OAISD TO HOST COMMUNITY AGENCY INFORMATION NIGHT
FOR FAMILIES, AND SUPPORTERS OF YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIESHolland, MI - The Ottawa Area Seamless Transition Team (OASTT) is hosting a Community Agency Information Night at Careerline Tech Center in Holland on Thursday, April 25 from 4:30 – 7:00 PM to showcase some of the local programs and agencies that provide transition services, supports, resources and programming for students with disabilities in the Ottawa Area ISD service area as they prepare for life after school.
“There are a wide variety of local agencies that can assist with the transition to life after school for older students with disabilities,” Krista Krefeld-Freier, Transition Coordinator for Ottawa Area ISD, said. “This event is a great way for students, parents and supporters to see some of what is available and speak to agencies in attendance without feeling overwhelmed.”
Approximately 12 programs and agencies will be on-site to speak with families during this learning event. Each program and agency will also hold a 25-minute break-out session for a more in-depth presentation on the transition services they offer during and after school with time set aside for Q&A.
Peggy Fakler, Executive Director for The Arc Advocacy & Resource Center of Ottawa County, she is excited to meet parents and help them learn about the services her agency, along with others, provides to students and families.
“This a great opportunity for families to connect with agency staff and begin conversations about what supports might be helpful after their student completes school,” Fakler said. “Some students might seek support for employment from Michigan Rehabilitation Service, others might be eligible for Community Living Supports through Community Mental Health or discover a new service that is a perfect fit for them.”
Formed in 2022, the OASTT was created to build a more supportive and seamless transition for students going from school into adult life. Many Ottawa area agencies that provide employment, post-secondary education and training and independent living services for young adults with special needs participate on the team and work holistically to connect families with the appropriate agencies for their family’s needs.
- Increase expectations of competitive employment
- Promote understanding of post-secondary education and training options
- Foster skill development for independent living
- Develop skills to navigate the community and access services
- Build self-determination, advocacy and leadership skills
- Optimize family engagement
“Our goal for this event is to provide community connections and information that will make it easier for young adults with special needs to succeed in their adult life,” Krefeld-Freier said.
This Community Agency Information Night is for students with a disability in grades 9-12 and post-high school, parents and guardians with a child with a disability in middle school, high school or post-high school, family members, teachers, school staff, and others who are interested in helping students transition to life after school.
For more information, contact Michelle Ready at 616.738-8940 x4093 x mready@oaisd.org
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) collaborates with local schools and communities to support the educational needs of individuals from birth through all ages in the Ottawa region. By pooling
resources and delivering services on a regional scale, Ottawa Area ISD efficiently provides essential programs and services to local K-12 public, charter, and parochial schools, as well as to families and adult learners, ensuring these offerings are both comprehensive and cost-effective. Visit www.oaisd.org to learn more.
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