Why STWT?
Our Jamaican context for special education has not developed a formal and prioritized continuum of needs for our learners with special educational needs and disabilities. An intentional focus for transition preparation for the population of students with special needs is a pressing need.
“School to work transition is a critical element in the curriculum for students with intellectual disability. It promotes the student as central to the process and provides a targeted approach to the creation of goals, and acquisition of skills required for successful performance at school and in post school activities. It also enables the acquisition of special skills that will help students them to participate as much as possible in decisions that affect their lives. As an element of the curriculum the whole school approach to its implementation would be practiced more; its enrichment quality better recognized; serious planning and collaboration encouraged as well as the timely implementation of a system of supports from family, community, professionals, and agencies to promote high performance in school and post school activities. The value of School to work transition preparation is most visible in post school outcomes but the work is carried out during the school years” (Practitioner from Jamaica Association on Intellectual Disabilities, JAID).
“In the provision of education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, it is imperative to remain cognizant of the gaps for inclusion that they will experience at the post-secondary level. Transition planning for the Deaf will provide a clear path for the D/HH student’s education and/or employment focus with attention to the expected challenges to be faced. This allows for more effective preparation to include work ethics and readiness, realistic expectations and networking of key stakeholders that provide a network of support for the D/HH student. Focusing on transition planning from as early as possible augurs for a prepared and mature Deaf Adult who is more equipped to integrate into the larger society.” (Practitioner from Jamaica Association for the Deaf, JAD).
