BLOOMINGDALE — Students with disabilities can plan for their future during the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School’s Transition Night, scheduled to be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 7.

More than a dozen agencies and organizations will visit the JVS commons area, located at 1509 county Highway 22A, Bloomingdale, and share information regarding jobs and other resources which are available. The event is for students between the ages of 14 to 21 and open to families across the county.

Those in attendance can receive assistance with walking through the transitioning process, getting empowered on their journey into adulthood.

Transition to Work Coordinator Christina Henderson has been offering support to aid in that progression for the past decade. She said representatives from state, county and local groups will talk to parents and provide students with the tools they need to succeed.

Among those scheduled to attend are Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, PALS Chrysalis Health, Ohio State Support Team, Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority, New Castle School of Trades, the Armed Forces, Sycamore Center, the Jefferson County Resource Network, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, JCBDD Community Employment Services, Jefferson County Community Action Council’s Ohio Means Jobs, Upland South Candles, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence and more.

Henderson stated a new addition to that list is the Cleveland-based organization, We Thrive Together. The nonprofit provides free virtual events to individuals, their families, providers, schools and other support systems across the county.

Another new attendee at this year’s Transition Night will be Special Connections, which involves a collaboration between the Special Needs Parent Support Group on the Ohio Valley Facebook page, Crossroads Christian Church and JCBDD.

“A person will talk about driver’s ed training and accommodations,” Henderson continued. “There will be a table with resources, information on SSI benefits and how parents can file for guardianship with the courts. We’ll also have a mental health representative and a family liaison from the county.”

She explained students must begin a transition plan by age 14 as part of their Individualized Education Plan. This event will have those services available to help keep the students on track.

“When kids get ready to graduate, they need a plan and a goal for what to do after graduation,” Henderson continued. “It’s usually getting a job or going on for more training. We work with outside agencies to plan together so their transition to the outside world is as smooth as possible. A lot of times families don’t know these resources are available, so we put them under one roof to get the ball rolling and they can feel more positive.”

Approximately 16 families attended last year’s Transition Night. Those taking part at the March 7 event can speak with representatives about what is needed to take that next step.

“It gives families an opportunity to do a one-on-one discussion,” Henderson concluded. “Families have a chance to ask questions and get immediate answers. It’s for all Jefferson County students, not just the JVS.”

For information, contact Henderson at (740) 264-5545 or visit the school website at jeffjvs.org.