Welcome to my page! I am the Transition Coordinator at Lawrence High School.  I support students with individualized education plans (IEPs) as they prepare for life after high school.  This includes collaborating with students, families, and IEP team members to support that process.

I work between the hours of 7:50 am and 4:00 pm.  However, my availability varies greatly depending on IEP meetings schedules and student needs.  My email: rachelle.preston@usd497.org is the best way to reach me.  My office number is 785-330-4833.  I am able to retrieve voice mails remotely, so please feel free to leave a message at that number.

Below are various resources and links to assist with transition planning activities. 

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Transition Planning Resources

• In-Person Tours at Area Colleges, Technical Schools, and Universities
• Johnson County Community College  https://www.jccc.edu/about/campus/youvisit-jccc.html
• Kansas City Kansas Community College https://www.kckcc.edu/admissions/new-students/campus-visits.html
• Neosho County Community College: https://www.neosho.edu/ProspectiveStudents/Admissions/CampusTour.aspx
• Highland Community College: https://highlandcc.edu/pages/visit-our-campus
• Washburn Institute of Technology: http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/washburn/tour.html
• Peaslee Tech: https://peasleetech.org/
• Haskell Indian Nations University: https://haskell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Haskell_walking_tour.pdf
• University of Kansas: https://www.youvisit.com/tour/ku/80030?tourid=tour1_10_13_16_10137&pl=v&m_prompt=1 
• Kansas State University: https://tour.concept3d.com/share/BcHQo_CvK/stop/1

Postsecondary Programs and Resources for Students with Disabilities

• KU Transition to Postsecondary Education Program (TPE): https://tpe.ku.edu/
• Johnson County Community College CLEAR Program: https://www.jccc.edu/community-resources/clear/
• Johnson County Community College TIPS Program: https://www.jccc.edu/student-resources/academic-resource-center/college-success/college-tips.html
• Websites for Disability Services at Area Colleges and Universities:  https://padlet.com/rachellepreston/ver0yeyk8vu4hjjo   
• https://padlet.com/rachellepreston/73ouuz1ecmeerdc0

Scholarships and Financial Aid Information

• Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: https://www.bestcolleges.com/financial-aid/students-with-disabilities/

• Student Services - Various Scholarship Websites:  https://www.usd497.org/domain/2267

Transportation

• Lawrence Transit Service (general information, bus schedules, bus passes, etc.): https://lawrencetransit.org/
• ADA Services/T-Lift: https://lawrencetransit.org/ada-services/
• Transportation Services at Independence, Inc.: http://www.independenceinc.org/transportation/
• USD 497 Driver's Education: no longer offered in district- (Resources for Driving Instruction)
• Midwest Driving School: www.midwestdrivingschool.com
• Buckle Up School, LLC: https://buckleupschool.com 
• Go Driving School: http://www.godrivingkansas.com
• Kansas Driver's License Handbook: https://www.ksrevenue.org/pdf/dlhb.pdf 

Community Agencies and Services 

• Independence, Inc.: http://www.independenceinc.org/
• Cottonwood/CDDO: www.cddo.cwood.org 
• Kansas Guardianship Program: http://www.ksgprog.org/
• Home and Community Based Waiver Service Information: https://www.kdads.ks.gov/commissions/home-community-based-services-(hcbs)
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/rs/pages/employment-services.aspx
• Van Go, Inc.: https://www.van-go.org/
• Families Together: https://familiestogetherinc.org/

Information

• Documents required for a state ID or driver's license: https://www.ksrevenue.org/dovproof.html
• Guardianship considerations: http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/PPS/Documents/PPM_Forms/Section_10000_Forms/PPS10610.pdf
• LifeCourse Framework Tools: https://www.lifecoursetools.com/lifecourse-library/lifecourse-framework/
• Disability Rights: https://www.drckansas.org/
• Social Security: www.ssa.gov