Hey Everyone!
I hope that the school year is treating you well and that you and your students are hitting that October groove. As I am out in the different buildings, I find that I am getting a lot of questions about the agency piece of the transition plan. This part of the transition plan exists to give families direction and a life line after they leave the security of the school setting. In order to maintain compliance, we
MUST INVITE AN AGENCY TO EVERY IEP MEETING AFTER A STUDENT TURNS 14 1/2 AND have proof that we had PERMISSION to invite that agency. However, if the agency does not attend the meeting, they do not need to be excused from the meeting. We only nee to prove that we invited them. So, now the question is, who do we invite!?!? Depending on what they need, here are some common agencies that can be invited.
If a student is going to need help gaining or maintaining employment:
Cornerstone Career Solutions
800 Black Road
Joliet, IL 60435
815-727-6694
or
JJC Grundy Workforce
1715 N. Division St
Morris, IL 60450
815-942-0566
If a student needs help identifying themselves as a person with disability at Joliet Junior College:
Jacque Klicka
Star Program
1214 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431
815-280-2230
If a student needs help living independently:
Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living
2415-A Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60435
815-729-0162
In addition, always mention the Will-Grundy transition conference that is held at JJC in March. It usually runs from 9-12 and there is no cost to attend. It's a great one stop shop for the families, as many different agencies are all represented at the same place.
Of course, if you have questions or need other suggestions, feel free to contact me at any time.
Take Care!
