About Us
The Transition Academy is your source for disability college and career planning. Students, families and teachers now have a navigation tool to explore options after high school!

CDC spotlight
Fall 2020 publication cites webinar in response to George Floyd protests
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) highlighted our webinar on the intersection of race and ability in their fall 2020 newsletter. Special thanks to our friends at Children's Mercy Hospital for their support.

Special Ed COVID study for KCPS and charter schools shows disparities
As the pandemic looms, KCPS and charter school teachers got a chance to share their experiences and needs during virtual learning. Read the full report here.

State of Special Education During COVID-19 In KCPS and Charter Schools
Students with disabilities are most impacted by the disruption in learning brought on by COVID-19. The Transition Academy, in partnership with School Smart KC and UMKC School of Social Work, is administering the "State of Special Education During COVID-19 In KCPS and Charter Schools." The goal of this project is to understand the experiences and needs of teachers and families of students with IEPs and 504 plans during virtual learning as a result of the pandemic.
Survey & Focus Group
Families and teachers will have two options to participate in the survey - online or via phone. The survey is available Oct. 9-23. Families can click here to complete their survey. Teachers can complete their survey here.
Those who would like to complete the survey over the phone can contact Raven Bunn at 816.585.1136.
After completing the survey, families and teachers are also invited to participate in an online focus group on Oct. 24.
Stipends
The project includes:
Separate surveys for teachers and families to complete from October 9th to 23rd. Participants who complete the surveys will receive a $50 gift card.
Participants will also have the option to participate in a focus group led by a representative with Children's Mercy on October 24th for an additional $50 gift card.
In summary, families and teachers of students on IEPs and 504 plans will have the opportunity to complete a survey for $50 and participate in a focus group for $50 for a total of $100.
For more information
Contact kriley@thetransitionacademy.org for more information.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020!
You just graduated high school... now what?
Friday August 7, 2020 // 12 PM
Transition Fair for Students with Disabilities
Streaming on Facebook & Youtube
The Transition Academy invites parents and students to explore all the options and resources available including pathways to higher education, employment opportunities, support coordinator guardianship, and more! Hear from experts in 10-minute breakout conversations about the variety of options available in Kansas City and beyond!
Meet Our Founder
The Transition Academy was founded by Kim Riley, a parent determined to make sure students with disabilities get to explore college and career options after high school. And if the option doesn't exist, let's create it together.
What We Do
The Transition Academy offers college and career opportunities including:
College tours
Job training program tours
Life skills/Independent Living program tours
SPED teacher professional development
Parent advocacy training
Life after high school planning