What is BRIDGES?

BRIDGES, part of the Comprehensive Transition Services through Collin County Special Education Cooperative, is a program developed to provide students with disabilities the opportunity to gain skills at a college campus while still working on their IEP's prior to official graduation.

The classes, instructed by Collin County Special Education Cooperative personnel, are structured to provide the necessary skills needed for the students to be successful upon exiting public school and to maintain employment.

What is the BRIDGES philosophy?

BRIDGES' vision and mission is that in collaboration and fellowship with the BRIDGES staff and Collin County Community College District, students will pursue individual career goals and employment skills and improve their independent living and self-advocacy skills within the community in which they live.

        What is the main objective of BRIDGES?

        The main objective of the program is to provide students with
        disabilities the experience to participate in an age-appropriate
        environment with non-disabled peers. BRIDGES is designed to
        give students the opportunity to expand their horizons through
        community-based instruction experiences such as volunteer work
        and through the experience of knowledge-based skills to find jobs
        and maintain employment.

        SKILLS GAINED THROUGH BRIDGES:

Independence Improved Basic Academic Skills

Self-Advocacy Computer / Technology

Friendship / Socialization Money Management

Recreation / Leisure Time Management

Employment Transportation Training

Who is eligible for BRIDGES?

Students participating in Bridges are required to have 4 years of high school. In most districts students graduate, and some districts allow the student to participate in a “social walk” at graduation to help students make the transition from high school to employment.
This is a local School Board decision. Typically a student attends              Bridges for one year and a maximum of two. The length of attendance      and any unusual circumstances will be discussed on an individual basis at an ARD meeting.

Upon completion of BRIDGES, will my child
have a degree or college credit?

No, the classes are through the Special Education department of your school district and a degree will not be obtained.

How are students placed at BRIDGES?

An ARD meeting must be held for initial placement in the BRIDGES program. An ARD meeting will be held annually to determine an appropriate IEP and duration of time at BRIDGES.

SKILLS GAINED THROUGH BRIDGES:
Independence            Improved Basic Academic Skills
Self-Advocacy                Computer / Technology
Friendship / Socialization            Money Management
Recreation / Leisure                Time Management
Employment                                 Transportation Training