Transition Services

At The Learning Center for the Deaf, we begin preparing students for post-graduate success as early as possible. Between ages 16 and 22, our students begin to think more seriously about life after TLC - that could mean college, employment, or support agencies. Our Transition Department is designed to support students in building confidence, while gaining independence and real-world experiences, no matter the passions they pursue after graduation.

Internships

We offer more than 50 internship opportunities—both on and off campus—to gain valuable real life, hands-on experience. Off-campus opportunities include organizations such as Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue and CVS, while on-campus options range from department daily attendance recording and mail room, to dishwashing and support roles in our food services department, as well as assistants and substitute teachers within our athletic department. These internships often create a sense of purpose for our students; they appreciate being given the opportunity to make meaningful connections and change in their community.

Each student’s transition plan is carefully reviewed to ensure their opportunity aligns with their passion, with minimal disruption to their academic requirements and daily coursework. 

TrUe Salon partnered with TLC in a trial internship for a student who had expressed interest in cosmetology. We had the pleasure of working with Evan and his job coach Sandy, and it was a relationship where we all felt that we learned and had great take aways from the experience. Evan was a wonderful addition to our team, providing support to us in keeping items stocked and clean, sweeping, making foils for highlights all with his bright smile and enthusiasm!

TrUe Salon
Internship Business Partner

Transition Partners:

  • Access Framingham

  • Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue

  • Knots of Fun

  • Metrowest Humane Society

  • Sweet Meadow Farms

  • Mary Ann Morse Healthcare

  • ReStore

  • CVS - multiple locations

  • Putts & More

  • Brookhaven Hospice

  • trUe Salon & Color Cafe

  • Pearl St Cafe & Cupboard

  • Framingham Public Library (Main McAuliffe Library)

  • Kiddie Academy

Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue

Thank you to Hudson-based Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue for their partnership with our student intern program. Recently, they came to campus and interviewed one our students and our Transition Department Coordinator, and published a feature article in their magazine!  YGRR is a wonderful, local non profit, and we are proud to partner with them for as one of many businesses who offer internships for our students!

Click Here to Read

688 Process

As part of the 688 Process, every student and their family collaborate to ensure the right supports are in place for a smooth transition into adulthood. Every TLC student participates in the 688 Process as part of our Transitional Services. The process is intentionally collaborative, and includes parent sign-off, and education about available resources through agencies; the two most notable are the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), or MassAbility. 

While TLC cannot provide clinical authorization for guardianship, we do offer guidance and resources to help families navigate this important step.

Transition Resources