The Middlesex Transition Academy (MTA), which was established in March 2003 for students with disabilities from area high schools, is designed to teach vocational, social, and independent living skills. The MTA at Wesleyan University is located at 279 Court Street, and students at the Academy learn how to work independently, manage their time, develop a strong work ethic, and acquire good self advocacy skills.

The MTA has two special education teachers, one paraprofessional, and seven job coaches. The teachers work with students in the classroom to teach them functional academics, and the job coaches support the students at their job sites. The job coaches teach the MTA students the skills they need to work as independently as possible at the job site. All the students receive a stipend for their work and have their own bank accounts at a local bank in Middletown.

There are many opportunities to socialize at the MTA. Every Tuesday afternoon there is an after-school social club for students. Students participate in a variety of activities, such as going to the park, Main Street Market, Brew Bakers, or Freeman Athletic Center. Once a week, students from the MTA go to the YMCA and have the option of swimming, playing basketball, or working out in the gym. On Fridays, all the MTA students go on community outings. Some of the outings include rock climbing, shopping at the mall, or eating lunch at Mondo Pizza or Michael’s Deli.

Students from Wesleyan University have always made the MTA students feel welcome on campus. Students from the MTA participate in the Wesleyan Best Buddies program, which pairs Wesleyan students with MTA students. It gives all students time to socialize with each other by participating in a variety of campus activities. The MTA students are also invited to many social activities at the various houses on campus. They’ve enjoyed yoga, hiking, dancing, and cookie baking with Wesleyan students.

The MTA students feel like they are an important part of the Wesleyan community. Everyone on campus has accepted them, provided social and job opportunities for them, and made them feel very welcome on campus.

The MTA is an educational, vocational, and community based program for young adults with disabilities ages 18-21. If you have any questions or comments about this program, please contact Ann Mallin, Program Coordinator, at 860-349-7110, or email her at amallin@crec.org.