TUSD's Community Transition Programs

TUSD's Community Transition Programs Empowering students with disabilities ages 18–22 to thrive beyond high school through community-based training, education, and advocacy.

Overview
The Community Transition Programs (CTP) were established to provide high school students with significant disabilities, ages 18 to 22, with a seamless transition from school to life as young productive adults. Typically, students with disabilities start freshman year with their peers at age 14. By their senior year, or age 18, students without disabilities are generally ready to graduate and go on to college or get a job. Based on the student’s IEP (transition plan and course of study), students with significant disabilities may stay in high school beyond their senior year. For many of these students, the high school campus is unable to provide meaningful
environments for students to improve their independence, social skills and employability. Located in the community and not on high school campuses, CTP offers students the opportunity to continue their transition and learning in integrated, age-appropriate
environments with typical peers. The CTP curriculum is research based and aligned to state standards. Each CTP student’s program is based on individualized goals
and objectives. It is the student’s and family’s vision that drives the transition process and is ultimately responsible for the student’s long-range success. Three in-school transition options:

Advanced Community Training (ACT)
Students can meet at one of two ACT sites to start their day. The sites are located in proximity to the University of Arizona’s campus. Students engage in learning by volunteering, working, interacting with the public, and accessing the community on a full-time basis for up to two years. Under the supervision of ACT teachers, University of Arizona students provide instructional support to students within meaningful community environments. Student must follow ACT application process and time lines. Project FOCUS (Focusing Opportunities with Community and University Support)
Students with intellectual disabilities will have the opportunity to access the University of Arizona’s academic offerings and campus environments in order to increase their academic achievement, self reliance, and employability. Students will enroll part time at the University of Arizona while receiving support from the UA’s instructional staff for two years. Students will complete a minimum of a 25 credits in a two year course of study based on their interests and career goals. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a collaborating partner with Project FOCUS. All interested students must apply for VR services. If determined eligible by VR the student’s tuition, fees and books will be paid. This is a model demonstration program of best practices in collaboration with UA’s College of Education. Project SEARCH High School Transition Program-JTED
Located at University of Arizona Medical Center South Campus (Ajo Way and Country Club) and the University of Arizona Main Campus, students learn direct employment skills by participating in three rotations in various departments. Students attend one year and exit school into employment or a job search. This is a collaborative transition model with the instruction and on-site job coaching provided by JTED. CTP teachers support the TUSD’s students by conducting the IEP and monitoring progress. Student must follow the Project SEARCH application process and time lines. Participant Eligibility
For students to participate in the Community Transition Programs they must meet the following initial criteria.
1. Safe to self and others.
2. Willing to change behaviors and learn new skills.
3. Desire to be in the community full-time.
4. Medically stable and able to endure a variety of weather conditions.
5. Student is 18 on or before the first day of Tucson Unified School District’s academic year.
6. Student has not yet fulfilled all required graduation credits. Depending on the program selected, additional criteria will apply. Please refer to the specific program’s application. For Further Information Contact
Maggie Gedebou, Senior Program Coordinator
(520) 225-6610
Maggie.Gedebou@tusd1.org

Community Transition
Programs
Exceptional Education
1010 E. 10th Street
Tucson, AZ 85719
Phone (520) 225-6610

In 2009, Isaiah came to Tucson to teach us the Zagar mosaic method. He shared more than technique. He shared a belief th...
02/20/2026

In 2009, Isaiah came to Tucson to teach us the Zagar mosaic method. He shared more than technique. He shared a belief that art belongs to everyone and that when people create together, something powerful happens. That training shaped our murals, our studios, and the way we invite community into the work.
Because of Isaiah and our partnership with ACT, what started as collaboration became a lasting commitment to community-centered art. Today, hundreds of murals across Southern Arizona carry that vision forward. Each tile, each mirror, each piece placed by hand reflects the idea that broken pieces can come together to create something beautiful.

Isaiah’s influence impacts every volunteer who steps into our studio, every student who learns his mosaic method, and every mural that reminds us to practice kindness intentionally.

We are deeply grateful to Isaiah and to our partners at ACT. Together, murals like these are possible. His legacy will continue through education, creativity, and kindness for all.

Thank you for helping us build something that will keep growing. 💛

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Isaiah Zagar. In 2009, Isaiah traveled from Philadelphia to Tucson to ...
02/19/2026

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Isaiah Zagar.
In 2009, Isaiah traveled from Philadelphia to Tucson to share his extraordinary mosaic artistry with our community. He trained TUSD Community Transition Program students, Ben’s Bells staff, and community volunteers in the Zagar mosaic method, generously passing on not just technique, but spirit — a belief that art belongs to everyone and that creativity can transform spaces and lives.
From that collaboration, the Kindness-themed mural initiative was born, a powerful partnership between TUSD’s Community Transition Programs and the Ben’s Bells Project. What began as a training grew into a movement. To date, several hundred kindness-themed murals have been installed by the Ben’s Bells Project, each one a lasting testament to Isaiah’s influence and his belief in community-centered art.
Isaiah showed us that broken pieces can come together to create something extraordinary, a lesson that continues to echo in every mural and every act of kindness inspired by this work.
We are grateful for his generosity, his artistry, and the indelible mark he left on Tucson. His legacy lives on in tile, mirror, color, and community.
Rest in power, Isaiah. You were truly one of a kind.

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02/16/2026

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A Tucson nonprofit brings kindness lessons to classrooms, sparking debate over what students should learn.

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01/24/2026

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We love working with Drachman Dragons!
01/16/2026

We love working with Drachman Dragons!

08/29/2025

9 years ago, Kind Stitches was just a dream and a few humble threads. Today, we’re celebrating the journey — the growth, the grit, and the kindness stitched into every step. Here's to looking back at where it all began. 💫🧵

TUSD said goodbye to our favorite HR Associate today after 34 years!! Happy retirement Kris!!! You will be missed!
10/30/2024

TUSD said goodbye to our favorite HR Associate today after 34 years!! Happy retirement Kris!!! You will be missed!

TUSD’s Community Transition Programs Program Manager, Maggie Gedebou, received the Secondary Transition Services Educato...
09/06/2024

TUSD’s Community Transition Programs Program Manager, Maggie Gedebou, received the Secondary Transition Services Educator Award at Arizona’s 2024 IDEA Conference

🤩EXCITING NEWS🤩 Kind Stitches students will be running Maingate Square location starting today!! Come visit us at the s...
08/14/2024

🤩EXCITING NEWS🤩 Kind Stitches students will be running Maingate Square location starting today!! Come visit us at the shop. We will be embroidering Ben’s Bells Merch and will be accepting custom orders during our open hours 🧵🪡💜💚

🤩 Come volunteer or shop 🤩

💜Henry and Lynn did a wonderful job preparing kindness coins for sale, glazing, and prepping beads to be loaded into the...
08/14/2024

💜Henry and Lynn did a wonderful job preparing kindness coins for sale, glazing, and prepping beads to be loaded into the kiln 💜 What a great team!! 🤩🧵🪡💚

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/9JrKaMziu669HGx2/?mibextid=WC7FNeOur very own Mark Reynolds!!!
03/10/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/9JrKaMziu669HGx2/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Our very own Mark Reynolds!!!

: Meet Mark Reynolds, he is an Ex Ed-teacher in the Advanced Community Training Program that supports programs like Ochoa Community School's garden and ecology. He has been with TUSD for 23 years and he enjoys the environment at Ochoa community school. 🍎

08/11/2023

The Family Literacy Fiesta is THIS SATURDAY!

Make Way for Books is turning 25 this year and we are excited to celebrate with you!

On Saturday, August 12th, we are welcoming children and families back into our Tucson building for an open house fiesta. Drop by anytime between 10 am and 2 pm to check out fun literacy activities and giveaways, meet our local friends, and learn more about the FREE literacy programming that we offer!

More info here: https://bit.ly/familyliteracyfiesta

Address

1010 E 10th Street
Tucson, AZ
85719

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15202256410

Website

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