition staff in the candidates’ home, community/school.
- Approval from LEA to support applicant and provide transportation.
- Encouragement and support from the family for the student to achieve employment/independence.
- Students in the transition program must bank their diploma, not exit, and remain on their home district’s IEP.
- KSSB coordinates services with the student’s LEA and IEP team.
Program Costs: (click to expand)
- $1000 per student, per year (9 months). If applying from out of state, please contact KSSB for cost.
- The annual fee to be paid to KSSB by the local district for the provision of services, including but not limited to: room & board, meals, instruction in O&M, social skills, DLS, assistive technology, self-advocacy, and other skills as identified by the team.
- Transportation costs paid by the local district.
Steps to Apply for the KSSB Transition Program: (click to expand)
- LEA or TSVI invite Tim Schierbeck or Lori Smith to the student’s junior or senior year IEP meeting to share/gather information.
- Arrange a visit to our campus.
- KSSB and LEA meet to discuss the viability/cost/procedures of the student attending the transition program.
- An action plan is developed to outline the commitment required of all involved.
- Student arrives at KSSB in August to begin the transition program.
Lori Smith, LMSW
Tim Schierbeck
