Madison, News, RSS Facebook, RSS General, RSS Twitter, Schools
 By  GreggParker Published 
5:35 pm Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Transition is keyword for ‘Parent Connections’ meeting

MADISON — The recent “Parent Connections” meeting focused on transition, a timely topic for upcoming changes in spring.

Parents of children with disabilities in Madison City Schools and Central Office staff met March 4 at James Clemens High School. “The spring season allows for ‘Transition’ meetings to take place from school to school … and school to the workforce/workplace or post-secondary education,” coordinator of special education Jamie Hill said.

Dr. Maria Kilgore is the district’s director of special education.

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) provides valuable information for vocational options. ADRS’ largest division is Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS), which helps Alabamians with disabilities achieve independence through employment, Hill said.

VRS offers training to assist teens and adults with securing jobs. “VRS works with middle schools, high schools, junior colleges and universities statewide to assist students with disabilities in receiving appropriate educational opportunities,” Hill said.

When children are 14 years old (earlier, if appropriate), Madison City Schools uses a “results-oriented process,” easing the child’s movement from school to post-school activities, Hill said. These activities may be post-secondary, vocational, continuing or adult education; independent living; community participation; and integrated employment.

Based on the individual child’s needs, this process considers the child’s strengths, preferences and interests. “Transition also includes appropriate, measurable post-secondary goals,” Hill said.

Another topic was the community-based work program in Madison. Local businesses who place Madison students with special needs include The Westin Huntsville, which has received awards from the district and Madison City Disability Advocacy Board; Huntsville Botanical Garden; Domino’s Pizza; Von Braun Center; Madison Public Library; Raytheon; ARC; and McAllister’s Deli.

Carisa Yeary, vice president of Ability Plus, discussed the organization’s offerings in “a community-inclusive home environment to individuals with intellectual disabilities,” Hill said. Residential homes have staff trained for CPR, first aid and medication.

Parent Connections will meet April 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Columbia Elementary School to discuss referrals for pupil support teams and addressing behavior within Individualized Education Plans.

Also on The Madison Record
Space Command relocation to Huntsville to bring area growth
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
HUNTSVILLE — Officials expect at least 1,400 jobs to be directly added to the north Alabama area with the U.S. Space Command Headquarters permanently ...
Newly elected Madison mayor to depart US Chess role
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Ranae Bartlett was named US Chess Executive Director in 2024
By JOHN HARTMANN US Chess Press 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - It is said that no one can serve two masters. And so US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett is trading Caïssa for the people of Madison,...
Triana Fire Department train for medical helicopter operation
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
TRIANA – Firefighters who work in Triana Fire Department recently accomplished a new milestone in their training to serve and protect their town. On-s...
Itty Bitty Bakers sweetens the community with classes
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By KADIE TAYLOR news@themadisonrecord.com 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Sweeten your day, Itty Bitty Bakers offers baking classes for locals, from 18 months to adults. Itty Bitty Bakers owner Kayla Johnson has be...
Madison Visionary Partners to host Gather Madison, volunteers needed
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
EVENTS
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – In its premiere in 2025, the Gather Madison event will unite residents of all backgrounds at one long table for a free, shared meal in the s...
Kids to Love to go “Over the Edge” for children in foster care Sept. 19-20
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Bold, compassionate individuals will be going “Over the Edge” for Kids to Love during a thrilling two-day fundraiser where participants rapp...
The Madison Street Festival is less than a month away
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – The first Saturday in October. That’s the day Madison residents turn out to visit with friends and neighbors, promote school groups, shop fo...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *