Overview :   Transition for Young Adults

Transition is a term used to describe the process of preparing an older student with disabilities for life beyond the public school system. For some students, transition may be to college. Others may prepare for vocational training, or for employment.

The 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act defines transition services as a coordinated set of activities with an outcome-oriented process. This set of activities promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment, continuing education, adult services, independent living, or community participation (§300.20). Transition services must be based on individual needs, and must take into account the student’s preferences and interests (§ 300.29).

Preparing Children with Developmental Disabilities for Employment Success

Parents of children with developmental disabilities face many unique challenges. A new handbook prepared by the Heldrich Center for the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities is intended to provide the inspiration, tools, and understanding parents of developmentally disabled children need to help their children prepare for a fulfilling and constructive role in the workforce.

Great Expectations: Preparing Your Child with Developmental Disabilities for Employment Success is designed to educate parents about labor market trends, employers' skill demands, governmental programs, and protective laws. The handbook also provides practical advice from other parents coping with similar challenges.

Our Fast Facts provides information on insurance options during transition from pediatric to adult care.

Current Practices :   Transition for Young Adults

There is currently no information in this area.

Support :   Transition for Young Adults

Sharing Our Strengths (SOS) Peer Support Network

2200 Holmes
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 800-773-8652
Web: http://www.sharingourstrengths.com/

SOS is a statewide support network of parents, family members, people with developmental disabilities and professionals who are matched with peer mentors to share experiences, offer emotional support and to network with others. You can request an individual parent to parent or peer support match with another parent or individual who has experienced similar circumstances.

Learning Disabilities Association of America

4156 Library Rd
Pittsburgh, PA  15234
Work Phone: (412)341-1515
Fax: (412)344-0224 Email: info@ldaamerica.org
Web: http://www.ldaamerica.org
Organization formed by concerned parents, devoted to defining and finding solutions for the broad spectrum of learning problems. Information and referrals, advocacy. Newsletter, journal. Chapter development guidelines.

The Arc of the United States

1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 650
Silver Spring, MD  20910
Work Phone: (301) 565-3842
Fax: (301) 565-3843 Email: info@thearc.org
Web: http://www.thearc.org/

People First of Missouri

2220 Holmes, 3rd Floor
Kansas City, MO  64108
Work Phone: 1-800-558-8652
Alternative Phone: (800) 452-1185
Email: peoplefirstofmissouri@mail.com
Web: http://www.missouripeoplefirst.org/

Personal Perspectives :   Transition for Young Adults

A personal perspective is a highly valued resource, and is the newest feature that we have added to the MODDRC. Our goal is to offer a personal perspective for every disability. If you would like to share your story or perspective on a particular disability, we would love to hear from you.

Resources :   Transition for Young Adults

Online Resources:

CISE – Center for Innovations in Education

Information sheet on the Parent’s Role in the Transition Process

Family Center Forum on Technology and Transition

We will discuss both basic and advanced AT concepts, the functional use of AT in everyday routines and environments and the skills required for moving to a new environment. We’ll address the transition planning process rules that are included in IDEA 2004, and talk about ways to help children develop self determination skills aimed at ensuring their continuing use of appropriate technology after the transition takes place.

TATRA (Technical Assistance on Transition and the Rehabilitation Act) Project

The TATRA website provides information related to all aspects of transition from later childhood to adulthood for individuals with disabilities. Includes sections on independent living, family roles, employment, and related legislation.

Since You're Not a Kid Anymore

A transition guide developed for youth ages fourteen and older. It begins with the transition to middle school and provides steps to guide youth through the process of taking more responsibility for individual health care needs as well as general future planning.

Envisioning My Future

A guide developed by Children's Medical Services, Florida Department of Health that looks at planning for the future. It includes checklists and tips as youth transition beginning at age twelve.

The Waisman Resource Center and Wisconsin CYSHCN Centers

Multiple trainings and resources are available to guide youth and parents through transition and preparation for adult life. Materials can be used by individuals to organize health information, assess skills, and prepare for transitions.

Transition Health Care Checklist

A series of checklists for youth, parents, or professionals to complete and assess skills. It has flowcharts to explain finances and insurance questions. Resources available in Spanish.

Health Care Transition Planning Guides

Resources available for youth and their parents by age range. These resources are also available in Spanish.

Transition Health Care Checklists

The University of Illinois-Chicago, Division of Specialized Care for Children provides checklists for parents, youth, and medical service providers about health care transition. They also have a transition timeline and information sheets on transition.

The University of Washington: Adolescent Health Transtions Project

This site provides information for parents/families, health care providers, educators, and youth with special health care needs. It includes many resources including checklists, a health history summary, a resource notebook, and transition timeline. The timeline is also available in Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

10 Steps to Health Care Transition

A guide from Maryland providing tips for health care transition and links to other transition resources.

Health Care Transition: A Parent, Family, and Caregiver's Guide

Developed in North Carolina, but Carolina Health and Transition (CHAT) this guide is designed for parents/caregivers and covers barriers to transition, medical home, pediatric vs. adult health care, health care transition planning, cultural competence, and advocacy.

Health Care Transition Toolkit for Families of YSHCN

This resource developed by CHAT includes timelines and checklists, a description and definition of medical home, emergency forms, health care definitions, information on cultural competence, as well as advocacy and support information.

Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care

This article by the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation discusses the importance of transition programs and the skills necessary for smooth transitions. A transition time line is also provided.

Health Care Transition Initiative

The Health Care Transition Initiative at the University of Florida has multiple videos on health care transition. These videos cover information such as talking with your doctor, health care in college, overviews of health care transition, and individual stories. They also have an online training with resources to increase awareness of, gain knowledge about, and promote cooperative efforts to improve the process transitioning from child-centered (pediatric) to adult oriented health care.

NY Healthy Transitions Web Resource

This website was created by the New York State Institute for Health Transition Training for youth ages 14-25 years, family caregivers, service coordinators, and health care providers. It teaches skills and provides tools for care coordination, keeping a health summary, and setting priorities during the transition process. Videos demonstrate health transition skills, while the interactive tools build self- determination and collaboration. Use this site to develop skills for transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare. Our curriculum and tools raise awareness about developmental disabilities, improve communication, and build effective partnerships during the transition process. This website is ADA accessible and is available with audio for non-readers and in Spanish language translation. MY PLACE is a social networking feature available at HealthyTransitionsNY.org that links youths to a personal transitions team. The Healthy Transition In addition to maintaining this website, the Institute conducts workshops to train groups of youths, parents, and health care providers about health care transition.