Transitions FAQ
What is the full-year program?
The Transitions program prepares students to become successful in college and careers. Transitions is designed for young men and women with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, nonverbal learning disabilities and other learning differences. Transitions will provide individual supports in the areas of executive functioning, social skills, wellness, self-advocacy and independent life skills. The staff of Transitions will work collaboratively with college or career professionals to support the student’s goals.
What are the criteria for admission?
Full-Year student applicants will:
- have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, nonverbal learning disabilities, or other learning differences
- be recent high school graduates up to age 27
- have emotional, behavioral and psychological stability
- be motivated to participate fully within the Transitions community
- have both the desire and the potential to obtain a college degree, participate in a career program and/or live independently
The Transitions admissions team will complete a comprehensive review of all applicants to make sure that each participant is a good fit for our program. For more information, please visit the Transitions Admissions Criteria page here.
How long does a student usually attend?
Students who attend college generally participate in the program for the duration of their college degree. Transitions will support each student in planning for life after college, which may include providing further education or career supports. Students who have jobs and/or are working toward independent living generally participate in the Transitions program until they feel that they can work and live independently. The timeline for this is different for each person. Individual plans are evaluated with the student, parent and Transitions team once per year. Students may also transition from full support to the Day Scholar option once their independence increases.
What types of internships are available?
Transitions has relationships with many local businesses, which allows us to offer a wide range of internship experiences to match any interest. Students will shadow local professionals and get real-world, on-the-job experience. Administrative, food service, retail, human resources, human services, accounting, information technology, medical office and many more types of internships are offered.
What social activities are available?
The Transitions experience is a fun and exciting one. Students are exposed extensively to both the performing and visual arts and technology, all while taking part in abundant recreational and social opportunities Art enthusiasts can learn from the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Art’s artists-in-residence and tour museums and performance venues. Those interested in technology can tour companies and learn from our knowledgeable faculty. Weekly events are scheduled to help students experience a range of activities that help expand their social menu and promote opportunities for lasting friendships. Students will be encouraged to explore leisure skills and engage in hobbies, which can provide natural social connections with others.
What is the student to staff ratio?
The student to staff ratio is 2:1.
How much supervision is there?
Each student is provided with access to counseling, medical and staff supports via a comprehensive network of on-call professionals that are available 24 hours a day. All Transitions apartments are equipped with fire and personal safety equipment such as fire and smoke alarms, detailed evacuation plans, and emergency procedures and contact instructions.
Transitions staff is available 24 hours a day to provide guidance and support as needed. From 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., they assist with reminders for medication, self-care and other daily living activities. They also work with each student to plan and access transportation, appointments, community activities, shopping and financial resources. From 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., Transitions staff are also always available, either on-site for those apartments with 24/7 staffing or on-call to those living more independently.
Where do students live?
Students live in apartments with one to four roommates in the towns of Gloversville and Johnstown.
Basic furnishings and amenities such as Internet, cable TV and on-site laundry facilities are provided. Transitions provides a regular shuttle service between the program building, the college and local towns.
What kind of therapeutic support is available?
Do students get breaks?
What type of financial assistance is available?
What is not included in tuition?
College tuition and costs associated with a career internship are not included in the Transitions tuition.
Tuition includes room and board, transportation, participation in Transitions classes and activities, staff supports and some recreational/social activities. If a Summer Immersion Experience participant decides to go on to the full-year program within six months of participating in the Summer Immersion Experience, half of the paid summer tuition will be applied to the full-year tuition.
Tuition does not include medical or specialized counseling services, medications or other personal expenses. College tuition is paid separately to the college. Special activities and some classes at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts are optional and may have an extra charge. Each student will be assessed annually to decide which supports, if any, they need. A fee may be charged if it is determined that additional medical and/or emotional supports are needed.
How can I apply?
Where can I direct questions about the application process?
Transitions Summer Immersion Experience FAQ
What is the Transitions Summer Immersion Experience?
The Transitions Summer Immersion Experience is a two- or three-week readiness program for young men and women with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, nonverbal learning disabilities, and other learning differences. This program is for high school students and recent graduates up to age 27 who want to go to college and/or want to live on their own with or without roommates. The program includes guided on-site visits to select colleges, companies, galleries, performance venues, studios and museums.
What are the skill areas covered at Transitions?
Transitions will provide individualized supports in executive functioning, social skills, wellness, self-advocacy and independent life skills. Summer Immersion Experience students receive an abridged version of the year-round core curriculum, which is designed to develop management skills for college, career and life, improve social skills and competency, and learn best practices for healthy living such as cooking and cleaning. The emphasis in the program is the importance of self-advocacy and self-monitoring.
What is the student’s classroom experience?
Students will participate in a comprehensive core curriculum that includes executive functioning, social skills, independent living, wellness and leadership. Additionally, students will explore college and career options during the three-week session.
What will the student gain after the Transitions Summer Immersion Experience?
The student will gain independent living experiences and self-management tools that can boost self-confidence as well as provide life management strategies to practice upon completion of the program. Students will also be given tools to build lasting relationships with the friends they make at Transitions.
What can each student and parent expect to receive at the end of the Summer Transitions experience?
Students develop a portfolio to take with them as well as a copy of their person-centered plan. Parents will receive an evaluation of the student’s progress. Students may choose to take a 1-credit college class while they attend Transitions (additional fees to the college apply).
Where is Transitions located?
Transitions is located about 45 minutes west of Albany, NY, in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in the town of Mayfield, NY. Click here for more detailed information.
Where will the students live?
Students will live in private apartments in the local community with one to four roommates.
Who will work with the students?
Employees with specialized Transitions training will support students. All Transitions team members have demonstrated success in supporting people with disabilities and helping them grow and learn to their optimal potential. Team members serve as coaches, mentors and role models for students.
What specialized training has the staff had? What are their qualifications?
Our professional staff have experience with working with young adults with autism spectrum disorders and learning differences and are all knowledgeable in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. All staff receive specialized training in the Transitions curriculum.
What kind of transportation will be provided during the Transitions Summer Immersion Experience?
Transitions provides a regular shuttle service between the program building, the college and local towns. Public transportation will also be utilized as appropriate. Arrangements for airport pick-up and drop off will be provided.
Why is Transitions different from day hab, supported employment, regular college supports?
The Transitions Summer Immersion Experience is a comprehensive learning experience across all aspects of a student’s life in a supportive environment that mirrors college and career exploration. It provides a real opportunity for students to try being away from home and gain experience in a safe and nurturing environment. The core curriculum – self-management, wellness, self-advocacy, social skills and independent life – is weaved into and across all aspects of the student’s three-week experience. There will be 24/7 support staff available for students, which is not typically available in regular college supports.
Are the living arrangements for the Summer Immersion Experience really similar to living on your own?
Summer Immersion Experience students will live in private apartments. Students will have to maintain their own space and help roommates maintain the common area. At least one meal a day will be prepared by the student.
Do the programs simulate real world experiences?
Whenever possible, students will apply the self-management, social and independent life skills in real situations.
What is included in the cost?
Tuition includes room and board, transportation, participation in Transitions classes and activities, staff supports and some recreational/social activities. Students may bring additional spending money for special activities and personal purchases, if desired.
What are the payment options?
Upon completion of the online application and once approved, payment may be made by credit card, personal check, bank check or money order.
What are the admissions criteria?
Summer Immersion Experience students will:
- have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, nonverbal learning disabilities or other learning differences
- be students entering their sophomore, junior or senior years in high school or recent graduates
- have emotional, behavioral and psychological stability
- be motivated to participate fully within the Transitions community
- have both the desire and the potential to obtain a college degree, participate in a career program and/or live independently
The admissions team will complete a comprehensive review of all applicants to make sure that each participant is a good fit for our program. For more information, please visit the Transitions Admissions Criteria page here.