Transition from high school to adult life is an exciting and challenging time. For students with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) it can be even more challenging. So, it is important to start planning early to prepare a meaningful transition plan.

To help with the transition process, Thurston/Mason County offers two free high school transition (HST) programs, Job Foundation and School to Work. They are a collaborative effort between:

• Students with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their family members
• Thurston/Mason County Developmental Disabilities
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
• Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
• Schools in Thurston/Mason Counties
• Supported employment providers

These programs are designed to help students with I/DD prepare for life after school with the goal of obtaining paid employment before exiting school the year they turn 21. Services may include assessment, pre-employment skills, internship and job placement, résumé and cover letter preparation, job coaching, ongoing support, and more.

Job Foundation is a team approach that engages students in their second-to-last year of school. Employment providers use in-person observations of school activities (such as internship sites, life skill classes, community outings, IEP meetings, etc.) and interactions with the student, family, and school staff to gather much of this information. The culmination is a Job Foundation report that includes actionable next steps for employment, which is used the next year in the School to Work program.

View the Job Foundation brochure for more information, eligibility requirements, and steps to enroll.

English   Spanish

Enroll online for Job Foundation

School to Work is designed to be a bridge between school and successful transition to a job in the community. In their last year of transition, students work with an employment provider to identify and participate in unpaid internships with the ultimate goal of job placement. Once placed in a job, students receive customized one-on-one training to learn the job. After leaving school services, students transition into Individual Supported Employment that is funded by DDA and provides long-term support employment services.

View the School to Work brochure for more information, eligibility requirements, and steps to enroll.

English   Spanish

Enroll online for School to Work.

Andrew

Caleb

Hannah

Korbin

Mackenzie

Contact our High School Transition Coordinator at 360-867-2539 or email hst.coord@co.thurston.wa.us for more information or if you have additional questions.