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
Rocket City Marching Invitational set for Saturday, Sept. 20 at stadium
Bob Jones High School, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 17, 2025
MADISON – Bob Jones High School Bands, in collaboration with title sponsor KODA Technologies, will present the third annual Rocket City Marching Invit...
Mayor Paul Finley bids farewell, reflects on accomplishments at 2025 Madison Update
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Maria Rakoczy 
September 17, 2025
MADISON - Madison Mayor Paul Finley will be leaving the office of mayor this Nov. after sitting out the Aug. 26 election. Finley addressed the busines...
District 6 seat to be decided Tuesday in runoff election
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Maria Rakoczy 
September 17, 2025
MADISON - There is one final race to be decided from Madison’s municipal Aug. 26 election. The representative for District 6 on the Madison City Counc...
Heart of the Valley YMCA exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy, renews mission focus
A: Main, Business, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 17, 2025
HUNTSVILLE – On Sept. 8, Heart of the Valley YMCA announced its successful emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This development marks a new chapter ...
MCDAB presents check to Parks and Recreation, chairperson steps down
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Maria Rakoczy 
September 17, 2025
MADISON - After serving as the chairperson for the Madison City Disability Advocacy Board (MCDAB) for nine years, Janessa Crosswy is moving and steppi...
State lawmakers, local city leaders meet with Space Command leader to discuss transition
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By ALEX ANGLE Alabama Daily News 
September 17, 2025
WASHINGTON — Space Command is moving quickly to bring the headquarters to Huntsville through meetings with members of the state’s congressional delega...
Best-Selling Author Jen Hatmaker to share memoir on Oct. 21
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 17, 2025
MADISON – Jean Hatmaker, “New York Times” Best-Selling Author, speaker and podcaster, will share thoughts from her memoir, “Awake,” at Blue Apple Book...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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