Community Transition Resources

For students with disabilities, entering the transition process can be overwhelming or confusing. What are the options for post-secondary employment? What about housing? How does one search for a good job? These are all excellent questions, and there are many resources to help transitioning students and families find their answers. The purpose of this page is to provide such resources in a straight-forward layout for families living in the community of Watauga County, North Carolina. This page will cover topics such as education, health, housing, employment, and many more.
Employment
Vocational Rehabilitation, located in Boone, NC, is an agency which offers the services of vocational counseling, physical restoration, job development, training and job placement for individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Boone Workforce Office/JobLink is another agency which focuses on job development contacts, job search, job placement, unemployment insurance, financial assistance for re-training, resource area, skills
training, career resource area, labor market information, information and services for veterans, disabled, youth, or disadvantaged.
Vocational Rehabilitation: (828) 265-5396
Boone Workforce Office/JobLink: (828) 265-5385
Sources for further information:
www.ncwords.gov
www.ncdhhs.gov/dvrs
https://www.ncworks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/CRAG/Watauga_County.pdf
Post-Secondary Education
Post-secondary education is a goal of many students, whether they have a disability or not. Often, students with disabilities will require some accommodations or modifications in their education program in order to support their highest achievement. Today, there are many options for post-secondary education communities that support the needs of students of all needs and abilities. These options have especially been growing greatly in North Carolina recently. Around the Watauga County area in particular, there are multiple choices for post-secondary educational facilities that support students with disabilities. The most immediate school with such options would be Appalachian State University, which has developed a program for scholars with diverse abilities. This school work with students to find practicum and internship placements, and have all inclusive on-campus housing. Community colleges in the outlying areas also support such programs (Alamance Community College, Central Piedmont Community College), however, these schools are least two hours outside of Watauga County.
Appalachian State University - Office of Disability Services: 828-262-3056
Sources for further information:
http://www.cidd.unc.edu/docs/psea/NC_PSE_Programs_Students_with_ID_11-29-12.pdf
Health & Emergency
No matter if a transitioning student is choosing a post-secondary education plan, employment, or otherwise, access to health and emergency facilities is always valuable. Daymark Recovery Services is one such establishment which offers the following: Assessment and referral, counseling, family and
children’s services, psychiatric services, and substance abuse education, support, assessment, referral and treatment. Employee assistance Programs. Developmental disabilities services and senior services. Crisis intervention. Specialized services such as respite care, residential care, in home assistance and case management. In addition, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System-Watauga Medical Center is a medical center which focuses on providing comprehensive healthcare for those of all abilities.
Daymark Recover Services: (828) 264-8759
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System-Watauga Medical Center: (828) 262-4100
Sources for further information:
https://www.ncworks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/CRAG/Watauga_County.pdf
www.apprhs.org
www.daymarkrecovery.org
Housing
For those who choose to pursue post-secondary education, Appalachian State University has an all inclusive on-campus housing policy. However, for those who are not pursuing further education, or would proffer another option, there are still plenty of choices. The Arc, North Carolina provides housing resources especially with the mindset of those seeking housing who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. This organization collaborates with tenants to find the perfect residence for those with various types of disabilities. The Low Income Housing site for Boone, NC also focuses on finding affordable rentals that are accessible for those physical disabilities.
Appalachian State University Housing Administration: (828)262-6116
The Arc: (336) 273-4404
Low Income Housing: Contact information listed by rental on website
Sources for further information:
http://www.arcnc.org/housing-resources
http://www.lowincomehousing.us/NC/boone.html
http://ihhs.appstate.edu/providers/1747
Recreation & Leisure
No matter what kind of education, independent living, or employment opportunity is seeking out, there should always be time set aside for recreation and leisure. In the Watauga County area, there are many options for such activities, and many are well suited for adults with disabilities. Watauga County Parks and Recreation is a well organized program that adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Adult and youth activities and sports are all inclusive, welcoming those with any disability. The North Carolina Recreational Guide is an excellent resource covering a broad selection of recreational activities specifically for persons with disabilities in the state of North Carolina. In addition, Paul L. Gaskill, who runs the department of health, leisure, and exercise science at Appalachian State University, has had extensive training and experience working with and building programs for students and other persons with disabilities.
Watauga County Parks and Recreation: (828) 264-9511
Paul L. Gaskill: (828) 262-6336

Sources for further information:
http://www.wataugacounty.org/main/App_Pages/Dept/ParksRec/Athletics/generalprog.aspx
http://fpg.unc.edu/sites/fpg.unc.edu/files/resources/other-resources/NCODH_RecreationResourceGuide.pdf
http://rmpe.appstate.edu/sites/rmpe.appstate.edu/files/GaskillVita.September.2013.pdf
Transportation
Transportation is an important aspect of life, no matter what a person is pursuing. Whether studying at college, working at a job, etc. the need for transportation is a great one. The Appalcart bus route, located in Boone, NC, is a public transportation system that has expanded in order to provide fixed route bus services in the Boone area, van service throughout Watauga County, and ski shuttles to Ski Beech and Sugar Mountain ski resorts. This system is easy to navigate and has many sheltered bus stops throughout town, making it easy for anyone to access.
Appalcart Bus Route: (828) 297-1300
Sources for further information:
https://www.ncworks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/CRAG/Watauga_County.pdf
www.appalcart.com

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