Special education students making the transition to high school or beyond can learn about some of their opportunities at next week's Transition Resource Evening.

"We're trying to let teachers, parents and students know what's out there for them," said Pat Lynch, counselor at Minnesota Rehabilitation Services and an organizer for the evening.

The meeting will take place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, at Austin High School and is sponsored by the Mower County Community Transition Interagency Committee (CTIC).

Vendors from 20 local businesses and organizations will have booths set up where students can discuss opportunities in employment, recreation and education.

Students also will get the chance to hear people that have successfully made the transition talk about their experiences.

A breakout session will allow students the opportunity to ask questions on any topic.

Lynch said the program meets an important need for disabled citizens in the community.

"When disabled students graduate from high school, they have to try to find a place in society just like everyone else, and they may need support that non-disabled people don't need," Lynch said.

The program will offer information for those students to take advantage of the support available. Its focus will be on students ages 14-22. Lynch said this age group has a greater need for information.

"From this time and after graduation, there's a huge transition," he said. "People with special needs need a lot of special support."

This is the first year for both the program and the CTIC, a committee started by Special Education Director Julie Ladwig. The Transition Resource Evening is the product of CTIC brainstorming.

"It's something that I think is needed, and we decided now was the time to do it," Lynch said.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com