Campus Based Transition

The Educational Service Center of Central Ohio has partnered with area institutions of higher education to give Central Ohio students with disabilities campus-based transition programs in a peer group setting with the curriculum, environment and support needed to improve their lives after completing secondary education. 

These transition programs have created a unique partnership between secondary and higher education for students with disabilities. WINGS (Winning Independence through Guided Support) at Columbus State Community College, STEP (Student Transition Education Program) and Project PLUS at The Ohio State University were all recognized in 2007 with the American School Board Association’s highest honor, a Magna Award Grand Prize. In 2008, the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio expanded service options for districts by introducing ACT (The Autism College Transition program) at Columbus State Community College.

The ESC’s campus-based transition programs provide the ‘college’ years for students ages 18-22 that otherwise would not be able to have such experiences, while providing necessary training for future employment and self-care in the least restrictive environment. 

With a team of highly-skilled and licensed/certified staff including a teacher, paraprofessional and transition specialist in each class, CBT programs foster the greatest level of independence in work and daily experiences by providing links to adult services and developing self-determined, student-centered plans for the transition from school to work.

The programs place students in quality learning experiences with their peers beyond the walls of a traditional high school setting. To qualify, students must have completed graduation requirements but not yet exited from high school.

• WINGS is a two-year program that utilizes community-based work experiences to blend work and daily living skills including cooking and applied reading and mathematics.

• STEP is a one- to two-year program with a community integration focus that teaches work and related skills three days per week.

• Project Plus is a one-year program that teaches self-determination and focuses on work and related skills four days per week. This is the final transition step. 

• ACT is a one-year program designed for student with Autism Spectrum Disorder who have completed high school graduation requirements. The program teaches self-determination through transition planning and academic coaching.