The Calais School has over five decades of experience empowering students with disabilities to lead productive and independent lives. Now we have expanded our reach to provide college and career readiness to adults with special needs. The new Calais Adult Transition Program gives high school graduates ages 18-30 who have: an IEP, 504, documented disability, or “hidden disabilities” which are defined as mood disorders, anxiety, depression and autistic spectrum the support they need to succeed. The program offers a highly personalized and holistic approach in a range of areas including academic and career support as well as therapeutic counseling in a planned environment.

Services

Quite often, young adults with learning disabilities who graduate from high school find themselves left to navigate higher education or employment on their own. These individuals also age out of any available state-funded benefits at the age of 21, leaving them with little to no support as they advance into adulthood and pursue college education, vocational training, or employment. The Calais Adult Transition Program is structured so that adults interested in attending college, vocational training and/or work have professional support to help them navigate challenges that often arise due to their disabilities. The program gives eligible participants a place to access additional assessments, life planning skills, advocacy services, job and school coaching, mental health counseling, case management, socialization support and tutoring.

Counseling & Support

We believe that adults with special needs can thrive academically and/or in the workforce when they are met with the proper academic and therapeutic guidance. The Calais Adult Transition Program offers our certified professional staff of licensed social workers, school psychologist, psychiatrist, guidance counselor, learning specialists, and job counselors will guide each individual with academic and emotional support, as well as life planning and career counseling. The program utilizes a work-study model where by individuals are taking classes, participating in socialization opportunities and working part-time in a field that complements their academic and/or professional interests and goals.

Partnerships

The program is enhanced through strategic partnerships with community colleges and local employers. By partnering with local community colleges we can assist these institutions in meeting the varying needs of students with special needs. Our goal is to provide a safe space on campus for students to meet, socialize and regroup with support from a certified professional on the Calais Adult Transition Program team. Students must be accepted and enrolled in both the college and the Calais Adult Transition Program to access this level of the program. For young adults interested in joining the workforce, program partnerships with local employers will provide opportunities to explore career options within their own community.

Theses expanded services will be available in Fall 2021!  For all inquiries please submit an information request form or contact Christina Pedersen, Admissions Assistant, at 973-884-2030 ext 210.