About Focus Beyond Transition Services

Preparing Young Adults with Disabilities for a Confident Adulthood

Focus Beyond Transition Services works with young adults aged 18 to 22 who have unmet transition-related special education needs.

Turning 18 is an incredible milestone for our students. Focus Beyond provides specialized supports and services for Saint Paul Public Schools students (18 to 22 years old) who need targeted supports to reach their disability related goals. We bridge the gap between high school and real-world independence. 

Students are eligible for Focus Beyond if they currently receive special education services and their IEP team has determined a need for continued support and transition services.

Is Focus Beyond the right fit for your student?

Our program is specifically designed for young adults who have completed their  12th-grade coursework but still require specialized services to hit their transition goals. 

Your student may be eligible if they:

• Currently receive special education services
• Have finished their 4 year high school courses
• Have remaining IEP transition goals in employment, post secondary training and independent living. 

Programming with real-world skills for independence

Our students learn by doing, using the St. Paul community as their classroom. We focus on the following skills for success:

• Hands-on job training and employment skills
  • We have over 40 workplace experiences where students gain real, resume-building workplace and vocational skills.  This includes our student-run Lighthouse Coffee Cart and accessible Fabrication Lab and S.T.E.P.S which is a employment focused programming supporting our St Paul Public High Schools.
• Independent living skills
  • From grocery shopping and budgeting to cooking and self-advocacy, we provide experiences where young adults have the practical tools they need to live independently as possible
• Direct Transition Skill Instruction
  • We offer on-site courses in which student learn with their peers at the Focus Beyond program site.  Courses include communication skills, self-advocacy, urban farming and gardening and much more.  Courses are personalized and align with student goals.
• Community Navigation
  • We teach students how to safely navigate the metro.  We provided targeted bus training utilizing public transit in small groups and for individuals.  Our Travel Instruction team builds the confidence and skills needed for young adults to travel independently to work, school, and social activities.

Mission Statements

St Paul Public Schools inspires students to think critically, pursue their dreams, and change the world.

Focus Beyond's mission is to provide transition services through collaborative partnerships that guide students through individualized pathways, promoting life-long learning as contributing members of their community.

Our Community Values

Student Voice
Work Readiness
Access & Independence

Take the next step in your student's journey?

Focus Beyond is ready to collaborate with you and your student's current high school IEP team to explore next steps.

How do I learn more and start the referral process?  Focus Beyond Referral

 

Have questions?  Contact our Main Office at 651-293-5997