In partnership with the College of Education, the School of CIS was awarded a three-year $1.3 million National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) grant, of which $420,000 is apportioned to the School of CIS. USA professor Harold Pardue will lead the technology team for this project.

The goal of the CHOICES project is to improve the transition outcomes for students with disabilities through the development of an information system that helps guide families, students with disabilities, teachers, and community agency service providers through the transition process. Project CHOICES focuses on the ecological analysis of employment, recreation/leisure, community living, and transportation settings in the students’ communities as well as the health, financial, and legal supports students will need as they exit public education and enter the world of adult living.

This project is motivated by the fact that special education law requires formal transition planning from the time a child with disabilities is 16 years of age. For successful transition, community agencies and public school systems must coordinate the transition of service responsibilities. This transition can occur only with ongoing communication regarding existing programs, future program needs, and training expectations. These transition functions are not possible without ready access to timely information.

The CHOICES project is a collaborative effort between the University of South Alabama, Mobile ARC, and the Mobile Public School System.

This three year project begins August 2009.