Applications are being accepted for the Gateway to Adult Transition Education (GATE) program in Vancouver School District. Applicants must be students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 18 to 21 years of age, who have participated in a high school program, but have not earned a high school diploma. Students from Vancouver School District and other school districts (except Evergreen, Camas, and Washougal) are invited to apply. Home-schooled students with documentation of a developmental disability also may apply. Students in the Evergeen, Camas, and Washougal school districts are served by their district programs.
For an application, contact the Life Skills or Learning Support teachers in the high schools, or Leslie Morrison at the GATE Program, 313-1050, or Leslie.Morrison@vansd.org. Applications may be mailed or delivered to Leslie Morrison at the Gate House, 3100 E. 18th Street, Vancouver, Washington 98661. Application deadline is November 16, 2007. Once applications have been screened, families will be interviewed and notified about placement before March 31, 2008.
What is the GATE Program?
Most high school students transition seamlessly into higher education, the work force, and life in general. For students with substantial learning and physical disabilities, this transition from high school to independent living can be far more difficult.
Since 1993, the Gateway to Adult Transition Education (GATE) program has unlocked doors for those 18- to 21-year-olds with developmental disabilities. GATE teaches skills for everyday living and skills to be productive in the work place. Operated by the Vancouver School District, it serves approximately 40 students from districts in Southwest Washington.
Students who graduate from the GATE program are better able to handle the world. Many will have jobs and independent living arrangements. All GATE graduates are well on their way to becoming productive community members.
Students at GATE
Students enrolled at GATE have the opportunity to interact with age appropriate disabled and non-disabled peers. They acquire organizational skills for daily living and employment. Students have different opportunities to explore work experiences. With employment, students gain a greater sense of independence.
Educational/Employment
Students spend all or a portion of their day on a job and/or job training site. This may include work experience, employment, and/or a training program. Students may take an active part in community activities as appropriate.
Students will engage in a variety of daily skills’ training/education activities conducted by school and/or community agency staff. Training activities may include: Community Access, Independent Living, Time Management, and Self-Advocacy.
Thanks to partnerships, GATE students can have the opportunity to experience on-the-job training at many local organizations and businesses. GATE staff often will accompany students to job sites to assist with job related training. Students will gain documented work experience through our community partnerships.
Living Skills
Under the guidance of GATE staff, students will have a chance to participate in hands-on, activity-based instruction. They will build on learned skills to gain greater independence. Also, students will continue to learn how to access public transportation. Students will have the opportunityto develop responsibility, build self-esteem, and move closer to independent living.
GATE Goals
•To provide students with opportunities to improve their self-concept
•To develop communication skills and competencies through guidance and work experience which will prepare students for employment and job maintenance
•To develop human relations skills, personal traits, and work habits for transition into the work environment and social community
•To develop appropriate leadership skills to promote productive and responsible personal involvement in school, on the job, and in the community
Students eligible to apply
•Between 18-21 years old
•Must be able to spend part of the day unsupervised
•Ability to work at various independent work sites
•Adapt well to change
•Ability to ride public transportation system independently
•Stabilized heath condition
•Independent self care management
•Appropriate behavior in community
•Independent mobility
•Independent communication skills or assistive device
•Time management skills
•Carry and use identification
•Mastery of basic life skills
•Successful attendance record
The Gate House
The Gate House began as a dream to provide the first permanent location for the GATE Program. That dream has become a reality thanks to the donations of labor and financial assistance of local volunteers and businesses. The Gate House opened its doors to students and staff in the fall of 2006. It is located at 3100 E. 18th Street in Vancouver.
For more information, please contact Leslie Morrison at 360-313-1050 or Leslie.Morrison@vansd.org.
