TOTAL PROJECT
The TOTAL PROJECT is a model for transition developed by the Illinois State
Board of Education. TOTAL was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of
Education that ran through March of 2007. Since transition is the link from
school to adult living for persons with disabilities, it is important that a
great deal of thought, research, and planning go into the transition plan and
IEP for transition-aged students. The TOTAL Project is a series of modules aimed
at helping individuals with disabilities and the families and professionals who
support them to develop person-centered transition plans. It also looks at the
meaning of, critical importance of, and “how-to’s” for developing a person's
self-determination skills. A person who has developed a sense of
self-determination has more control over services and supports they may need or
want. An important aspect of TOTAL is helping the person with a disability
foster natural supports. By nurturing natural supports, the person with a
disability grows within his/her community and invites neighbors, co-workers,
friends and relatives to assist. Using a person-centered planning process allows
the person with a disability to have control over what the support looks like.
It is based on four core practices.
Based on an extensive review of current research literature, the four core best
practices include:
1. Understanding and Meeting State and Federal Transition Mandates
2. Person-Centered Transition Planning
3. Promoting Student Self Determination
4. Transition as the Centerpiece of the Individualized Education Plan
Though the grant funding for the TOTAL Project is over, the TOTAL modules will
remain available on the ISBE website and ISBE continues to support statewide
efforts for transition training and technical assistance. For more information
contact Sue Walter, swalter@isbe.net or 618-651-9028.
To access the TOTAL modules and other transition resources visit: www.isbe.net/spec-ed/html/transition.htm |
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