OPTIONS Transition Services Folder

CLL (Community Living & Learning) and SAILS (Students Acquiring Independent Living Skills)

In the community-based instruction program, the OPTIONS program uses an apartment setting, in which students participate in hands-on, real-life experiences while enhancing or further strengthening their independent living skills. These skills could include but are not limited to: relationship building, social thinking, self-advocacy, and problem-solving. The students develop increased awareness and confidence in community living. They practice pedestrian safety, increasing their awareness of potential dangers, and strategies to use if faced with dangerous situations. They learn to access community resources both in person and virtually, including banks, post offices, retail and grocery stores, malls, local colleges, businesses, libraries, and recreational facilities. While out in the community, participants receive training, practice, and experience with a variety of crucial social and self-advocacy skills that are required for independent living.

OPTIONS curriculum will include but is not limited to:

• Community Living and Learning provides instruction and supervision for 1 to 4 days a week. 
• SAILS provides an environment with intense supervision with a smaller ratio of staff to students.
• Social Thinking, Self Determination, Self-Advocacy
• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Health and Safety
• Personal Awareness and Care
• Recreational and Leisure Activities
• Accessing Community Resources
• Domestic Maintenance

Since 1985, the OPTIONS Travel Instruction Program has provided students with intensive, one-on-one instruction in how to:

• Travel safely and independently within the community
• Use public transportation

Students work toward full competency in essential travel skills. They must demonstrate mastery of:

• Street crossing skills related to the travel route
• Functional travel-related life skills and specific transit routes

Students learn how to adapt to travel variances such as:

• A missed stop
• A detoured bus
• Blocked pathways and other unplanned occurrences

Emphasis is placed on problem-solving through guided discovery. After a thorough assessment, a four-phase comprehensive instructional program is provided, designed specifically for the needs of the student. For those students not ready for independent travel, basic skills lessons can be provided. These are a series of lessons designed to assist the student in further developing the skills necessary for independent travel. Travel Instruction is also a service that is offered for adults. Assessment and instruction can be provided.

The OPTIONS Enhanced Employment Opportunities Program provides services to assist both students and adults to prepare for long-term employment.

Students receive assistance with job development, focusing on their preferences, abilities, and availability. When students are employed, a job coach works with each student at the place of employment until the student is working to the employer's specifications. The coach provides:

• One-to-one coaching as needed
• Ongoing support as needed
• Periodic check-in

Students may work year-round and are available to work weekends and holidays when needed.

Partnerships are built with employers throughout Delaware County focusing on establishing mutually beneficial relationships where jobs are tailored to employers’ needs and students’ strengths and preferences.

Since 1994, under contract with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), OPTIONS provides services for adults that include:

• Assistance with concerns that arise
• Assessment
• Job development and coaching

Since 1995, DCIU has provided extended supported employment services to the Office of Intellectual Disabilities (OID). Since OVR services are time-limited, customers who require job coaching support for less than 20% of the time and are eligible are referred to OIDD or other agencies for follow-along services. 

ETC (Extra Thorough Cleaners) is a program that delivers services to the Department of Human Services and the Delaware County Intermediate Unit providing supervised and structured job-skill training where students develop skills that enhance their long-term employability prospects. Examples of these are: vacuuming and sweeping, floor cleaning and mopping, bathroom sanitizing, window washing, and power hosing. Students in this program learn to be reliable and flexible, follow directions, and to work as team members. Students who participate are paid for this experience.

Thrift Shop on the Avenue is a collaborative effort between the DCARO of Delaware County and the DCIU OPTIONS Program. Students assist in the operation of the Thrift Shop. They receive valuable training in retail skills, such as inventory, customer service, and merchandising. All proceeds go to the DCARO of Delaware County. The DCARO of Delaware County is a non-profit agency that advocates for the rights of persons with developmental disabilities and their families. If students are eligible for current grants, it is possible to receive compensation for their work.

Through the Employability Skills Program, students become familiar with local businesses as well as learn how to meet the demands of an employer. During their experiences, students have the opportunity to strengthen their performance skills, work habits and attitudes. The following are important aspects of the program:

• The OPTIONS team works with each student to target their individual skills and strengths that are helpful in
  preparing for long-term employment activities.
• Participants attend training sites during the school day/school year. The program is "open entry-open exit."
• Students receive cross training to best prepare them for meeting a variety of job qualifications.

Employability skills addressed could include but are not limited to:

• Employability Skills training sites include both large and small business ventures.
• Students' participation ranges from a half day to multiple days weekly.
• A site coordinator and/or site trainers are on the premises at all times and are in communication with family and IEP team members.
• Acceptance of constructive feedback
• Work performance and accuracy
• Problem solving
• Flexibility
• Work Stamina
• Time management

Transition planning and activities are the driving force in the education of a secondary student with disabilities. From the transition plan, all other aspects of the student’s education are identified, which include: course of study, related services, employment skills, independent living skills, and academic classes. Through the individualized assessment process, transition goals are designed.

The Delaware County Intermediate Unit is one of the only Intermediate Units in Pennsylvania that provides transition services for both students and adults. Transition Services include but are not limited to: assessment, employment training, job development, job coaching, community-based instruction including travel instruction, as well as adult employability services. Our highly qualified personnel work with students, adults, and their families to assist in their self-determination and future planning. Through the personalized approach, these individuals are able to follow their desired path.

OPTIONS provides a supportive environment for the following:

• Assessment of skills
• Employability skills training
• Paid employment opportunities
• Further decision-making/choice making
• Varied social situations
• Strengthening self-advocacy skills
• Develop community access skills
• Travel assessment and/or instruction

Since 1985, OPTIONS Transition services have been developing programs to prepare secondary students with disabilities for their adult lives. The services offered are referenced in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The areas of instruction are aligned with the PA CORE standards.

The strengths of the individual are the catalyst for programming and the overall intent is to assist the individual in accessing his/her world as independently as possible. Services are provided for students with various disabilities.

OPTIONS is an adult provider of supportive employment services through The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and The Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD). Services include assessment, job development, and on-site job coaching services.