For More Information
Barbara Intili
barbara.intili@qsac.com
Joseph Amodeo
jamodeo@qsac.com
About the Program
At QSAC, we understand that transitioning from school to adulthood can be difficult. We offer specialized transition services to help students achieve their post-secondary goals, including pre-employment transition services (pre-ETS) through our contract with ACCES-VR and a philanthropically funded program, Generating Opportunities through Advocacy and Learning that Promotes Success (GOALS).
Generating Opportunities through Advocacy and Learning that Promotes Success (GOALS)
In addition to pre-ETS, QSAC offers the philanthropically funded Generating Opportunities through Advocacy and Learning that Promotes Success (GOALS) program, free of charge for students between the ages of 14 and 26. This specialized program is designed to bridge the gap in services between high school and adulthood and focuses on improving post-secondary independent living, educational, and/or employment outcomes.
Each learner is assigned a GOALS Advisor who works one-on-one with the student and their family to provide individualized, ongoing support to help facilitate a successful post-secondary plan. The GOALS Advisor provides life and career coaching and supports the development of executive function skills (e.g., organizational skills, time management, etc). GOALS Advisors meet with students as frequently as once to twice weekly, depending on the student and family’s preferences. Students still in high school can include the GOALS Advisor as an advocate in IEP and transition planning meetings.
Skills-based workshops seek to support a successful transition from high school to adulthood. Workshops focus on job-seeking skills, work readiness, independent living, self-advocacy, financial literacy, self-determination, household responsibilities, social and interpersonal skills, civic engagement, and more. Students attend workshops weekly while completing the “onboarding” component. Students complete a predefined learning series covering various content areas for six months.
Pre-Employment Transition Services
Through our contract with ACCES-VR, we provide pre-employment transition services (pre-ETS) to eligible and potentially eligible youth. Whether a case is eligible or potentially eligible depends on whether the student has an open case with ACCES-VR. If the student does not, we may be able to help coordinate services and provide support without requiring a case to be opened. Pre-ETS services offered by QSAC include:
- Job Exploration Counseling: This service can include various activities that help eligible students with career-related issues and planning. QSAC’s career development team members work with youth and individuals currently enrolled in an accredited educational program seeking to explore career options. It’s offered in various settings – in small groups and individually, in person, and virtually. It’s intended to foster motivation, consideration of opportunities, and informed decision-making. Real-world activities reinforce the relevance of high school and post-secondary education. QSAC uses various web-based resources in conjunction with other meaningful activities focused on supporting students in clarifying their vocational identity and developing a career plan.
- Post-Secondary Counseling: This service is designed for youth with disabilities to support them in exploring and pursuing post-secondary education and employment opportunities. The service will help students develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to plan for their future and achieve their goals. The service will also provide information and guidance on various resources and supports, such as ACCES-VR, OPWDD, OMH, FAFSA, and others.
- Self-Advocacy Training: This training equips students with disabilities with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in various settings. Students will learn about self-advocacy, self-determination, social skills, workplace communication, and relevant laws protecting their rights. They will also explore techniques for emotional regulation, stress management, and increased awareness of available resources. By the end of the course, students will have the skills and knowledge needed to advocate for themselves effectively, communicate effectively in the workplace, succeed in their IEP meetings, manage their emotions and stress, and access available resources to support their success.
- Work Readiness Training to Develop Social Skills and Independent Living Skills: This training is designed to equip students with the skills needed for success in the competitive job market. Students will learn to identify and demonstrate essential soft skills such as teamwork, positive attitude, communication and social skills, decision-making, problem-solving, critical thinking, time management, and leadership. Additionally, they will learn to create resumes and cover letters that highlight their strengths, apply effective interviewing skills, use job search strategies like networking, social media, referrals, etc., and understand the expectations and responsibilities of being an employee, such as punctuality, attendance, dress code, ethics, and performance. By the end of the course, students will be well-equipped to succeed in the job market.
Our vocational services team is available to answer any questions about our transition services and how they can benefit your student or organization. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us at accesvr@qsac.com. We look forward to helping you achieve your post-secondary goals.