Transition Academy_Best Comprehensive Coverage by Bill Christianson

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REPORTER 8105 166th ST. NE, Suite 102

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Dear WNPA Judges, The subject of my entry for Best Comprehensive Coverage of a Single Issue has been the Lake Washington School District Transition Academy in Redmond. The academy serves young men and women with developmental disabilities, helping them learn employment skills and practical life skills such as handling money, shopping, ordering in restaurants and riding public transportation. Although the academy has a small classroom facility in downtown Redmond, the vast majority of the students’ experience is gleaned from activities in the community. This is unique and important because living and thriving in “the real world” requires functioning in the real world and interacting with other community members in the general population. Through partnerships with local businesses and non-proﬁts, Transition Academy students have volunteer positions, part-time jobs or internships in Redmond and neighboring communities. In the beginning, they are escorted by para-educators but eventually, they are given more and more independence as they travel to and from their job opportunities and to recreational activities such as bowling, going to a gym, shopping, etc. The goal, by the time these students graduate from the academy at age 21, is for them to have satisfying jobs and be valuable assets to the community. Sincerely, Bill Christianson Editor, Redmond Reporter

[4] October 2, 2009

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●LW S D T R A N S I T I O N AC A D E M Y:

Below is an introductory article for an ongoing series about this unique, Redmond-based educational facility that assists developmentally disabled young people. Go to page 5 for Part 1 of the ongoing series.

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Richard Haines, co-director of the Lake Washington School District’s Transition Academy, welcomes students on the morning of Sept. 21. Each day when students arrive, they share a bit of news and then go over their “pencil schedules,” individualized plans for practicing job and social skills out in the community. MARY STEVENS DECKER, Redmond Reporter

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At its humble headquarters in downtown Redmond, the Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD) Transition Academy offers a unique group of young men and women, ages 18-21, resources and encouragement to gain employment, independence and inclusion in the community. The majority have developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome or autism, and mental retardation is a common denominator, according to co-directors Richard Haines and Mark Tornquist. In most school districts, disabled students, up to age 21, practice life and job skills in high school settings. That’s a safe environment, but not necessarily the most practical in terms of real-world living. The LWSD’s community-based model is different — and it works, as evidenced by the number of Transition Academy students and grads who are active participants at local businesses and non-profits. “Our students are walking advertisements for what we do,” said Haines. He and Tornquist, and partners such as Michael Goodwill, a transition specialist from Seattle-based employment agency Provail, go out across Redmond and the Eastside

and forge relationships with organizations which champion diversity and need loyal, committed, hard-working interns and employees. In spite of their intellectual challenges, these young adults are “enthusiastic, dependable, great at public relations, can sustain jobs for 10-15 years — there’s not a lot of turnover,” said Tornquist. But before they prove themselves in the workforce, “we immerse them, from day one, in safety, using public transit and applying functional knowledge,” Tornquist noted. Haines agreed, “Rather than reading, writing and arithmetic, the emphasis here is pedestrian and Metro safety, work skills, shopping at grocery stores, recreating in the community.” Only part of each school day is spent in the Transition Academy’s classroom on Cleveland Street. More often than not, the students have “people to see and things to do,” whether it’s a trip to a fitness club, a bowling alley, the library or a job. “The goal is to manufacture for them and their family the kind of life they want to have when they leave school,” Haines explained. “Historically, people with disabilities have been excluded because they couldn’t ride the bus, couldn’t count money. It’s not enough to look at flash cards. It’s learning by doing.” Tornquist compared the process

to “the moment you have when your toddler takes first steps. We take first steps and change minds. Not just the students’ minds but change the minds of the parents.” It’s frightening for many parents when a developmentally disabled son or daughter reaches the age when they’re traditionally expected to spread their wings and fly. Parents worry what will happen to this vulnerable adult who is still — and always will be — their beloved child. Who will protect and provide for them in the future? To help these young people achieve independence, “we believe in pushing a reasonable risk on the shoulders of the students,” Haines acknowledged. Staff members are there to model life skills. But eventually, students at the Transition Academy must learn to handle problems or surprises on their own. After all, that is what real life entails. “One of my favorite sayings is ‘You make plans and then life happens,’” said Tornquist. “We are flexible here, coming out of a very structured environment, the high school campus.” Throughout the 2009-10 academic year, the Redmond Reporter will visit with students from the LWSD Transition Academy, observe their progress and give readers a glimpse into their world. Please follow along and let us know what you think.

October 2, 2009 [5]

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Academy fosters job skills Students excited to challenge themselves in the workforce Monday mornings are jubilant at the Lake Washington School District’s Transition Academy. There’s no yawning or whining as students pile into the academy’s headquarters on Cleveland Street in downtown Redmond — just excitement to dive into the day’s activities. It’s humbling and uplifting to behold. As their former classmates tackle new adventures at colleges and universities, these developmentally disabled young adults remain under the watchful eyes of Transition Academy co-directors Richard Haines and Mark Tornquist and a passel of para-educators. It’s not their intention to restrict or coddle the students. Rather, it’s to foster personal management, employment and social skills that will help the students graduate at age 21 and be functional and comfortable in the community.

In a series that will run throughout this academic year, the Redmond Reporter will occasionally check in with Transition Academy students and share their stories. On the morning of Sept. 21, like at countless other schools and offices, the water cooler chatter at the Transition Academy was all about the Huskies, the Cougars and their weekend football victories. The students knew the big games’ scores, the teams’ standings — and that Will Smith’s kid had played in the football game at Skyline High School. As the small talk dwindled, Haines asked Jake Simmons, who works at the Redmond Fred Meyer store, how his latest job evaluation went. It went well, Simmons reported, eliciting a round of applause. “What’s our goal by June 1st?,” Haines prompted. Seasoned students immediately responded, “To have jobs.” Many of the academy’s students already do have jobs, and others are begin-

ning to learn new skills that can make them employable. Next, staff and students reviewed the day’s “pencil schedules” to determine where each student would be headed and what they’d be doing. “We call them ‘pencil schedules’ because life happens — things change. We need to be flexible,” Tornquist noted. Changes can be rough for people with developmental disabilities. They crave structure and familiarity. But indeed, adapting to change is part of life in the job market and the community. On Sept. 21, a few students were scheduled to hang out in the classroom with Haines, practicing skills such as typing and filing. Others went out in small teams to jobs or internships at the YWCA, Redmond Elementary School, the Lake Washington School District Resource Center and elsewhere on the Eastside, either walking or riding public transit. We tagged along with para-educator Pauline Fuentes and students Jason

Jason Grager, a 21-year-old student at Lake Washington School District’s Transition Academy, and paraeducator Pauline Fuentes chat while walking from the academy’s downtown Redmond headquarters on Cleveland Street to REI at Redmond Town Center. Grager is one of several developmentally disabled young adults employed to perform housekeeping duties at the store. MARY STEVENS DECKER, Redmond Reporter Grager, Carly Hursh and Bryan Groscost, as they jaunted to REI at Redmond Town Center and signed in for a two-hour work shift. Grager and Hursh are both 21 and expected to graduate from the Transition Academy this June. Groscost, 19, is a “newbie” in the program. But he wasn’t shy. With a beaming smile, he bounded ahead of the others, while Fuentes implored him to slow down and make sure cars would stop before the crosswalk. “They’re supposed to yield, but they don’t always,” Fuentes reminded him. Inside REI, the students

knew just how to get to the office where they’d clock in and grab the supplies they needed for their jobs. Groscost was assigned to cleaning mirrors. Hursh wiped down telephones and counter tops with antibacterial cleaner. “Jason does six different tasks,” Fuentes marveled, as Grager meticulously dusted row after row of shoe shelves. “He’s very diligent, needs little supervision, has a great attitude,” she said. “He dusts, cleans and waxes railings and racks, moves baskets and carts around. I only showed him once. He

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picked it up just like that.” Haines later told us that REI is just one of many wonderful community partners, providing a “work lab” environment to help Transition Academy students become valuable contributors to the community. As well, community members get to see developmentally disabled people in a different light. “Through outreach, education, advocacy, we see a big change,” said Haines. For more information about the LWSD Transition Academy, call (425) 8613452 or visit www.lwsd.org/ school/ta.

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MARY STEVENS DECKER mdecker@redmond-reporter.com

November 27, 2009 [9]

BEAR CREEK STUDENTS EARN ALL-STATE MUSIC HONORS

Five Upper School students from The Bear Creek School in Redmond have been selected by a state-wide audition to participate in the Washington Music Educators Association All-State High School performing groups. Almost 2,500 students auditioned for this honor. These students will travel to Yakima in February 2010 to perform with their AllState groups during the WMEA State Conference. The Bear Creek students are as follows: • Collette Sackman, senior, oboe, All-State Wind Ensemble. • Kira Geiger, junior, soprano II, All-State Treble Choir. • Cameron Kesinger, junior, tenor, All-State Mixed Choir. • Andrew Benson, freshman, violin, All-State Symphony Orchestra. • Katie Gomulkiewicz, freshman, flute, All-State Wind Symphony. In addition to their All-State Honors, Kesinger and Sackman were selected by audition to participate in an honor choir at the Northwest Regional Convention of the American Choral Directors Association. Students from Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana will be gathering in Seattle in March 2010 to sing at this convention.

●LW S D T R A N S I T I O N AC A D E M Y:

Below is the fourth article of an ongoing series about this unique, Redmond-based educational facility that assists developmentally disabled young people. To read the first three articles, go to www.redmond-reporter.com

Adjusting to the unexpected Hard-working Jason Grager determined to press on toward his goals despite challenges

maturity gap between Jason and his neurotypical peers. “When they’re little, kids aren’t all that different,” she pointed out. But around middle school and beyond, it became quite apparent that Jason’s one-time playmates were leaving him behind intellectually. They weren’t unkind to him, said Lynn. But they had moved on, developmentally. Now, Jason’s best friend is someone he met through Special Olympics, a student from the Northshore School District’s Adult Transition Program. “It is a real peer relationship with someone at the same level,” said Lynn.

MARY STEVENS DECKER mdecker@redmond-reporter.com

On Oct. 2, the Redmond Reporter launched a series of stories about the Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD) Transition Academy, where developmentally disabled young adults learn skills for employment and independence. We began by following three students — Jason Grager, Carly Hursh and Bryan Groscost — to their internships at REI in downtown Redmond. When we recently returned to the Transition Academy, groups of students had just practiced grocery shopping throughout the community. Before Lynn Grager heading home from the academy’s headquarters on Redmond’s Cleveland Street, they reviewed the day’s twists and turns. Grager was especially eager to share his observations.

NO TURNING BACK

While “out and about” that day, Grager saw several Metro buses run red lights. “Two 545s, a 253 and a 248,” he reported. “And a car went in a place where it wasn’t supposed to,” Grager added. The driver had gone into a lane marked “exit” instead of “entrance.” Transition Academy co-director Richard Haines praised Grager for spotting the traffic transgressions. Then he quizzed Grager, “What’s our big theme for the year?” Grager grinned and shouted, “IT HAPPENS!” His classmates nodded and laughed. Haines reviewed the

PICTURING THE FUTURE

Jason Grager, a developmentally disabled student at the Lake Washington School District Transition Academy, raises his hand to participate in a classroom discussion about “what if” scenarios. The students frequently talk about unexpected happenings that occur as they are out and about in the community. The purpose is to help them become more flexible, in accordance with an academy motto, “IT HAPPENS.” MARY STEVENS DECKER, Redmond Reporter

importance of being alert, even when you think you know your surroundings. Sometimes buses run red lights, people go the wrong way on a one-way street — or drive “in” through an “out” lane. Life is full of surprises, Haines concluded. For Grager, crossing streets is a huge undertaking. But he’s determined to press on toward his goals.

JASON’S JOURNEY

A graduate of Juanita High School (JHS), Grager was born three months premature and is legally blind due to ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity). He also has epilepsy and mental retardation. His days at JHS, mostly in a special education classroom, included some art and music classes with the general student body. The experience was pleasant, but “he needed to be out of

the classroom more,” said his mom Lynn Grager, who is a para-educator at Sandburg Elementary School in Kirkland. That said, when her disabled son entered the Transition Academy — where goals include teaching students how to ride public transit to work — it was “a little scary,” Lynn admitted. Another adjustment for Jason is that, “He doesn’t like the early hours. He’s more of an evening person,” she said. Jason’s evenings are busy with soccer, basketball and bowling practices. He also loves watching sports. “I’ve been following baseball playoffs,” he remarked, as his mom shared his story over coffee. Michael Goodwill from Provail, an employment agency that partners with the Transition Academy, is exploring a job for Jason at the downtown Seattle REI.

Trader Joe’s or Costco are other possibilities. “He would love to work with the Mariners or the Huskies,” said Lynn. “That would be his ideal fit. Maybe not 40 hours a week. Maybe a couple hours a day, a few days a week.” For Jason’s family, preparing him for a job isn’t about the money, Lynn emphasized. “Earning a paycheck gives a sense of satisfaction,” she noted. “But it’s more about having a place for him to go where he feels useful and accepted — a reason to get out of bed and out of the house.” And social connections are as vital as meaningful work, for Jason and his classmates at the Transition Academy. Lynn said one of the hardest things about watching Jason’s journey through his school years was noticing the ever-widening

Besides the talk about the bad bus drivers and other inattentive motorists, Jason showed his classmates, during our latest visit, how his mom helps him make grocery shopping lists using pictures of the foods he wants to buy. He’s also memorizing the aisles where those products can be found, as well as practicing how to ask for help if he can’t find what he wants. It’s a lot to learn, for someone with serious health challenges. But Haines and Mark Tornquist, co-director of the Transition Academy said they don’t allow students to dwell on what they “can’t do.” When Haines asked, “What is that we want to do with you guys?,” the students laughed and replied, “Get us out of here!” Jason expects to graduate from the Transition Academy next June. In upcoming issues of the Redmond Reporter, we’ll share more about the hopes and dreams of other students from the Lake Washington School District Transition Academy.

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YEAR IN REVIEW: PART 2 OF 2-PART SERIES

Rewind of ‘09: Rising Redmond A look back at the events that shaped this growing city

Hursh learns how to be self-reliant at Transition Academy

MARY STEVENS DECKER mdecker@redmond-reporter.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fifth article of an ongoing series about the Lake Washington Transition Academy, a unique, Redmond-based educational facility that assists developmentally disabled young people. To read the first four articles, go to www.redmond-reporter.com

In last week’s issue of the Redmond Reporter, we revisited some of the people and events that were on Redmond’s radar in the first half of 2009. Here’s a look back at some of the news we brought to you in the latter half of last year.

MARY STEVENS DECKER mdecker@redmond-reporter.com

JULY

The design for a new Fire Station 17, to be built in North Redmond, was revealed at a public meeting. A new Metro Transit Parkand-Ride garage opened in MORE PHOTOS ONLINE downtown Redmond, improv- ABOVE: Heather Tarr, right, head softball coach of the NCAA-champion University of Washington Huskies, redmond-reporter.com ing opportunities to commute was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Redmond Medical Center Derby Days Parade in July. Tarr, who to work or school in Bellevue, graduated from Redmond High School in 1993, is joined by volunteer assistant coach J.T. D’Amico. BELOW: The Derby Days Festival is the Seattle and elsewhere. city’s largest community event and features one of the longest-running bike races in the nation. Redmond Reporter file photos City park planners held a public meeting to get input about a modern pool, multi-cultural center or other desired amenities. The City of Redmond unveiled plans for a Downtown Central Park to be “the jewel” of community parks. Thousands flocked to the 69th Annual Derby Days festival, with parades, carnival rides, arts, crafts, food Lisa Ling was the and entertainment for keynote speaker at all ages. Hopelink’s annual The King County luncheon, which drew Executive race began to more than 1,800 heat up. Seven candiattendees and raised dates spoke at a forum Keeghan McPherson is all smiles at the annual National Night Out more than $1 million in [ more 2009 page 2 ] Against Crime, held in August. October.

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Carly’s ‘can-do’ attitude

Carly Hursh had a new outfit and a “can-do” attitude during our latest visit to the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) Transition Academy. Based in downtown Redmond, the academy helps young adults with developmental disabilities hone skills for employment and inclusion. Prepping for a job interview, Hursh, a Juanita High School graduate, fielded questions from Michael Goodwill of Seattle-based Provail, an employment agency which partners with the Transition Academy. Hursh’s classmates joined the conversation about the realities of the working world. They talked about do’s and don’ts for a job interview: “Do” project a willingness to demonstrate what you can do, which sometimes is easier is than talking about the skills. Hursh correctly interjected, “That’s called ‘a working interview.’” And, Goodwill commented, “Don’t talk too much if you’re nervous, because it can be distracting to the interviewer.”

[ more HURSH page 5 ]

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Hursh getting ‘a boost of confidence’ at Transition Academy [ HURSH from page 1 ] That’s a common stumbling block for any job seeker, not just someone with a disability. “It takes practice. Every interview helps with the next one,” said Goodwill.

CARLY’S STORY

Hursh’s mom, Patti Mann, shared some background about her daughter’s early years. “Her disability is mental retardation — I would consider it mild to moderate,” Mann explained. “She went through testing at age three and at that time, I believe it was labeled Developmental Delay with the MR label coming a few years later.” Prior to the Transition Academy, Carly had a mix of special education and general education classes, usually modified or with an aide, her mom explained. Referring to the academy, “I had heard only good things about it,” Mann continued. “As her mother, I tend to be overprotective of Carly and the academy forces her to be independent. I am certain Carly will be able to get a job.” What hurdles might stand in her way? “When she gets excited or nervous, she tends to talk too fast and it can be very difficult to understand her,” said Mann. “She knows she

Carly Hursh, a developmentally disabled student at the Lake Washington School District Transition Academy, enjoys playing games such as UNO with her classmates, while taking a break from communitybased activities to learn job and life skills. Hursh’s dream job would be to work in the TV industry. MARY STEVENS DECKER, Redmond Reporter needs to slow down and sometimes even her family members have a bit of trouble understanding her for the first time.”

view at the City of Seattle Department of Transportation was a positive experience. “Carly did about five or six different tasks,” said Goodwill. “She and the interviewer talked about a couple of potential tasks and she has a 10-minute or so formal interview. ... I was involved minimally.” Hursh showed how to prepare rooms for meetings, such as testing dryerase markers, cleaning white boards and arranging chairs. She also stocked and organized printing stations and learned how to scan documents to then be stored on a shared drive. “Carly had no problems navigating the computer and she left with a full understanding of the process,” Goodwill noted. Plus, she organized a supply cabinet completely on her own, recycled and retrieved paper and sorted and sized envelopes for re-use. The verbal portion of the interview was also successful, according to Goodwill. “Her answers were appropriate, clear and to the point,” he said. “Carly came to the interview with a resume and

references. ... In preparing for the interview, Carly and I went over her resume often. ... Carly also came with prepared questions to ask (the interviewer).” Besides bringing the right paperwork, “she was dressed professionally, she was confident when introducing herself and throughout the interview, listened, kept direct eye contact and ... maintained an interest and a focus on each of the tasks she did.” Although she wasn’t offered a job, “this was a first step for Carly,” Goodwill stated. He described the City of Seattle as “an excellent employer” with opportunities for people of all abilities. “As a job developer, I will continue to work with the City of Seattle in making this connection for Carly,” he said.

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS

What would be Carly’s dream occupation, if she could pick any job? “Carly loves her computer and she can find an answer to any question I have on the Internet,” said her mom. “She loves TV shows and movies — probably too much. ... She’d tell

you that her dream job is an office job — but she would LOVE to do something that had anything to do with a TV show. Not necessarily acting, but something behind the scenes.” Goodwill commented, “The next step for Carly is to continue to put herself out there, explore her interests, apply and meet with businesses and find that job. ... When I first met Carly, she was interested in only an office job. Now she is entertaining the idea of retail.” He said her preference is to work on the Eastside, perhaps at the Redmond Trader Joe’s or Kirkland Costco. Yet the interview in Seattle was “a boost of confidence for Carly,” he said. “I have noticed it in how she presents herself and how she talks about her career goals. Carly has a lot of skills and she is going to make a great addition to whatever team and business she decides to work with.” Employers or others who want to know more about the LWSD Transition Academy and its successful graduates, should visit www.lwsd.org/school/ta or call (425) 861-3452.

DEMONSTRATING MASTERY

We checked with Goodwill to ask how Hursh’s interview went. He said the two-hour, working inter-

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Teacher layoffs loom large for school district

LWSD TRANSITION ACADEMY SERIES

LWSD facing more than $7 million in cuts for its 2010-11 budget BILL CHRISTIANSON bchristianson@redmond-reporter.com

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Bryan Groscost, a Redmond High School graduate with autism, is a student at the Lake Washington School District’s Transition Academy, which helps young adults with developmental disabilities strengthen skills for employment and inclusion. In addition to an internship at the Redmond REI store, Groscost enjoys shelving magazines and DVDs as a volunteer at the Redmond Regional Library. MARY STEVENS DECKER, Redmond Reporter

MOVING UP THE CHARTS Music enthusiast with autism steadily finding his groove EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the sixth article of an ongoing series about the Lake Washington Transition Academy, a unique, Redmond-based educational facility that assists developmentally disabled young people. To read the first five articles, go to www.redmond-reporter.com MARY STEVENS DECKER mdecker@redmond-reporter.com

In October 2009, the Redmond Reporter began a series about the

Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD) Transition Academy. This unique learning center in downtown Redmond helps young adults with developmental disabilities gain experience and confidence through work partnerships with businesses and non-profit organizations. Back then, we met a Transition Academy student named Bryan Groscost. This Redmond

High School grad is an intern at the REI store at Redmond Town Center. And for nearly a year, he has also volunteered at the Redmond Regional Library.

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Groscost shelves magazines, DVDs and “hold” requests at the Redmond Regional Library. Putting things in order seems to please him. Like many indi-

viduals with autism, Groscost enjoys familiar routines and attending to details. “Bryan really likes the alphabetizing and has an interest in the magazines, as well,” said Kelsey Paasch, a graduate student from University of Washington’s low-incidence special education program and

[ more GROSCOST page 4 ]

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Expect more multi-million-dollar budget cuts by the Lake Washington School District, but this time around, teacher layoffs loom large. The Lake Washington School District (LWSD) avoided laying off teachers during last year’s budget crunch. But this year is a different story, according to Kathryn Reith, LWSD Director of Communications. “We were really proud we didn’t have to lay off any teachers last year,” Reith said. “We’re just holding our breath if we can do that again. I don’t INSIDE know if we can. We may be able to. There aren’t any School bond failure easy cuts left. There’s still lots of question marks.” casts doubt Last year, LWSD was on grade realignment, forced to cut $7.7 million overcrowding from its budget, but in the end, there were no teacher plans. [2] layoffs. Hampered by dwindling state funding, LWSD is facing $7.4 million in cuts for the 2010-11 budget cycle if the current state budget, proposed by Gov. Chris Gregoire, is approved, Reith said. LWSD plans to begin the public budget process in March, when residents can provide their opinion on the LWSD Web site and at upcoming community meetings, Reith said. The projected budget revenue for 2009-10 is $217 million with $138 coming from the state. The state doled out $150 million to the district for the 200809 budget cycle, Reith said. School districts around the state got a dose of good news earlier this month from King County Superior Court Judge John Erlick. Issuing a long-awaited judgement in a suit filed in 2007, Erlick ruled that the state is not meeting its constitutional duty to fund basic education in Washington. Erlick ordered the legislature [ more LWSD page 2 ]

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Student hopes to work at a radio station someday [ GROSCOST from page 1 ] intern at the Transition Academy. Paasch goes with Bryan to his shifts at the library and offers support as needed. “I’ve seen him especially looking at Billboard,” Paasch added, referring to the magazine that tracks music charts. In fact, Bryan’s mom, Stacy Harper, told us he’s a diehard fan of ‘80s pop and rock, which he avidly studies on YouTube. Bryan confirmed that information. “My favorites are The Human League and Information Society,” he said. Besides allowing him to read up on the music scene, the library’s quiet environment suits Bryan, said Paasch. “He’s introverted, he likes keeping to himself — and he can do that here,” she pointed out. Yet preparing Transition Academy students for “the real world” requires taking them out of their comfort zones, at least some of the time, so they can learn to adapt to all sorts of situations.

A WIDE WORLD WITHIN REDMOND

In addition to working with Bryan, Paasch accompanies other Transition Academy students to positions at Redmond Athletic Club and Hopelink.

Comparing notes with other graduate students in the special education field, Paasch said she feels lucky to be involved with the LWSD’s transition program. The advantage is that disabled students who’ve met high school graduation requirements, with special needs accommodations, are then moved out of a high school setting and immersed in community life. “I’m in awe of seeing the planning that goes into this ... not on a high school campus, but seeing students go out into the Town Center,” said Paasch. “I’ve talked to people in other districts and they’re amazed by how many businesses are having the transition students come in. They have so many resources people didn’t know existed.”

DON’T STOP BELIEVING

Bryan was first diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified) at the age of 6. His diagnosis was changed to autism when he was 12. “When he was 6, I was told a long list of things he would ‘never’ and ‘most likely would not’ be able to do when he was older,” said Harper. “From that moment on, I set out to prove them wrong ... and I think I’ve done a good job of doing so. I have expected

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Bryan to go to the Transition Academy since I first heard about it when he was in junior high. It was never a question that he would be there. The program is one of the best I have seen in the country and I have researched many programs. There are not nearly enough of these types of programs.” Harper was not always so hopeful about her oldest child’s future. Two of Bryan’s five siblings also have developmental disorders, by the way. Children with developmental delays often “act out” in frustration, as was the case with Bryan, according to Harper. “He was running off, would scream for no reason, would hit other kids, wouldn’t follow directions,” she recalled. “What is somewhat manageable for a 5-year-old becomes dangerous for a 19-year-old. We spent many years driving to therapy (speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy) and that took a toll on the family,” Harper said. “The financial impact was huge,” as were disruptions to daily life, she added. Harper recently went back to college after 18 years of putting her education on hold. It’s been a tough journey, getting Bryan to the point where he is today. “But I wouldn’t change a thing, other than if people had been more aware of autism back then, things might be different,” she said.

Now a polite young man, Bryan still has some difficulties with communication. But the Transition Academy is “helping him learn to use his cell phone, to ride a bus, to take responsibility for himself as much as possible,” his mom said. “What I love most about the academy is that they set the expectation bar at the top, then lower it as needed, rather than not expecting him to be able to do things and then raise it when he can,” she continued. “It can be a little scary at times, but our job as parents is no different than parents of ‘typical’ kids. We do our best to make them as independent as possible while being there when they stumble and fall, as they will do, just like anyone else.”

SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS

Besides his ‘80s music fandom, Bryan enjoys playing basketball and soccer through Redmond Parks and Recreation, said Harper. “For his dream job, I think if he were able to work in a music store or a radio station that played ‘80s music, he would be in heaven,” she concluded. For more information about the Lake Washington Transition Academy and its opportunities for developmentally disabled young adults, visit www.lwsd.org/ school/ta or call (425) 8613452.

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