P.A.S.S.

(PARENTS ACCESSING SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT)

A Project of KY-SPIN, Inc.

PASS, initially funded by Metro United Way, is a program serving Jefferson County whose primary focus is for non-diploma bound young people ages 14-21, with severe disabilities in low incident special education classes.  PASS will give families a knowledge base that allows not only entry into programs and services, but options that give young people with disabilities a voice in their own destiny.  Advance planning and education enable families to transition from school to adult services without interruption in services.  Outreach will be provided to non-diploma bound young people ages 19-21 exiting the school system.   Training will be offered to families and mentors will work one to one with families to help explore options and criteria for admission to post school programs.  Through a family-to-family approach, PASS will  address the needs of families by providing:

• A family mentor to talk and problem solve with families and school staff will be in low incidence special education classrooms.
   

• Mentors to outreach with young people as they enter high school. 
   

• Connection between parents, teachers and adult service providers early on as they prepare young  people for the future.
   

• Trainings on a school by school basis on Personal Futures Planning, the Adult Service System and Right Question Workshop.
   

• Outreach through trainings and forums to non-diploma young people  exiting the school system; encouraging families to explore options and criteria for admission to post school programs.
   

• On-going trainings for families of youth with any disability ages 14-21 on various issues.
   

• Self Determination training for young people with disabilities to build self confidence and improve self advocacy skills.
   

•  Informational packets on adult service programs and how to access these services.
   

• Forums with adult service providers will be offered to give families the opportunity for direct interaction.