Hello to everyone,
The facts are as follows:
Josh is 19, graduated from NYS high school 6/01 with IEP diploma.
In Jan. 02 passed his last two RCTs and obtained a local diploma.
Local community college placement tests require remedial courses.
My wife and I do not believe college is the proper place…he has
borderline normal intelligence. VESID…Office of Vocational &
Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities suggests a
general office services course. But he already passed that course
in high school.
Question: Are there vocational training programs, career oriented,
for individuals with educations skills that are weak?
Mom and Dad are frustrated that VESID is no help in this regard.
Would appreciate all ideas and thoughts.
Norman & Gloria
Re: Josh & postsecondary ed
Delhi college(or university?) has cerfication and associate degree programs in craftman skill, plumbing and others. They are listed on their website.
Re: Josh & postsecondary ed
Consider first thinking about your son’s strengths and aspirations before you decide what direction will be best for him. It should:
1. Be possible to succeed in
2. Be acceptable to him
3. Be something he actually wants
Most vocational counselors are not much help unless they have experience with ld-
Without your sons motivation it will probably never happen.
Re: Josh & postsecondary ed
There are so many appropriate placements.Bedides the two already mention, look into the Vista program in CN, Lynn Old Forge in NY, Pace Program Evanston IL, Riverview School in Ma, Vocational Independence Program of NY Institue ot Technology in NY.
Good luck to you.
Jill
Re: Josh & postsecondary ed
We want to thank everyone for their suggestions and ideas.
SUNY at Delhi has a program that Josh is interested in and we already
arranging a visit to the campus and application. It is a Park and Outdoor
recreation concentration. Since Josh has worked with our local Park
District for the past three summers he likes the idea of a full time position
with a park district. We will also check our the Independence program
at NYIT. I continue to be amazed that these programs were never even
mentioned by guidance or VESID counselors while Josh was in
high school. Amazed is an understatement.
Thanks to all again
Please keep the ideas coming; we are very grateful.
Norman
Re: Josh & postsecondary ed
So glad that I helped you out. That is what this board is all about.
Consider looking at these two programs in the Northeast:
1. Maplebrook School - Center for the Advancement of Postsecondary Studies in Amenia, NY 845-373-9511. They have several vocational programs, including office services. It is residential and the program also includes independent living skills training, some academic classes and a opportunity to socialize with a peer group. We have a positive personal experience with this program
2. Berkshire Center for Independent Living
Lee, Massachusetts 413-243-2576
Heard of this but have no experience with this program but I read that it has vocational and independent living skills offered and sounds appropriate to your need.
There are a few others non-college postsecondary schools around the country, but the two above seem to be more in your neighborhood. As might be expected with programs that have high staff to student ratios these are generally as expensive as private colleges, but with fewer scholarship opportunities. Some community colleges do have non-degree programs that are vocational and for learning disabled students so look around carefully for those locally too. Good luck.