AIM FAQs

Please see the following FAQs regarding our AIM Program. If you have additional questions, please contact Jessica Bjorkman, Site Director at .

 

Is the AIM program college?
No, the AIM program is a continuation of high school with a change in setting (ex: more community experiences, work etc) and programming to meet student IEP goals and objectives. While participation in post-secondary programming (ex: community college) might be an option for some students, the AIM program addresses all areas of transition with post-secondary education being one component of transitions.

 

Do all Lionsgate Students go to the AIM Program?
Not necessarily. Students attending the AIM program do so by an IEP team decision which may find that their goals and objectives have not been met by their senior year at Lionsgate. Thus, students continue to work on their transition goals up to age 21 if (again) decided by the IEP team. Students who do not have a school diagnosed disability or have a 504 plan do not qualify for the AIM program.

 

If my student goes to the AIM program… how long can they attend?
Students are eligible for the AIM program until the age of 21. More specifically, if a student turns 21 after July 1st, they may attend the AIM program the FOLLOWING year. If they turn 21 before July 1st, the following/future school year is not available for them to participate. Please note that students can attend the AIM Program for any period of time while working on their IEP team goals/objectives. For example, a student may meet IEP goals/objective at age 18, 19 or 20 and graduate. Or, as mentioned above students may stay in the program if they continue to show needs up to age 21.

 

What does graduation mean in light of participating in the AIM program?
If a student attends the AIM program, they do not graduate from high school their senior year. This decision delays the completion of high school until the IEP team decides the student has met his/her IEP goals/objectives. A student at Lionsgate can participate in the senior year graduation ceremony, however they will receive a diploma upon completing the AIM program. The date on the diploma will be the date of completing the AIM program, not the traditional date of completing their senior year.

 

What happens after my student graduates?
While this discussion should be occurring well before the age of 21, here are some brief highlights to consider:

  • Connect with adult service providers early and often. For some, this may be a social worker or applying for social security.
  • Work with your Vocation Rehabilitation Representative (often referred to as a VOC rehab or DEED representative) early and often. Your IEP team can assist you in this process.
  • Make a plan for housing. As stated above, early and often discussions help this process. Every students needs are different in the area of housing, so planning and talking about options early and often is encouraged.
  • Be prepared for a change in how services look before and after age 21. Once your student graduates, they enter the world of adult services. Adult services are highly driven by disability category, applying and qualifying.