The Transition Center

The Transition Center is where people with disabilities go in Cedar Rapids after high school. They have a lot of learning opportunities there and help them get on to another place, whether it’s a group home or on their own. This is a program for people ages 18-21 with moderate disabilities.

They have some different levels of places where you can be taught based on skill level to do the specific job the individual is working for.  They work on things so they can function on their own or in whatever type of living situation they would be in. Some live on their own, some in a house with other people with disabilities on their own and others live with others and a few staff members.

This is not just in Cedar Rapids there are places like this all around the state of Iowa and in other states as well. These places are designed to help transition the individuals from school into life. These centers focus on things like daily life skills, work skills, and anything a person would need to use to survive on their own or in a group home.

These centers differ from school in that the individuals get to go into the community much more and learn what it is like out in the community. They also don’t learn much about math or science or other subjects not pertaining to the job they are going to be doing. They work more on developing social skills and doing what they are told and need to so they can get the job done. They also work on grocery shopping and picking out appropriate foods and cooking them.

Places like the Transition Center are what make it possible for individuals with disabilities to be very independent. These places are great places and very helpful for the parents. The individuals also tend to look forward to all the independence that comes along with the center.