Youth Educational Sessions & Independent Living Skills

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Services for Independent Living supports young people with disabilities as they move from school to adulthood. Our Youth Transition Services help build the skills needed for independent living, employment, and post-secondary education. We offer one-on-one support, group classes, and hands-on experiences that focus on self-advocacy, budgeting, job readiness, transportation, and navigating adult systems like healthcare and housing. Whether you're planning your next step after high school or exploring your future goals, we're here to help you make a confident transition.

The Partners in Education (PIE) program of Columbia Public Schools (CPS) is a collaborative initiative that unites local businesses and community organizations with individual schools, departments, or grade levels. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between the educational environment and the broader community, fostering mutual growth and understanding.

Through these sustained partnerships, PIE enriches the educational experience for students and fosters a sense of community involvement, contributing to the overall economic and social vitality of Columbia.

Navigating the path from high school to adulthood can feel overwhelming especially for students with disabilities. That’s where Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) come in.

Pre-ETS helps students build the skills and confidence they need to move toward competitive employment, post-secondary education, or vocational training. We meet students where they are and work together to explore their goals for the future.

Pre-ETS is available to students with disabilities ages 14–21 who are enrolled in school and eligible for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. This includes students on IEPs, 504 Plans, or those with a documented disability even if they’re not currently receiving other VR services.

How It Works
Students can be referred by a teacher, school counselor, parent, or themselves. Services are flexible and can take place during or after school, in group or one-on-one settings, at school or in the community.

All services are free of charge and designed to support not replace what students are already doing with their IEP or transition plan.

Why It Matters
Students with disabilities deserve the same opportunities to dream big, work hard, and live independently. Pre-ETS gives them a head start by connecting them with tools, mentors, and experiences that open doors and build confidence.

We provide training and real-world experiences across five key service areas:

Job Exploration Counseling
Learn about different careers and what it takes to pursue them. We explore personal strengths, interests, and options that match the student’s goals.

Work-Based Learning Experiences
Get hands-on experience through job shadowing, internships, volunteer opportunities, or short-term employment. These real-world settings help students test out what works for them.

Counseling on Post-Secondary Options
College isn’t the only next step but it might be the right one. We help students navigate admissions, disability services, financial aid, and vocational training programs.

Workplace Readiness Training
Build the soft skills that matter most: communication, time management, problem solving, and understanding workplace expectations.

Instruction in Self-Advocacy
Learn how to speak up, ask for accommodations, and make informed decisions. These are skills that serve students for life.

SIL offers programs and services to help youth ages 13 to 32 transition into adulthood from school. Strengths-based services are provided in individualized and group settings.

Peer Support Groups
Self-advocacy Training
Mentor Training
Pre-employment Services
Social Skill Building
Interactive Activities

While there are services and resources available, they will vary based on the needs of the individual. SIL supports people as they learn to make informed decisions, so they can transition from unnecessary dependency to their fullest inclusion in our community.

Case Management
Consumer Directed Services