The Michigan Commission for the Blind's Transition Services help students age 14 and over to successfully make the transition from high school to postsecondary education or employment.  The student works with a team including a Michigan Commission for the Blind rehabilitation counselor, the student's parents, a teacher consultant, a social worker, a special education director, and possibly others to prepare an annual Individual Education Program (IEP) plan. The plan includes details such as what classes will be taken the following year, extracurricular and volunteer activities, job shadowing, mentoring, work experience, and others.  Additional details depend upon the student's goals:

• In addition to the IEP plan, College Prep Transition Services  include about 10 weeks of training in Kalamazoo, including two weeks living at the MCB Training Center, followed by eight weeks living at a nearby Western Michigan University dormitory.  The training includes a World of Work class at the training center, work experience at the nearby Goodwill Industries, and one class (chosen from several options) at Western Michigan University.
• In addition to the IEP plan, Non-College Transition Services include vocational programs during the latter part of high school.  These include job shadowing, pre-employment interviews, summer employment, an introduction to the Michigan Commission for the Blind Business Enterprise Program food service opportunities, and others.  The student is ready for employment after graduating from high school.

For more information, call 1-800-292-4200 toll-free (TTY 1-888-864-1212, toll-free), or contact a Michigan Commission for the Blind office near you.