TOUR

The Transition Opportunities at University of Rochester (TOUR) program is a post-secondary transition program that provides an inclusive college experience on the University of Rochester (URochester) campus. While in the TOUR program, students participate in various academic, vocational, social and community activities that focus on the development of transferable skills and self-determination while increasing independence in all aspects of their lives. Based on our partnership with the URochester, students in the TOUR program can participate in a college course, as an audit non-credit status, once per school year with the support of an undergraduate URochester peer mentor. TOUR students and URochester Peer Mentors meet weekly, outside of class, to review and modify URochester coursework and work on individual learning goals identified by each student and their mentor. TOUR students and URochester Peer Mentors participate in weekly structured and unstructured social activities on campus. In addition to academic and social college experiences, TOUR students participate in on- and/or off-campus internships that focus on the development of employability skills and preparation for competitive employment. Students may rotate through two internship experiences over the course of one year to practice generalizing and transferring skills across various vocational settings. TOUR students receive employability and independent-living skill instruction from Monroe One Staff in whole group, small group and individual settings. TOUR Program follows the Monroe One school-based calendar and is still in session during University of Rochester breaks. During URochester breaks, there are no URochester activities (College Course participation, academic or social peer mentoring).

• Independence 
• Social skills 
• Communication and self-advocacy 
• Self-determination and decision-making 
• Time Management 
• Money Management
• Problem solving 
• Self assessment and goal setting
• Teamwork 
• Personal information
• Functional reading and writing
• Response to supervision and constructive feedback
• Initiation 

Students participate in internships for approximately two-hours per day and three to five-days per week, depending on URochester course participation. Internships are located on- and off- campus, with transportation being provided for off-campus internships. Students may rotate between two internships over the course of the school year. The program operates in a 3:1 student to staff ratio at internships locations.

Interns must:

• have a desire to work and build employability skills.
• be able to follow their individual schedule, be on time and prepared for daily activities.
• have appropriate hygiene.
• wear appropriate work uniforms.
• follow all Monroe One and University of Rochester protocols
• be able to independently navigate the college campus safely (we work up to this)
• be able to work a 2-hour minimum shift
• be able and willing to communicate with TOUR staff using a cell phone.
• actively participate in lessons, internships, and social activities throughout the year.
• self-administer and carry required medication.
• be flexible with changes in schedule and/or daily activities.
• have basic computer skills

TOUR students participate in community outings during the University of Rochester breaks (Fall—October, Winter—December/January, Spring—March, Summer—May/June). The location of community outings varies each year depending on available dates and skills of focus. Community outings that TOUR students may participate in include:

• Grocery Store (shopping)
• College Town (shopping)
• Restaurants (breakfast/lunch)
• Special events (Lilac Festival, etc.)
• Café/Coffee Shops (breakfast/lunch)
• Social/Recreational activities (Mall, Bowling, etc.)

Students are transported to and from TOUR by school district buses. Students must be able to navigate the University of Rochester campus safely and have a knowledge of their personal space and belongings in public areas. The various modes of transportation and mobility used for Community Outings, with staff support, include:

• Monroe One buses
• University of Rochester buses (with URochester IDs)
• RTS buses
• Self-navigation/walking

• Special Education Teacher
• Associate Teacher/Skills Coach at internships and in classroom
• Transition Specialist
• Work Based Learning Teacher & Associate Teachers
• All in-school related services stated on their IEP
• Social worker to support community building activities and PEERS Curriculum
• Academic and Peer Mentors (URochester undergraduate students)