About Us
Serving students and the community for thirty years, the Young Adult Services program is for students ages 18 to 26 receiving special education services through Ottawa Area ISD. Students participate in activities inside and outside the classroom, focusing on life skills, job skills, personal care, and functional academics allowing them to reach maximum independence. Students also have the opportunity to acquire these skills through short-term placements at community businesses and organizations.
Current Ottawa Area ISD construction projects support the expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE) services and facility improvements for the Young Adult Services program. The OAISD Construction Projects webpage includes project updates, funding information, and FAQs to explain what is being built, why it’s needed, and how it’s funded. Content will be updated as construction progresses and milestones are reached.
Young Adult Services Transition Services Q & A
Who qualifies for YAS Transition Services?
Adult students, ages 18-26, who are receiving special education services and residents of Ottawa County and parts of Allegan County that are within the Ottawa Area ISD service region. These students have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and have not earned credits toward a high school diploma.
What is the process for transitioning to post-secondary services?
Transition planning for eligible students begins at age 16 upon referral by the local school district and is a collaboration between the student and their parents/guardians, local school staff and Ottawa Area ISD special education services staff.
The family and student complete an application and an assessment designed to identify services that help them achieve their postsecondary goals and achieve maximum independence. Assessments are reviewed along with progress
monitoring data to coordinate appropriate services.
What types of special education transition services are available through Ottawa Area ISD?
Our transition services focus on building skills such as employability, social-emotional, communication and household independence. These services are delivered throughout the community to allow for generalization to real life situations.
Why has an assessment recently been added to the process?
Ottawa Area ISD is working to ensure alignment of service delivery for adult students, age 18-26, with federal regulations and state requirements. The assessment adds another level of evaluation in determining individual student needs and goals for a more personalized plan for services and success.
What legal requirements exist for special education services within local public and intermediate school districts?
Public school institutions must comply with the U.S. Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Michigan Department of Education’s Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education(MARSE) .
IDEA and MARSE:
- A results-oriented process focused on improving academic and functional performance to facilitate movement from school to post-school activities
- Are based on individual needs, taking into account a student’s strengths, preferences and interests
- May be special education or related services