ISVI Happenings
November 21, 2006
Transitional Living Program
ISVI has been working hard on the Transitional Living Program (TLP) and the
Transitional Living Center (TLC) experience. Acting Superintendent Joan Forney,
Director of Support Services Jane Breen, Acting Principal Janet McGovern and
Educator Cindy Miller are exploring the wonderful opportunities at ISVI for the
transition piece for our students. The TLP encompasses many different areas
including: living in the TLC, an expanded core curriculum, dormitory living,
employability skills, job placement and many other areas. The TLP serves
students who are 14 ˝ years of age through age 21. The expanded core curriculum
courses are Braille, abacus, slate and stylus, assistive technology, recreation
and leisure skills, independent/daily living skills, career education, and
orientation and mobility.
(Picture of Joan Forney, Jane Breen, Jan McGovern, and Cindy Miller discussing transition)
The TLC houses 5th year seniors with a maximum of 20 students. The TLC is currently at full capacity! ISVI has placed other students participating in the TLP in dorms to ensure a campus wide program. Offering instruction in other dorms ensures that the students across the campus have the opportunity to participate in transition services. This is a wonderful program for all who are involved including students and staff.
Fundraiser
The Transitional Living Center has a new fundraiser. The TLC students will
be selling bracelets for $3.00 a piece. They are maroon with "Team Illinois" or
gold with "Warrior Pride". All proceeds will go the Lions of Illinois Foundation
to help support Lions Low Vision Clinics. Thanks for helping out!!
Meet some of the TLP staff!!
Meet Paul Drake....
Mr. Drake’s primary responsibility is on and off campus employment. He determines what jobs are available, then announces them to all of the students. All positions on and off campus require an interview. The students have really been doing great with their interviewing skills this year! Mr. Drake’s office is located in the TLC to ensure accessibility for students. He meets with them after school and has an open door policy. He escorts students to off campus interviews, coordinates job coaching and assists with the completion of applications and resumes. Mr. Drake is in charge of coordinating the summer employment program and coordinating efforts with Rehabilitation Services.
(Picture of Paul Drake speaking with students about job opportunities)
Meet Malinda Pollard....
Ms. Pollard is the residential service supervisor for the TLC. Ms. Pollard
assists and coordinates transportation for the students who live in the TLC. She
is responsible for maintaining the environment of the building such as
housekeeping and maintenance. Ms. Pollard ensures a safe and friendly
environment for all who visit the TLC. She assists with coordinating
recreational activities as well. Ms. Pollard supervises the 8 "dorm parents"
that are involved with the TLC.
(Picture of Malinda Pollard with a couple of students in her office in the TLC)
Meet Karen Kelahan....
Ms. Kelahan teaches in three fully equipped kitchens that meet the Americans
with Disabilities Acts standards in the educational building. She teaches
breakfast preparation which is a 2 period class for the TLP. The TLP students
have the opportunity to cook at least 3 times a week with Ms. Kelahan including
snacks and small meals. ISVI students are getting to be great chefs!
(Picture of Karen Kelahan with a student in her classroom)
Meet Brenda Christian....
Ms. Christian teaches employability skills classes covering interview skills,
career explorations, resumes and job research. Ms. Christian works with students
processing receipts for independent shopping and coordinating their shopping as
well. She assists students with putting together their portfolios that include
everything from personal interests to past work experience to job searches. She
collects work evaluations of students and coordinates payroll for those involved
in the STEP program and work study.
(Picture of Brenda Christian helping a student with paperwork)
Meet Vicki Mullis....
Ms. Mullis teaches a variety of topics within the TLP. She teaches independent
living skills including laundry, personal hygiene, cooking, shopping,
organizational skills, and cleaning. She facilitates instruction and progress in
social interaction skills including table manners and etiquette. She also
assists with accessing community resources. Ms. Mullis teaches time management
and food preparation within a residential setting.
(Picture of Vicki Mullis helping a student in the kitchen in the TLC.