RI Transition Academy at Roger Williams University

The RI Transition Academy at Roger Williams University is a unique educational program operated by The East Bay Educational Collaborative that provides motivated students with disabilities an opportunity to complete their high school education on a college campus and in various community settings. The Transition Academies began in 2003 as an alternative to the public school setting for 18-21 year old students with intellectual, physical and/or emotional disabilities who require additional instruction in functional life skills including employment preparation, social skills training, and assistance with college coursework. Some of the main objectives for our students include;
• To learn about themselves and the world around them.
• To prepare for and obtain competitive employment by participation in business internships.
• To have opportunities to take college courses with support.
• To participate in campus activities and to join clubs.
• To learn how to interact and access their community.
• To have the same kind of experiences their non-disabled peers have.
• To make friends and form networks that will support them in the future.
• To gain experiences that will better prepare them to live independently.

Program Components:
• Students attend the program 180 days and follow the college academic calendar as closely as possible.
• Students learn how to take public transportation to and from the campus, as well as to worksites in the community.
• Students participate in 3 eight to ten week internships at community businesses matched to personal skills, abilities and preferences 3 days per week.
• Transition Weeks in between student internships allow students to reflect on their experience, participate in interviews, prepare presentations on skills they have gained and prepare their resumes.
• Students plan and participate in social activities with their Academy peers 1 day per week and with RWU peers weekly through “Best Buddies” on Campus.
• Students receive functional independent living instruction in an apartment setting 1 day per week.
• Students receive special education classroom transition instruction three mornings per week.
• Each Semester Academy Students attend a college level course in conjunction with RWU students.

The Transition Academy is integrated on Campus :
• RWU School of Education Interns work with students in the classroom 50 hours per semester as part of their pre-service training.
• Academy students participate in “Best Buddies” Chapter on Campus
• Academy students participate in recreational activities on campus with RWU peers as well as access facilities for dining and leisure.
• Academy students participate each semester in a RWU College course.

Students that have graduated from the RI Transition Academy have gone on to positive outcomes in employment, community living and or postsecondary education.