Transitional Aged Youth (TAY)
For most students, leaving high school can be a very emotionally charged experience. They must look to the future while at the same time often feeling reluctant about leaving the stability of their current environment. Students with support needs also face these challenges and usually need extra support to enable them to cope with this major step. Planning for this transition should begin as early as the young adult’s first year of high school. The assistance of staff, such as guidance counsellors, special education resource teachers, community agencies, and other school personnel, can all be important components in reaching success. Areas that need attention include possible plans for post-secondary education, employment, volunteer work, or any other type of meaningful daytime activity. With a purposeful plan, many doors can be potentially opened to a young person that might otherwise remain closed to them.
The Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) Program operated by CLH Developmental Support Services provides support to young people with support needs between the ages of 16 to 21 in their school to an adult life transition. The TAY co-ordinator acts as a support/resource to the teen, family, school, and community agencies. The young adult’s interests are explored, skills and abilities are assessed and plans are made through the Person Directed Planning model to assist in meeting goals for the future. Supports and resources are put into place based on individual preferences and interests.
Time-limited funding is available for training and staff support. Community resources are used whenever possible to meet the needs identified. Through new partnerships developed between the players, plans have been put into place before a young person leaves the educational environment. This early planning has opened up a wide variety of options and helped to alleviate many of the fears the young adult and his/her family may have about the future.
With the assistance of the TAY Program, the transition from high school for a young person with support needs can be a smooth and rewarding one.
For program information please email Amanda Miller.