Cleary School for the Deaf Introduced Transition Program for Students

The Cleary School for the Deaf started the school year by introducing a new transitional program to prepare students for life after graduation, including writing a resume and applying for a job. The school also appointed a new lead teacher for its Autism Resource Room, which helps deaf students who are on the autism spectrum.

In September, Cleary School for the Deaf introduced a transitional program that helps students prepare for life after graduation by putting their social and vocational skills to practice in real life scenarios.

"We wanted to have something in-house that would help our students transition into adult life," says Josie Garcia, the school's life skills transition coordinator. Students are taught life skills such as understanding a cellphone contract and staying on budget by simulating purchases at the local mall.

Each student is also mentored through the process of applying for a job, including learning how to write a resume. "It's all about what they see themselves doing in the future," Garcia says.

This past school year Cleary School also appointed Tia Ciotti as the new lead teacher for its Autism Resource Room, which provides support, sensory integration activities, and instruction for students who are also on the autism spectrum. The teachers in the room work individually with each student to help him or her become “more successful in school and the community," Ciotti says.