Transition Club Empowers the Next Generation of Self-Advocate Leaders

Transition Club Empowers the Next Generation of Self-Advocate Leaders

Why does our community need self-advocate leaders?

There are many local committees, boards, and planning groups create programs, activities, projects, and make a difference in our community. This includes anything from Friends of the Library, to parks committees, to PTAs, to groups advising local and state policy makers. It is important that the voices of those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are represented.

What are Transition Clubs?

Transition services are offered by school districts for students ages (18-21) who are on an IEP for the purpose of transitioning students from high school into the adult world.

The program focuses on building job and life skills and encourages employment.

The Arc partners with 10 local school districts and facilitates 21 monthly Transition Clubs.

Copy of Copy of Transition Presentation 2022

Who participates?

Students enrolled in Transition services in 10 districts in Snohomish County participate in Transition Clubs. Some districts have Transition Club’s located at High Schools working with students ages 14-18.

Who leads?

Jessie Moore, Leadership Development Coordinator for The Arc of Snohomish County, has been growing this Transition Clubs (that started with one program in 2009) for the last 7 years. She creates the games and activities, and plans the discussion topics. Jessie or another Arc staff member facilitates each Transition Club. When possible, a self-advocate (trained Arc leader) co-facilitates the Transition Club sharing their lived experience to mentor students. The Arc has 10 Transition Club leaders/Co-facilitators, 5 of them are previous Transition Club students.

What goes on there?

The Charting the Life Course tools are used as a road map for Transition Club discussions.

Adapted games or activities such as bingo, trivia, right/left/center, etc. are meant to lead into questions and conversations about self-advocacy, self-determination, and self-awareness.

Students are encouraged to think about the supports they personally need and advocate for themselves. Students learn to identify short and long-term goals, recognize strengths, and make person-centered choices. They also practice speaking up!

What are the outcomes?

Transition Clubs teach students how to effectively communicate their needs and required supports.

Transition Clubs are an introduction to leadership; students are encouraged to join leadership with The Arc upon exiting the transition program.

Dylan P 1

Pictured Left: Dylan Pezoldt (Transition Club Leader) sharing input at the Arlington Public Library Community input meeting

Examples of leadership and personal growth for self-advocate leaders:

*Building confidence to speak and present in front of large groups

*Facilitating a Transition Club independently

*Educating local police and policy makers on how to support individuals with IDD

*Advocating for services to support individuals with IDD and their families

*Leading local service organizations and members of local boards and committees

*Volunteering to support individuals in local community based programs and sports

*Self-Advocating for paid employment, living independently in the community

*Developing skills for employment, which has led to promotions and raises.

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For more information about Transition Club contact:

Jessie Moore, Leadership Development Coordinator Jessie@arcsno.org / 425-258-2459 x109