Transition Trender
GPPSS Special Education Transition Services - Vol. 1, 2022
Special Education Transition Services
The Special Education Transition Services Department at Grosse Pointe Public School System supports students with disabilities in making the transition from public education to adulthood. Providing transition resources to families, as well as opportunities for students to gain pre-vocational and vocational training, obtain work and social skills, and explore employment opportunities, the Transition Services Department assists students in making a successful transition to living and working as independently as possible after leaving the public school system.
Transition Students Spotlight
Life Skills
Work-Based Learning
Career and Vocational Exploration
Students Hit The Court Developing Teamwork And Inclusivity
Family Resources Spotlight
DWIHN Provides Access to Integrated Services to Maximize Function and Create Opportunities
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN)
The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network serves individuals in Detroit and Wayne County with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and those with substance use disorder, serious mental illness, and/or children with serious emotional disturbance. Through organizations such as Community Living Services, located in Wayne Michigan, DWIHN is designed to assist people in developing and controlling individualized budgets to pay for their authorized supports and services.
If you are a GPPSS family and want to open a case with DWIHN:
Call the DWIHN Access Center 1-800-241-4949.(You should plan to be on the phone for at least 30 minutes to determine eligibility.You will be asked about your son/daughter’s disability; the information is entered into their computer system.)
Eligibility: People who live in Wayne County and meet the standard listed in the Michigan Mental Health Code for persons with a developmental disability are eligible for supports and services. The code describes a developmental disability as a severe, chronic condition that is due to a mental or physical impairment or combination of impairments. These impairments must occur before the age of 22, be likely to continue forever and seriously limit you or not to allow you to do things in three or more of the following activities:
Taking care of yourself
Receptive and expressive language
Learning
Mobility
Self-Direction
Ability to live by yourself and make money on your own
If they determine that your son/daughter meets the developmental disability eligibility, they will contact the provider network of your choice. If you do not have a preference, they will assign you a Provider Network. The options are Community Living Services (CLS), www.comlivserv.com Consumer Link , www.bhpi.org and Synergy, www.synergypartnersllc.com.
IF you choose CLS (as an example) they will then contact you to schedule the intake appointment at the CLS office.
They will inform you of the necessary documentation that you need to bring with you to the Intake apppointment., i.e. current IEP, MET, Psychological report, copy of Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Picture ID, Medical records, list of medication(s).
You may request the school records from the Student Services Department at GPPSS (You will be asked to sign a release prior to records being released to DWIHN.)
If you have questions feel free to contact the GPPSS Special Education Transition Services Office
Families Find Resources at The Arc of Western Wayne County
Check out the After I'm Gone 2021-2022 schedule which assists families planning for their future when they are no longer able to provide care for their family member with a disability. This program is offered free of charge by The Arc Western Wayne County and The Arc Northwest Wayne County, and is funded by The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network.
Special Educator Spotlight
33 Years of Making A Difference
Special Educator Spotlight
Who: Ann Marie Bokatzian, special education teacher working with our post-high school special education students in Grosse Pointe Schools' Community Campus program.
How long have you been in education: in the district 26 years and 33 years total in education.
What you wish everyone knew: I wish everyone knew that individuals with developmental disabilities are a gift from God and capable of moving humanity toward pure goodness. They see the world in black and white, no grey. No judgement, just acceptance.
Things of which you are most proud: I was born with the gift of joyfulness and my mother taught me how to nurture.
Your favorite quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget, how you made them feel” -Maya Angelou
Mrs. Bokatzian will be retiring at the end of the 2021- 2022 school year. We are grateful for her impact on the students and families in the Grosse Pointe school district and beyond.
Grosse Pointe Public School System
Our Mission: Cultivate Educational Excellence By:
- Empowering Students
- Valuing Diversity
- Inspiring Curiosity
- Pushing Possibilities
Our Vision: One inclusive community learning together
Special Education Transition Services Department
Transition Services Coordinator - Kimberly King M.A., CCC-SLP
Transition Services Paraprofessional - Pat Moceri
Email: Kingk@gpschools.org
Website: https://mi01000971.schoolwires.net/domain/34
Location: 707 Vernier Road, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, USA
Phone: 313-432-5610