RARC offers several exciting initiatives to support students with disabilities as they transition to high school, post-secondary school, and beyond. These free transition programs help participants build skills and knowledge, while also meeting others with similar experiences in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Our programs address topics such as self-understanding and self-esteem, IEPs and accommodations, adaptive technology, self-advocacy, stress management, and positive mental health.
STEPS
Elementary to High School Transition Program
STEPS: Successful Transition from Elementary to Post-Secondary is a two-year program for students and their families in the Kingston and surrounding areas. Program recruitment runs from September to January for grade 7 students. Program activities begin in May of the grade 7 year and run through until the summer before grade 9. This program is free of charge, however for students in need of an updated psychoeducational assessment, this will be provided for a fee.
OLTS & STOMP
High School to Post-Secondary Transition Programs
On-Line to Success (OLTS) and Successful Transition Online and Mentoring Program (STOMP) are transition programs for students in the Kingston and surrounding areas. Program recruitment runs from November to January for grade 11 and 12 students (including those completing an extra year). The program is free of charge and students are eligible for a reduced-cost psychoeducational assessment upon completion.
SYUS Program
Queen's University Transition Program
SYUS: Setting Yourself Up for Success is a free, self-guided, 6-week online course to help incoming Queen's University students plan for first year. This course has been created by RARC in partnership with Queen's Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) to meet the needs of all students. Topics covered include navigating university expectations, degree planning and advising, academic resources, and information on Queen's campus life. Registration for the course opens in June and remains ongoing throughout the summer.
EYES-ON-PSE
General Post-Secondary Transition Program
EYES-ON-PSE: Equipping Yourself for Educational Success in Ontario's Post-Secondary Education is an online course for anyone entering post-secondary school in Ontario. Topics covered include understanding learning expectations in the post-secondary environment; adapting and managing in a virtual learning environment; identifying common barriers to success in post-secondary education; evaluating personal strengths and weaknesses; and identifying and accessing campus-based and community-based supports and services.
Transition Program Assessments
Assessment Services
Students who fit the specific criteria for our transition programs will receive a psychoeducational assessment. STEPS assessments cost $2000 and flexible payment plans are available. OLTS/STOMP assessments generally cost $2400, however students can apply for funding, and those who complete the course are eligible to receive their assessment for no more than $1200 out of pocket. The assessment will involve an intake interview and consent, testing, and feedback.
Placement Opportunities and Training
Training for Placement Students
Teacher candidates from the Queen's Faculty of Education, graduate students from the Occupational Therapy program and Queen's undergraduate students in the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) can work with our OLTS, STOMP, SYUS and STEPS programs. Students receive comprehensive training in learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and mental health disorders, as well as hands-on experience working directly with students.
Transition Resource Guide
RARC has developed a comprehensive Transition Resource Guide (TRG) for students transitioning to post-secondary education. This guide is a 'one-stop shop' for students with disabilities to learn what they need to know to be prepared for post-secondary school in Ontario.
Visit the TRG website