Transition Planning Services
Transition Planning Services are a coordinated set of activities that involves students with disabilities, parents, schools, and community agencies in order to create a plan for employment, post-secondary education, community participation, and daily living skills.
- Advocacy Resources
- Benefit Resources
- Community Living Services
- Disability Resources
- Education & Training Services
- Employment Services
- Health Services
- Legal Services
- List of Common Terms
- Student Programs
- Transition Activities Timeline
- Other Resources
Advocacy Resources
Within Will County and the Chicago-land area, there are several agencies and services designed to advocate and assist individuals with disabilities and their families. The purpose of advocacy services is to assist individuals and their families with various concerns, needs, and when difficult situations arise. Advocates can be a great resource and can be a great support to an individual with a disability and their families.
Questions to think about or ask service providers:
- What has been your experience regarding advocating for individuals with disabilities?
- Does your service have any fees?
- How assistance is provided (face-to-face, consultative, etc…)?
Advocates United
They provide advocacy services and support groups. Services also include information and referrals for individuals and their families.
Ability Links
AbilityLinks is an advocacy program that matches job-ready people with disabilities to employers through technology. They also provide ongoing educational programs an support resources to help people with disabilities and employers learn to work together.
Family Resource Center on Disabilities
Services center on advocacy issues for special education, individual/family support services, educational advocacy, family support, support groups, and transition services.
The Arc of Illinois
The Arc of Illinois is committed to empowering persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed choices.
Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission
State of Illinois Commission developed to assist people with issues of guardianship for adults with disabilities.
Great Lakes ADA
A disability and business technical assistance centering covering ADA issues related to employment, public services and public accommodations. Great Lakes ADA Center provides information, materials, technical assistance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Equip for Equality
Provides self-advocacy, legal services, training on disability rights, public policy programs and abuse investigations for children and adults with disabilities.
CAP – Client Assistance Program
CAP helps you understand your rights and services from the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services.
Benefit Resources
Both the federal government and the state government will provide financial assistance and benefits to an individual with a disability if certain criteria are met.
Questions to think about or ask service providers:
- What proof of my disabled condition is required?
- What proof of my financial situation is required?
- What happens to the financial/medical benefits if I get a job?
- How often is my eligibility for benefits reviewed?
- How are benefits affected if I live at home with my parents?
- What do I need to do to keep getting financial benefits?
- What records need to be turned in regularly?
- What changes in my situation need to be reported and when?
Family Benefit Solutions
Services include meeting with families to assess each individual situation, then guidance for finding assistance programs, government agencies and other helpful resources. They will assist families in completing necessary documentation for a fee.
Illinois Family Community Resource / DHS-Will County
This resource center is a “one-stop” center for financial assistance, medical assistance, food stamps, and job services.
Neighborhood Legal Services
A website which offers clear facts for disabled workers rights in the workplace.
Illinois Benefits Planning Projects - City of Chicago
This group works in tandem with the Mayor of the City of Chicago's Mayoral office for citizens with disabilities to develop programs which match peer groups of children with appropriate social, recreational, and educational programs.
Social Security Administration
Social Security will provide benefits (monetary income and/or health insurance coverage) to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability.
Sage Planning
Guides families through the maze of financial issues for individuals with special needs and their families. This is a private company.
Life’s Plan, Inc.
Provides trust options, case management and tax services for people with disabilities. This is a private company.
Community Living Services
Community living encompasses a variety of domains. It includes housing, recreation and services designed to assist with living independently in the community. In Will County, there are a number of different residential options. In order to become a participant in one of these programs, one must first open a case with Services Inc. (815-741-0800).
Questions to think about or ask service providers:
- Where do you want to live after graduation or in the future?
- What independent living skills do you have?
- What independent living skills do you need assistance with?
- How much support do you need?
- What is the staff per resident ratio per shift?
- What services other than room and board do you provide?
- What community-based or in-house resources for leisure activities are there?
- What is the visitor policy?
- What assurances are there to guarantee an individual’s rights?
- What type of transportation is near where you live in order for you to get around the community independently?
Recreation Resources
Service of Will, Grundy, and Kankakee Counties, Inc.
Services Inc. will assist with gaining access to the various residential options within Will County.
Shady Oaks Camp
At Shady Oaks Camp, an outstanding camp experience that enriches the lives of our campers is created. Shady Oaks Camp accomplishes this by providing outdoor fun and recreational opportunities for children and adults with Cerebral Palsy and similar disabilities.
Lockport Township Park District
Lockport Township Park District has an array of recreational opportunities available, meeting the recreational needs of residents.
Joliet / Bolingbrook Special Rec. Assoc. (JBSRA)
Recreational programs for special needs individuals of all ages. An extension of the Bolingbrook Park District.
Special Rec. of Joliet and Channahon (SJRC)
Recreational programs for special needs individuals of all ages. Extension of the Park Districts of Joliet and Channahon.
Tri County Special Recreation
To serve the community & enhance quality of life by providing opportunities that enhance an individual's spiritual, mental, physical, & emotional well being.
Plainfield Park District
Plainfield Park District provides recreational opportunities for all residents, as well as offers diversified programs and activities that provide personal enjoyment, contribute to a sense of self-fulfillment, and enhance the quality of life of its residents.
Residential Resources
Housing Authority of Joliet
This is a public housing program.
Community Living (Narvick House)
Provides support and guidance to adults in cooking, budgeting, banking, shopping, other daily living activities, and community integration. The goal of this program is to obtain independent living skills.
Catholic Charities Daybreak Center – Homeless Shelter
Operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Also provides transitional housing for homeless female head of households.
Beverly Farm Foundation, Inc.
Private, not-for-profit residential and training center for people age 18 or older with developmental disabilities, physical, health and behavioral challenges.
Transportation Resources
RTA Paratransit Certification Program
ADA Paratransit is a shared ride, advanced reservation, origin-to-destination service for persons with disabilities who are unable to use the regular fixed route public transit service because of their disability.
RTA Reduced Fair Program
Reduced Fair Program: For Dial-A-Ride services within our service area which includes Plainfield Township and Joliet Township.
Disability Resources
Disability Awareness recognizes that every organization and environment is unique, which is why every program is customized to the needs, goals, and audience defined by the organization. Young people encounter people with disabilities too, but they filter the experience in their own unique way. The resources given in this section will be helpful to understanding specific disabilities and how to handle the diagnosis.
Questions to think about or ask provider:
- How do I define my disability?
- What are some helpful strategies for dealing with my disability?
- Who can I talk to for support?
- How can I support myself long-term dealing with my disability?
Assistive Technology Resources
Infinite Potential Through Technology (Infinitec)
Infinitec provides assistive technology equipment through the Assistive Technology Exchange Network (ATEN).
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
Serves people with disabilites as they find & use technology that promotes living, working & playing with greater independence.
Disability Resources
Disability Guide for College Bound Students
There are many pathways to achieve independence in higher education, and Maryville University has created this helpful resource to give you an idea of what to expect as you research your options. Visit the website for more information.
The Center for Disability Service
The Center for Disability Services is for adults with severe intellectual and physical disabilities to receive developmental training and vocational skills as they work on jobs involving assembly, sorting, stuffing inserts and mailings. Call or visit the website for more information.
National Association for Down Syndrome
NADS is the oldest organization in the country serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Our mission is to ensure that all persons with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their potential in all aspects of community life. We offer information, support, and advocacy.
National Alliance of Mental Illness
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness and building a community of hope for all of those in need.
National Institute of Mental Health
The mission of NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.
Autism & Family Resource Center Trinity Services Inc.
Children’s Home Based Waiver Program, Diagnostic Evaluations, Individual Skill Acquisition, Problem Behavior Reduction Services, Intensive Toilet Training, Resource Room, Parent/Educator Training, Early Intervention Training, First Responder Training, New Diagnosed Family Training, Family Counseling services.
Autism Society of Illinois
To improve the lives of individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders.
Visual & Deaf Resources
Resources for Hard-of-Hearing and Deaf in the Workplace
Avoiding discrimination for people that are hearing-impaired is essential. There are plenty of technologies available for both employers and hard of hearing employees for workplace adjustments and solutions. This guide covers accurate information on Communication Apps, Tools and Technology for Inclusion, Productivity, and Education.
State of Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission
Provides support system for the hearing impaired.
Illinois Talking Book Outreach Centers
Provides books on tape and the equipment to listen to them free of charge for persons with visual deficits or reading disabilities. Requires signed affidavit from Illinois licensed healthcare provider.
Education & Training Services
There are a variety of post-secondary education options and services within Will County, the surrounding area, and the state of Illinois.
Questions to think about or ask service providers:
- What kind of education do I want or need to reach my career goals?
- What skills do I need prior?
- What are the entrance requirements?
- What supports are available and how do I access them?
- What are the costs of your program? Are there resources available to help pay for this program?
- What will I learn and what experiences will I have?
- Will I earn a certificate, diploma, or degree?
- Will people in this program help me find a job?
- What kind of job will I be able to get when I am finished?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses in relation to _________?
- Reading
- Math
- Writing
- Communication
- Self-Advocacy
- Study Skills
Wilco Area Career Center
Vocational education facility that focuses their instruction in one or more skills related to a specific trade or occupation.
Western Illinois University
The role of the Disability Resource Center (DRC) is to facilitate equal access to University classes, programs, and activities for students with disabilities.
Southern Illinois University
Disability Support Services provides the required academic and programmatic support services to students with permanent and temporary disabilities. Disability services are located throughout the University in integrated settings. DSS provides centralized coordination and referral services.
Northwestern Illinois University
The University and AccessibleNU work to provide students with disabilities and other conditions requiring accommodation a learning and community environment that affords them full participation, equal access, and reasonable accommodation.
Northern Illinois University
Supports 400+ students. The program offers alternative admission considerations. Specialists are available to assist students with vision needs, hearing needs, medical needs, ADD, and learning disabilities. Special courses are available for Career Planning.
National-Louis University
National-Louis University has received a grant to work on staff training and improve services to students with disabilities. National-Louis specializes in continuing education. Most students are not directly from high school. They are transfers from other schools, and many have been away from school for a period of time.
Morraine Valley Community College
A community college in Cook County. This is the office for persons with special needs.
Lincoln College
The ACCESS program for LD/ADHD students focuses on teaching students how to learn while considering their unique learning needs.
Joliet Junior College - Financial Aid
Contact at Joliet Junior College for all facets of financial aid.
Joliet Junior College - Academic Skills Center
Coordinates testing in order to help determine placement of student based on skills measured.
Joliet Junior College - StAR
Department that assists students with the appropriate documentation with special needs services.
Illinois State University
Illinois State University provides a welcoming atmosphere for individuals with disabilities by assisting each in functioning independently within the University community and providing equal access and opportunity in accomplishing educational, professional and personal goals.
Eastern Illinois University
In conjunction with the overall mission of EIU, the Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS) is committed to facilitating the provision of equal access and opportunity to all campus programs and services for students with disabilities.
DePaul University
DePaul's Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) coordinates DePaul University's provision of accommodations and other services to students with documented disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
College of DuPage
The community college providing services to people in DuPage County. This is the office for persons with special needs.
Employment Services
There are a variety of employment options and services. When seeking assistance with finding employment options, there are several public sources available.
Questions to think about or ask service providers:
- What kind of employment situation do you want?
- What kind of support do you need?
- What kinds of services are provided?
- How are services paid for?
- How long do services last?
- Do you provide services other than employment?
- How do I access these services?
CTF Illinois
CTF ILLINOIS is a not-for-profit organization providing support and services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Aunt Martha’s Community Services
Aunt Martha’s is a local community agency that provides a variety of services. Services include child welfare, health services, juvenile justice services, and prevention. Aunt Martha’s provides assistance to youth who have records obtain employment.
Rural Institute on Disability
The Rural Institute is guided by values of independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion. This organization provides training for community based and sheltered work environments.
Illinois State Wide Technical Collaborative
Transition planning - aids successful transition from school to employment by providing contacts, education, and supports for students of exception.
Illinois workNet
Employment services for individuals, seeking training or support.
Ray Graham Association
Supporting adults with disabilities to find employment. Funded by Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Job Corps
Job Corps provides academic, vocational, and social skills training.
Insite Training Systems
Helps to assess skills and aid in placement of an appropriate job.
Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services Employment / Training Assistance
Acts as a liaison by meeting with client's families. Aids in integrating services with employment and further education programs after high school.
Illinois Department of Employment Security - Youth Program
Provides youth employment security through representation, training programs, and apprenticeship programs for students age 16-21.
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Provides linkages and resources for the local apprenticeship programs.
Cornerstone Employment Services
Cornerstone helps to assess skills and aid in placement of an appropriate job and acts as initial contact for client and employer.
Career Access Network
Career Access Network provides organized and planned services to assist persons with disabilities in securing career employment.
Health Services
Awareness of one’s health is vital part of transition planning. Projects around the nation are working with state health departments, hospitals, school systems, families, and youth to ensure that health care planning is a part of the transition process. It is important that individuals with disabilities know how to manage their own health care and work with appropriate professionals.
Questions to think about or ask service providers:
- What percentage of the doctor’s/staff’s patients has a similar health conditions?
- Is the office accessible?
- What are the office hours?
- Inquire about the doctor’s education, specialty training, and board certification
- How much time is usually spent with patients for routine office visits?
- If the doctor’s treatment plan doesn’t help your condition, will they refer you to another physician for evaluation or treatment?
- Does the doctor have a method to communicate with your specialists or other providers?
- Will the doctor be able to see you rather than one of the office’s other partners?
- Does the doctor communicate effectively without using confusing terminology?
Will County Mental Health & Addiction
The Will County Mental Health & Addiction Services offers a variety of services for both children and adults with mental health needs.
Linden Oaks Medical Group
Linden Oaks provides comprehensive behavioral health services to the community.
Easter Seals of Will County
Easter Seals provides a variety of individual and family support services. Services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, developmental therapy, and physical therapy.
National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability
This site provides information and resources that can enable people with disabilities to become as physically active as they choose to be.
Will County Health Department
Provides comprehensive public health programs and primary health care and dental services for medically under-served residents.
Illinois Department of Human Services - Rehabilitation Division
Assessment and reassessment for home service programs. Provide services to individuals with severe disabilities so they can remain in their homes and be as independent as possible.
The Arc of Illinois
This is a free service for families of children and youth with special needs, providing referrals, trainings, and linkages.
All Kids Program
Complete healthcare program available to children age 18 or younger. All Kids is based on family income and can pay for doctors visits, hospital visits, dental care, vision care, prescription drugs, medical equipment, mental health services and more.
Good Samaritan Hospital
Click here for contact information.
Edwards Hospital
Click here for contact information.
Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital
Click here for contact information.
Guiding Light Counseling
Guiding Light Counseling services aspires to provide each person with an individualized, unique experience to counseling.
Bridges to a New Day
This is a charitable organization providing prevention, intervention and educational services which foster non-violence in the lives of children and adults.
Legal Services
When planning for the future, there are a variety of domains and ideas to consider. Many times, it is beneficial to have legal assistance that specializes in working with individuals with disabilities.
Questions to think about or ask service providers:
- What will happen to your child after you and/or your spouse dies?
- Does your child have any or stand the chance of inheriting any money that could affect their benefits?
- What is the service provider’s experience regarding working with individuals with disabilities?
- Does my child need a guardian? Are there alternatives to guardianship that may be more appropriate?
Brian Rubin and Legal Associates
Brian Rubin is a lawyer who specializes in assisting individuals with disabilities and their families.
List of Common Terms
Advocacy
Is to advocate for, protect and advance the legal, human, and service rights of people with disabilities. Also, to represent people with disabilities to secure their human legal and service rights in accordance with federal mandates; and to assist people with disabilities in advocating for their human, legal, and service rights.
Benefits and Health
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly benefits that are paid to people who have a disability and who have limited income and assets. Participants include individuals 65 years of age or older, individuals who are blind in both eyes, and individuals with a disability as described by the Social Security Administration. Parents income and resources are counted in the individual is under the age of 18. No previous work history is required.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
A program that workers, employers, and the self-employed pay for with their social security. Eligibility is based on a persons work history and the amount of monthly benefit is based on past earnings. Individuals who have never worked can earn SSDI is they are considered a Disabled Adult Child (DAC). In order to obtain DAC status, the individual must have a disability with an onset before the age of 22, and a parent with a FICA work record that is either retired/disabled themselves/deceased.
Medicaid
Provides medical coverage for persons with limited income and resources. Anyone can apply but depending on income and financial assets there may be a monthly “spend down” amount before a medical card is issued.
Medicare
Another government medical coverage program designed to provide coverage to individuals age 65 and over and to individuals with disabilities. Participants must be 65 years of age or older who are also receiving SSA/SSI/federal employee. Also, individuals with ALS, individuals with end stage renal disease, and anyone receiving SSDI for 24 months qualifies.
PASS Plans
Are an SSI provisions to help individuals with disabilities return to work. PASS lets individuals set aside money he or she owns to pay for items or services needed to achieve specific work goals without discontinuing benefits. Individuals can set aside money to start a business, for school expenses, equipment and tools, transportation, and uniform requests.
Ticket to Work
Is an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work. The goal of the Ticket to Work program is to increase opportunities and choices for Social Security disability beneficiaries to obtain employment while still receiving SSI/SSDI. One’s benefits will be reduced by a fixed amount/rate. However, one will have the potential to earn more working than through benefits alone.
Medicaid Waiver Programs
The waiver allows Medicaid funds to enable individuals with disabilities to reside in the living arrangements of their choice with the type and degree of support needed to increase independence in their home and community. These programs allow qualified Medicaid-eligible individuals to choose to live at home, able to determine the own level of support in an independent, community-based setting rather than being required to live in an intermediate care facility, nursing home, or other type of institution in order to receive benefits.
Education and Training
4 year college or university
a residential or non-residential institution established to service students in order to obtain a bachelors degree or higher
2 year community college
a nonresidential junior college established to serve a specific community offering associate degrees and certificate programs
Trade School/Vocational School
a school offering instruction in one or more skills or semiskilled trades or occupations
Apprenticeship
a formal method of training a skilled occupation, craft of trade. During the apprenticeship period, the apprentice receives 2,000 hours or more of structured on-the-job training with at least 144 hours of related classroom instruction. Apprenticeship requires a written agreement between the program sponsor (employer) and the apprentice.
Certificate Program
a certificate granted by a two year college on successful completion of the program of the study
Associates Degree
a degree granted by a two year college on successful completion of the undergraduate’s course of studies
Bachelors Degree
an academic degree conferred by a college or university upon those who complete the undergraduate curriculum
Employment
Competitive Employment
Work in a competitive labor market paid at or above the minimum wage. Work is without supports in an environment that employs both people with and people without disabilities to create an integrated setting.
Supported Employment
Work in an integrated setting but with the support of a job coach. A job coach may be present for some or all of the day. As someone learns a job, the job coach may be slowly faded. This program is intended for people who may not be able to be independent in a competitive work environment.
Sheltered Employment
Work within an environment designed for people with disabilities who are not able to perform in a competitive work environment. All other workers also have disabilities under close supervision. Wages may be determined based upon the percentage or amount of complete work.
Job Coach
A person who provides support to a person with a disability to help them learn or perform a job. A job coach does not perform the work of the employee but will guide and provide assistance to maintain job performance.
Natural Supports
Supports within a competitive work environment without outside assistance (ex. Manager, co-worker, etc…).
Job Developer
A person who works to find employment specific to persons with disabilities. A job developer may assess needs, meet employers, create job opportunities, address reasonable accommodations, and match job seekers to potential employers.
Housing and Recreation
Independent Living
Little of no support services; on own or with family
Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA)
a network of support services built upon personalized support and case management. Clients line in a house or apartment with no live-in staff. Staff checks in with clients and assist them with meal planning and budgeting. Residents complete their own shopping, cooking, and housekeeping. Eight persons or fewer reside in this type of community-based setting.
Supported Living Arrangement (SLA)
these arrangements are for individuals that need intermittent support from staff. Staff does not generally reside with the residents. This program is similar to a CILA but it is generally located within the supervision of a larger support structure rather than in the community.
Community Living Facility (CLF)
refers to a program for clients who need training and guidance in most skilled areas (social, vocational, daily living, and mobility). Staff is available on-site, and the residence is usually a community-based apartment setting. The goal is to prepare residents for independent living.
Transition Living Facility (TLF)
This facility is similar to a CLF, but it is on a time-limited basis and used primarily for training purposes or as a transition to a more permanent residential option.
Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)
refers to a program for clients who need assistance with daily living and self-care skills. The facility provides 24 hour supervision, and residents often live in a dorm-like setting. Other services often include speech, social, prevocational, and hearing services. It does not provide skilled nursing care.
Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled (ICFDD)
refers to an ICF that includes 24 hour skilled nursing care
Legal
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act makes it unlawful to discriminate in employment against a qualified individual with a disability.
Age of Majority
when a student reaches the age of majority, the rights of the parents legally transfer to the student. The following activities would shift from the parent to the student: notice of meetings, notice and consent for evaluation, right to invite participants, and notice and consent for special education services. The school must notify a student and their guardians of this shift one year prior.
Estate Planning
is the process of naming those beneficiaries and managing the tax consequences of passing a caretaker’s wealth to the individual with a disability. For most families, planning means having a legal will drafted to ensure that your assets go to people you designate and to name a guardian for a minor or adult child with a disability who needs guardianship. If you die without a will, the state determines how your assets distributed and the probate court determines who serves as guardian of that child, even when there is one surviving parent. The probate court’s decision on a guardian may or may not be the same person that you would have chosen and your assets may not be distributed in the way you desired.
Guardianship
is a legal means of protecting children and adults deemed incompetent who cannot take care of themselves, make decisions that are in their own best interest, or handle their assets due to a physical or mental disability. When the court determines that a person is incapable of handling either their personal and/or financial affairs, a guardian is appointed. Parents, or other potential guardians, must carefully consider the individual with a disability’s individual circumstances, before beginning a competency proceeding.
Power of Attorney
gives legal authority to another person to make property, financial, and other decisions for the individual. Powers of Attorney are often used for medical, financial, educational, property, or health decisions.
Trusts
is an agreement under which money or other assets are held and managed by one person for the benefit of another. Different types of trusts may be created to accomplish specific goals. Each kind may vary in the degree of flexibility and control is offers. The common benefits that trust arrangements offer include: providing personal and financial safeguards for family and other beneficiaries; postponing or avoiding unnecessary taxes; allowing access to benefits; and meeting other social or commercial goals.
Will
is a legal document by which a person regulates the rights of others over his or her property or family after death. A will is used as the instrument in a trust. Any person over the age of majority can draft their own will without the aid of an attorney.
Student Programs
Chicago Transition League
The Chicagoland Transition League is starting its second season this school year. Valley View School District, in conjunction with neighboring transition programs, will be coming together to give our students and staff opportunities to make new connections and engage in a number of exciting social opportunities!
Lewis University Partnership
The VVSD STEP Program has teamed up with the Lewis University Special Education Department to share in spreading the mission that ALL students can increase their knowledge and skills by being afforded the opportunity to participate in meaningful, engaging, hands on educational and training experiences which will better prepare them for their lives after graduation.
Alumni Association
In the STEP Program, we truly become a family in the four years that students are with us. There is nothing we love more than being able to catch up with our former students once they exit our program. There are a number of events that the STEP Program holds each year that we encourage alumni to attend. Alumni- please check this page periodically to see updates on upcoming dates and important information.
Transition Activities Timeline
Below is a list of various transition activities that may or may not be beneficial for each student. If you have any questions regarding these activities, please contact the transition specialists at your home school. If any of the mentioned activities request or require payment, Valley View School District is not responsible for payment of those amounts, unless designated in the student’s IEP.
Important Transition Planning Discussions
- Planning for medical care
- Planning for housing
- Planning for education
- Planning for finances
- Planning for employment
- Planning for recreation/leisure
8th Grade
- Participate in Annual Review (Transition plan will be reviewed and updated)
- Attend Transition Conference at Joliet Junior College (spring)
- Attend VVSD Transition Nights
- Continue reinforcing advocacy, self-help, and independent living skills
- Explore SSI and health care benefits (if applicable)
- Explore Living Will Trusts (if applicable)
- Obtain or locate Social Security card
- Investigate community services in the area and research services that are provided
9th Grade
- Participate in annual review (Transition plan will be student lead)
- Complete student questionnaire/interest inventory with case manager
- Complete Casey Life Skills Assessment
- Create a portfolio through career cruising-matchmaker
- Review results of all assessments and high school elective options. What does the student want to do after high school?
- Attend Transition Conference at Joliet Junior College (spring)
- Attend VVSD Transition Night
- Continue reinforcing advocacy, self-help, and independent living skills
- Explore SSI and health care benefits (if applicable)
- Explore and establish Living Will Trusts (if applicable)
- Investigate career training centers, school-based vocational training, or community-based work training experiences
- Obtain information about driver’s education
- Begin application process for group homes or other supported living arraignments/Prioritization for Urgency of Needs for Services-PUNS (if applicable)
10th Grade
- Participate in annual review (Transition plan will be student lead)
- Update student questionnaire
- Update career cruising portfolio-career exploration
- Attend Transition Conference at Joliet Junior College (Spring)
- Attend VVSD Transition Parent Night
- Continue reinforcing advocacy, self-help, and independent living skills
- Explore SSI and health care benefits (if applicable)
- Investigate or consider obtaining employment or enrolling in vocational education classes offered in high school
- Investigate service providers and possible linkages in the community
- Obtain driver’s license or State ID
- Explore and research post-secondary education (college, junior college, military, etc…) and attend College Night or college visits
- Research testing needed for post-secondary education
- Apply for Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) STEP referral
- Identify students needing vocational training
- If desired, begin seeking part-time job employment
- Plan Test
- Continue to review results of all assessments
11th Grade
- Participate in annual review (Transition plan will be student lead)
- Update student questionnaire with case manager
- Update career cruising portfolio-college search
- Participate in National Mentoring Day
- Attend Transition Conference at Joliet Junior College (spring)
- Attend VVSD Transition Parent Night
- Continue reinforcing advocacy, self-help, and independent living skills
- Explore SSI and health care benefits and the effects of employment (if applicable)
- Explore and establish Living Will Trusts (if applicable)
- If desired, begin seeking part time employment
- Visit alternate housing options, such as group homes, supported apartments, etc…(if applicable)
- Apply for and participate in PSAE/ACT or other post-secondary exams
- Explore and research post-secondary education (college, junior college, military, etc…) and attend College Night or college visits
- Apply for post-secondary education opportunities
- Contact Disability Service Offices at post-secondary colleges/school
- Research and gain information about the Transfer of Rights (Age of Majority) at age 18
- Apply for Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) STEP referral
- Identify students needing vocational training
- If desired, seek part-time job employment
- Continue to review results of all assessments
12th Grade
- Participate in annual review (Transition plan will be student lead)
- Update student questionnaire with case manager
- Update career cruising portfolio-review and make any interest changes
- Participate in JJC tour including STARS presentation
- Attend Transition Conference at Joliet Junior College (spring)
- Attend VVSD Transition Parent Night
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA) for post-secondary colleges/school (after income taxes are filed)
- Continue reinforcing advocacy, self-help, and independent living skills
- Explore and establish Living Will Trusts (if applicable)
- Complete Age of Majority documentation
- Complete vocational training and gain employment (if desired)
- Secure housing, if not living at home
- Participate in PACE transportation training (if needed)
- Apply for ADA reduced fare (if needed)
- Secure transportation if not already done so (driver’s license, car pooling, public transportation, etc…)
- Complete registration or paper-work for post-secondary education or training
- Connect with community service providers
- Register for draft (if male)
- Apply for SSI/SSDI/Medicare/Medicaid (if applicable)
- Obtain updated documentation of IEP including information on the most recent evaluations
- Apply for DRS Adult Services Referral (if needed)
- Review results of all assessments, post-secondary options and timelines
References:
Tennant, M. S., & Kuffel, R. M. (2003 July). Links to life: A transition timeline for students with special needs. Project SIGHT/USC
Other Resources
The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures.
National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment builds on PACER’s decades of experience providing high quality assistance and support to parents, youth, and professionals on transition topics.
PACER’s National FAST Project
PACER’s National FAST (Family Advocacy and Support Training) Project provides family support leadership training to families of children with disabilities.
National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center
NTACT’s purpose is to assist State Education Agencies, Local Education Agencies, State VR agencies, and VR service providers in implementing evidence-based and promising practices ensuring students with disabilities, including those with significant disabilities, graduate prepared for success in post secondary education and employment.
Transition Coalition
Providing online information, support, and professional development on topics related to transition from school to adult life for youth with disabilities.
Will-Grundy Transition Planning Committee Resource Directory
A list of available help for those in Will and Grundy County.
DisabilityWorks
Illinois workNet® Portal and Program utilizes partnerships and technology to expand seamless and real-time access to workforce development resources aimed at individuals, businesses, and workforce professionals.