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Assistive Tech for Complex Needs
Cobb County Schools’ Assistive Technology department works with individual students to meet their needs for accessing the curriculum.
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Transition Success Story
Cobb County School District Student Finds Post-Secondary Success. Pebblebrook graduate Jayquan finds success by participating in job training with...
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Support on the Home Front
Parent Mentors Roll Out Presentation Library. Online videos provide tips, strategies to help fellow parents.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION DANCE
In February of this year students enjoyed the Special Education Dance, sponsored by the special education Adapted PE staff.
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‘Safety First’ Event Provides Specialized Instruction
Cobb County Safety Village partners with CCSD Special Education Parent Mentors to deliver strategies to keep children with disabilities...
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New Online Resources Available
Math strategies video, Accessibility Tools info added. Parents of students with disabilities benefit from district resources.
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Community Connections Brings the Fun to CCSD Families
Annual resource fair connects parents, students with special needs to community opportunities
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Connecting from a Distance
Helping Families Plug into Resources. Special Education Parent Mentors’ website is a wealth of resources for families of children...
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Special Education Parent Mentors Kick Off 2019-20 Programming
CCSD’s Special Education Parent Mentors draw on their personal experience to offer assistance and resources to parents.
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Pope High School Transition Academy Answers the Call
The Transition Academy students from Pope High School participate in community service.
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Helping CCSD Students Move Into Post-Secondary Life
How do we help create success for students with disabilities after they leave high school? Cobb County School District...
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Cobb hosts the Metro Transition Consortium
Cobb County School District hosts the Metro Transition Consortium three times a year.
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Keeping It Real
PreK students keeping it “Real” with their “Down on the Farm” literacy unit Lewis PreK students making Real-World connections.
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Parents Investigate Ways to Support Their Adult Children
An attorney and speakers from the Georgia Advocacy Office provide parents with options to support their children with disabilities...
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IEP Prep is a Team Effort
Parent Mentors Share Ideas for Successful Meetings CCSD’s Special Education Parent Mentors Stacy Greene and Antoinette Nichols offer their...
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Big Impact, Little Minds
Kemp Teacher Wins Grant for Special Needs Preschool. Julie Schultz is always looking for new ways to educate her...
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Transition Services and Psychological Services Partner to Provide a “Waiver Bee” at Osborne High School.
Transition Services and Psychological Services Partner to Provide a “Waiver Bee” at Osborne High School.
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Parent Mentors Offer Virtual Presentations, Ongoing Support
Check out the “About Us!” and the “VIP Presentation Library” tabs to learn more about your parent mentors and...
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Learning, Literacy, Laughter and Love
A look into Learning at the South Cobb Early Learning Center. Cobb County Preschool Teachers pull out all the...
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“Fall”-ing In Love With Learning
Take a peek inside Lewis Elementary’s PreK classroom. Preschool students at Lewis Elementary are “falling” into learning . Ms....
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Special Education Parent Mentors Offer Yearlong Support
Families of students with disabilities benefit from programs, resources
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Students Exploring Transition Services Program Gives Back to the Community
Community Based Instruction Teaches Students about Helping Their Communities
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An Apple A Day
Tritt Elementary Preschool gets busy during a STEAM activity. The SNP class at Tritt Elementary continue to learn through...
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Hip Hip Hooray! It’s The 100th Day!
100 days of Learning at Norton Park. Happy 100th day from Mrs Shanon’s and Mrs. Wallace’s Pre-k! We had...
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A Fair to Attend: Community Connections Brings the Fun
Discover opportunities for students with disabilities at the January resource fair hosted by CCSD’s Special Education Parent Mentors.
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Cobb Pros at GATE Conference
Rachel Simmons, along with Amanda Stafford, CCSD AT Specialist, presented at the Georgia Assistive Technology in Education conference at...
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A New Partnership Brings New Opportunity
A partnership between Special Education and CTAE has given opportunities to students. The donation of equipment from CTAE to...
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Transition Talk: Medicaid Waivers
On February 12th, Transition Services presented their second Transition Talk of the year.
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Community Based Instruction Moves Online
When taking students into the community isn’t possible, community based skills instruction gets creative. Even though students are beginning...
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Former CCSD Students Recognized
Cobb County School District Graduates were Recognized for their Post-Secondary Career Success. During the Bridges From School to Work...
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2020: New Year, New Workshops & Stand-Out Events
Revised programs and exciting events offer support to Cobb’s parents.
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Grant Winners
$10,000 Grant Awarded to the South Cobb Early Learning Center. Cobb County Preschool staff uses innovation and collaboration to...
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Corporate Classroom Interns
Interns learn customer service and money skills by selling coffee and snacks to ISC staff each morning in their...
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- The Transition Services Team serves the Cobb County School District.
- Transition Resource Specialists (TRS) help assist students with disabilities and their families with the transition to post-school life in several ways. Each high school in the district has a TRS assigned to work with that school.
- Transition Resource Specialists:
- Meet with graduating seniors to help them connect to post-secondary agencies.
- Advise students on post-secondary options.
- Provide applications and guidance for students who are applying for a Transition Services Program.
- Schedule a variety of events and speakers to help students with disabilities and their families find out more about post-secondary education, training, and independent living opportunities.
- Guide teachers, students with disabilities, and their parents in the transition planning process.
- Transition Services team members also support middle and elementary schools on an as needed basis.
- Cobb County School District has several options for students who are over 18 years old and have completed the academic and testing requirements for graduation, but are still eligible for services.
- Students must apply to participate in all Transition Services programs.
- Students who qualify may begin a program at the beginning of fall or spring semester.
- Transition Services Programs include the Transition Academies, SETS Program, and Corporate Classroom.
The Transition Program provides students who are 18 or older, who have participated in an alternative high school curriculum, and who have completed academic and testing requirements for graduation the ability to participate in a functional program designed to support and facilitate the move from school to post-school life.
- Transition classes use the Transition Band of the Unique Curriculum to aid in instruction in adult living and daily living skills.
- Community based training and experiences are built into the program.
- If a student is accepted into a Transition class, he/she is assigned to one of six locations based on their current address.
Transition class locations are:
- Hillgrove High School
- Kennesaw Mountain High School
- Osborne High School
- Pope High School
- South Cobb High School
- Wheeler High School
There are four TA classes:
- Community Skills Class
- Independent Living Class
- Daily Living Class
- Socialization and Engagement Class (currently only available at Hillgrove High School)
Students Exploring Transition Services
The Students Exploring Transition Services (SETS) program is for students who have been on an alternative curriculum, who have completed all academic and testing requirements for graduation, and who are at least 18 years old.
- Students are introduced to adult responsibilities through community based instruction and volunteer opportunities in businesses that are located on Kennesaw State University’s main campus and Marietta campus.
- In addition to the application, an interview is required for acceptance into this program.
- Students in this program require a high level of independence as they are asked to volunteer for up to 2 ½ hours at a time with little to no direct supervision from a teacher.
- Transportation is provided, via a Special Education bus, unless parents provide transportation. SETS students who choose to drive themselves to campus will be required to pay for parking.
- Students are required to have a functioning cell phone daily, must be able to communicate via cell phone, and are often responsible for providing their own lunch.
- SETS Flyer
- The Corporate Classroom program has been developed to give young adults ages 18-21 the opportunity to develop marketable vocational skills through job immersion. Corporate Classroom students start off as supervised, unpaid interns in Cobb County School District location. Locations used in the past include, the Central Office, Kennesaw Warehouse, Transportation Office, Financial Services Office, and Human Resources. As interns’ vocational skills increase, they are allowed greater independence and less full-time supervision from a teacher.
- The goals of Corporate Classroom are for the interns to learn important job skills and build a resume of work experience that will eventually lead to successful employment.
- An additional student and parent interview may be needed before students attend this program.
Please use the links below to explore post-secondary education and training options.
- The first type of post-secondary education/training that many people think of is college. There are several college education/experience options for students with disabilities.
- There are many factors to consider when looking at college as a post-secondary education/training option, including high school grades, test scores, activities, and slots available for incoming freshman, just to name a few.
- Agencies such as Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) can provide training programs and other services for students who do not want to attend college and those who are not able to attend college.
- More information about training programs provided by VR can be found under Post-Secondary Employment for Students with Disabilities
- More information about DBHDD support can be found under Waiver Services and Supports
- The goal of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (VR) is to help people with disabilities become fully productive members of society by achieving independence and meaningful employment.
- VR does this by providing assessment, employment counseling, job training, and job support. Most services provided by VR are free of charge.
- Students are, generally, referred to VR during their senior year of high school. The VR Transitional Counselor will work with the TRS at each school to schedule any needed evaluations and to complete a work plan for students.
- Students in Cobb County School District high schools are served by the VR office located in Marietta.
- VR uses a variety of service providers to help individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals.
- Please explore the GVRA website for more information
- Ken’s Krew
- Ken’s Krew enables individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to successfully enter the workforce by providing access to good jobs and to professional training and support to prepare for and sustain employment.
- Ken’s Krew’s model includes one-on-one skills assessment, vocational training, job access and continuous support.
- Ken’s Krew in our area partners with The Home Depot.
- Applications can be found on the Ken’s Krew website.
From the Goodwill website:
Goodwill® is a 501(c)3) nonprofit that strives to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by helping people reach their full potential through education, skills training and the power of work. Goodwill meet the needs of all job seekers, including programs for youth, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, criminal backgrounds and other specialized needs.
From the BDI website:
Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) helps people of differing abilities maximize their potential through supportive services. BDI offers a continuum of support for all ages, stages and levels of need for people with disabilities and their families. BDI also operates several social enterprises in order to fund its programs and to place people with differing abilities in inclusive-minded work spaces. These business services include: Call Centers & Switchboard Operations, Mailroom Management, Warehouse Services and Hospitality & Food Service. BDI began as a program at All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) in 1960. After decades apart, the two organizations merged in 2018 to reconnect their shared mission and better serve those with disabilities.
From the Work Source Cobb website:
As Cobb County’s American Job Center, WorkSource Cobb provides access to a system of employment and education services for our community. In an increasingly complex workforce and economy, people sometimes need guidance and assistance in managing their career development, particularly when challenged with unexpected events. WorkSource Cobb provides workforce services that assist people in helping themselves and their families.
From the Tommy Nobis Website:
Tommy Nobis Center, founded in 1977, began with three individuals dedicated to helping the community and has since grown into an organization that provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities. Based in Metro Atlanta, Tommy Nobis Center has worked for over 40 years and across 19 states to provide education, training and support to those with barriers to employment.
- SSI
- Individuals who receive SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid
- Families need to be educated about SSI work incentives and income limits in order to help young adults work without losing benefits
- Shepherd Center Benefits Navigator Program is a free service and can help guide Cobb families who already receive SSI benefits.
- Vocational Rehabilitation also has benefits navigators.
- Right in the Community and Parent to Parent of Georgia also have periodic trainings to help families understand SSI benefits.
- Age of Majority
- Part of a student’s transition is taking on adult responsibilities once they reach the age of majority, which in Georgia is age 18.
- At age 18, parents or guardians no longer make IEP decisions, unless they obtain guardianship or Power of Attorney.
- Parents are still invited to IEP meetings.
- Guardianship
- Guardianship allows the parent or guardian to retain control over an adult child’s health and wellbeing.
- Can apply when your child is 17 ½
- Examine the pros and cons
- If you are planning to get guardianship, plan for the expense
- Guardianship takes all of an individual’s rights unless specified in court
- There is a cost to file for guardianship ($700+)
- *Piece of advice: If wanting to use an attorney to file for guardianship, choose one that charges a flat fee ($1000-$1500) not hourly.
- Conservatorship
- Conservatorship allows the parent or guardian to retain control over an adult child’s finances (money and property)
- Conservators must report to the court once a year.
- Conservatorship can be obtained at the same time as guardianship
- Power of Attorney
- An individual has to agree to Power of Attorney
- Power of Attorney can be revoked by adult child
- Power of Attorney gives parent or guardian broad legal authority over individual’s affairs
- Special Power of Attorney can be limited to certain things ex. Medical, Financial, Personal or Educational
- Individuals can keep their rights (marry, sign contracts)
- There is no fee unless you choose to use a service
- Supported Decision Making
- NOW/Comp Waivers
- You Can Now Apply Online!!!
- There are several types of Waiver programs in the state of Georgia. These Waiver programs help people who are elderly or have disabilities and need help to live in their home or community instead of an institutions.
- The most common type of Waiver programs required to provide support for students with significant disabilities who are transitioning out of high school are the New Options Waiver (NOW) and the Comprehensive Supports Waiver (Comp).
- Applications for NOW/Comp Waivers can be completed as early as three years old. Once individuals are approved for a waiver, they are usually put on a long-term waiting list. It is best to apply for NOW/Comp Waiver services as early as possible. Children who are receiving services through a Katie Beckett/Deeming Waiver are still eligible to apply for and be put on a waiting list for a NOW/Comp Waiver.
- Post-secondary supports provided by NOW/Comp Waivers include, but are not limited to:
- Group community access (Day progam)
- Individual community access
- Supported Employment
- Community Residential Alternative (Group home)
- Respite Services
- Transportation Services
- Support Coordination Services
- Financial Support Services
- Katie Beckett/Deeming Waiver
- The Deeming Waiver, also known as the Katie Beckett waiver, allows the state to waive Medicaid income restrictions for faimilies in order to provide services for children (18 or younger) with significant disabilities.
- Community Care Services Program
- CCSP is a Medicaid waiver program that provides a range of community-based services to assist individuals who are physically disabled. Participants must meet the same medical, functional and financial eligibility criteria as for placement in a nursing facility under Medicaid and be approved by a physician.
- A Guide to Medicaid Waiver Programs in Georgia

Sandra Powell
Supervisor
Email
Holley Ashworth
Secretary
770-426-3328 | Email

Kristin Pewitt
Coordinator
Email
Holley Ashworth
Secretary
770-426-3328 | Email
Title

Kelly Buice
Transition Resource Specialist
Email

Teresa Clackum
Transition Resource Specialist
Email

Lisa Leiter
Transition Resource Specialist
Email

Diane Latessa
Transition Resource Specialist
Email

Dawn Urbano
Assessment & Middle School Specialist
Email

Lori Taylor
Community Based Skills Training Manager
Email

Katherine Stewart
Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Email

Michelle Wilson
Work-Based Learning/Corporate Classroom Teacher
Email