Transition Planning

Drawing on techniques from both educational and workforce systems, this guide introduces a comprehensive systematic approach for supporting youth with learning disabilities. It reflects a “disability rights” perspective and discusses federal rights to assistive technology, considerations in effective disclosure of a disability, and information on accessing civil rights protections in various settings. Find in-depth information, including numerous charts, tables, and tools.

Find a clearly written, user-friendly manual developed for use by an individual transitioning into greater independence and adulthood. The toolkit provides comprehensive guidance on planning for personal assistance services and transitioning to independent living. A number of personal stories are included, along with useful questionnaires, checklists, goal development guides, sample plans, activities of daily living worksheets, and extensive PAS hiring, management and training information.

Looking for examples of service provider surveys to better understand program and training success? The state of Indiana created the attached survey samples to assess how information about MED Works is shared with individuals who are working or interested in working. One is meant for providers of benefits counseling, the other to vocational rehabilitation service providers. These interactive pdf forms could serve as useful samples for other states.

How is Nevada helping to create a community of special needs families who are connected and informed about the state's legislation, programs and events? Through a monthly newsletter called “Connections,” the state is able to announce events, list resources, tell personal stories, and outline state programs and policies. The newsletter is in both English and Spanish and could be a useful template for other MIG states.

How are states educating and marketing to consumers about work incentive programs for people with disabilities? Through a series of informational documents, Louisiana summarizes Disability Benefits & Work, Finding a Job, Knowing your Rights, Support, Taxes, Ticket to Work, and Transition after High School programs. Samples of these documents are attached and could be useful templates for other states interested in similar projects and marketing approaches.

How is Utah training Vocational Rehabilitation and On-the-Job Training Specialists? The attached presentations were created by The Employer Relations Specialist for Utah’s State Office of Rehabilitation to address employer relations, successful job development, business and vocational rehabilitation relationships and essential skills for finding and keeping a job. These presentations contain information and resources that could be useful to other MIG grantees interested in training ideas.

How is California empowering their youth with disabilities? One way is through the Youth Organizing Disabled and Proud Seminar which connects youth with disabilities to each other, organizations, resources and opportunities. The attached activities and their corresponding samples are from the Seminar. Review "Disability History Campaign-Presentation and Resources" and "Disability History Week-Surveys" for more information and surveys and permission samples from this seminar.

Designed to train CWICs and Case Managers, this collection of training materials gives an overview of the Alabama MIG grant, emphasizing cross-collaboration. Cross-collaboration explains how waiver service coordinators and CWICs can partner, as well as the process of making referrals, consent to share information requirements, and the role of MIG Staff. This emphasis on training collaboration could serve as a guide to other states with MIG programs looking to do the same.

This is a survey of Connecticut school districts concerning transition, work experience and community participation services for students receiving special education services. This survey, focused on youth in transition; stakeholder education; recruitment, employment, and retention; transportation; and technical assistance. The results and subsequent strategic plan will be useful to the State Department of Education for continuing technical assistance and training to school districts.

The purpose of this toolkit (consisting of a DVD and guidebook) is to illustrate the importance of the perspectives that youth and young adults bring and to provide information and tools that help to effectively include them in addressing the challenges of transitioning to adulthood and increased independence. The DVD provides human stories regarding key components of living independently in the community. The Guidebook provides discussion questions by topic for each of the target audiences.