Transition Fair aims to assist students with disabilities

Marlow Public Schools Special Education Services will be hosting a Transition Fair, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 18, in the new Marlow High School Safe Room. This is the first time for this event, said Susan Jones, Director of Special Education for the district.

"It is for our Special Education students in which they can receive information about services they can utilize as well as their parents to help students transition from the educational environment into the postsecondary world," she said.

Currently, Marlow has six seniors who will transition from high school. Those seniors make up 3% of the special education population enrolled at MPS. Additionally, there are 11 8th-grade students who will benefit in the future from the services offered.

"We have 46 students who the Transition Fair will assist in high school with services," Jones said. She said that 26% of the district special education population will benefit from services offered at the fair.

"The event is to support students and parents in their transition from high school to the world after high school, whether it is independent living, college, or a career path."

Besides the work and academic offerings, the fair will offer some fun items, including door prizes, drinks and finger foods. There will be goodie bags given to the students who participate. Several businesses and foundations have committed to participating in the Transition Fair.

"If any businesses would like to donate gift certificates or any prizes from the community that would be great," Jones said.

Representatives will be available from Think Ability, INC. in Duncan, Autism Foundation, South-Central Workforce, OKIPSE Alliance, Parents Center, Developmental Disabilities Council, Department of Rehabilitation, CBM Driving Academy, Cameron University and Oklahoma University.

"The Transition Fair is to help students with their postsecondary endeavors, whether it is to go to college, a career, or independent living. We want the best for all our students and anticipate a good showing of support," Jones said.

If you want to learn more how you, your company or non-profit can assist in making Marlow's first Transition Fair a success, contact Jones at the school (580) 658-9120.