Technical Assistance and Professional Development Services
Project Description:
The Los Angeles Unified School District, Center for Advanced Transition Skills (CATS) is a partnership between the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles College. Under a 5-year MOU 5 year with the Los Angeles Community College District, 6 Community Colleges (East Los Angeles, provide limited use of classroom space and an office, telephone and copier access; allow students to serve as volunteer student workers at campus locations; and enroll in community college courses with the responsibility of services and assistance to be provided by LAUSD teachers/paraprofessionals.
CATS provides students with moderate and severe disabilities with a comprehensive transition program that helps them develop skills in the areas of education and training, employment and independent living skills.. LAUSD personnel provide students with opportunities in personal and career development instruction and work based learning experiences that are assessment driven and based on the student?s plans for the future. The overall emphasis of the program is career development, with students involved in unpaid and limited paid campus and community work experiences. Currently there are 137 students at the 6 community college sites (West Los Angeles, Mission, Harbor, East Los Angeles, Trade Technical, and Pierce). Achieving positive post school outcomes in employment or continued education/training for youth with intellectual disabilities is a primary objective of the program, however state data indicate that the post school outcomes for youth with intellectual disabilities are poor in California.. Only 14 % of individuals with intellectual disabilities are employed in California, and of those employed the vast majorities (63%) are in segregated work settings. Once involved in these services or settings, few youth move on to employment.
Keyword(s):
Post secondary education, mentorship, individuals with disabilities, employ
Core Function(s):
Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention
Target Audience:
Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
