ResourcesTransition Students Earn Award from The Children’s Hospital
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APS Transition Services students have earned the Junior Volunteer of the Year Award from The Children’s Hospital. The students were honored at the hospital’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner.
The award has special meaning to Diane Bieber, family liaison for the APS Exceptional Student Services Department. Bieber had hoped that her daughter, Annie, would some day work as a volunteer at The Children’s Hospital. Annie, a former Transition Services student and a frequent patient at the hospital, died two years ago before she could realize that hope. As a tribute to Annie, Bieber began to explore the possibility of starting a volunteer partnership between Children’s and students in the Transition Services Program. The result was the creation of the first collaborative partnership for Transition students in the nation.
“This was my dream, but the Transition teachers have taken it much farther than I ever hoped.
I do love that my dream for Annie turned into such an amazing program. It helps me feel like her life made a difference in the world.”
- Diane Bieber, Family Liaison, APS Exceptional Student Services
Transition Services staff developed a nine-week class to provide students customized volunteer training. In October 2007, students began volunteering at the hospital eight hours per week. Their volunteer duties include serving beverages to families in the outpatient department and creative play area.
Transition Services assists students with educational disabilities prepare for employment and independent living. The program is designed for students ages 18-21, who have completed their high school requirements and need more support to meet their post-secondary goals. One goal of the program is to encourage students to work in the community. Nine current students and two graduates work as volunteers at Children’s Hospital.
“It was so touching to see these students-who have faced so many challenges in their young lives-receive this richly-deserved award. What a wonderful way to honor Annie’s memory and provide opportunities for students.”
- Judy Edberg, APS Board of Education
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