Transition from Adolescence to Independence, a few resources to get you started
ACCESS-VR Adult Career and Continuing Ed Services (Vocational Rehab)
ACCESS-VR is an office of the New York State Education Department. ACCESS-VR's Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors assist adults with disabilities to become independent through employment. In addition, specific counselors are assigned to work with high school students within two years of their anticipated graduation to assist with the transition planning process. ACCESS-VR can help an eligible person with a disability plan for a career, obtain job coaching, education or training to achieve work goals, and work with employers and training institutions to make sure reasonable accommodations are provided to individuals when needed.
Website: https://www.acces.nysed.gov/vrContact your local ACCESS-VR District Office
Phone: 1-800-222-JOBS (5627)
Email: ACCESadm@nysed.gov
Center for Parent Information and Resources
The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) serves as a central resource of information for parents, individuals, caregivers and other people involved in the lives of people with special needs. The resource section is offered in English and in Spanish. Click Resources, then in the K-12 section, go to Transition to find links to information regarding all aspects of the transition process. There is also a transition workbook for teens transitioning to adulthood.
Web site: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/Email: CPIR@spanadvocacy.org
Disability.gov
This is a Federal government website with information regarding disability programs and services nationwide. There is information on benefits, education, housing, employment and many other topics. A person can search for information by state or subject and there is an extensive section on transition planning. You can also find organizations in your community to give you the supports you need.
Web site: https://www.usa.gov/disability-servicesGottransition.org
Got Transition/Center for Health Care Transition is a cooperative agreement between the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health. Its aim is to improve transition from pediatric to adult health care through the use of new and innovative strategies for health professionals and youth and families. The website provides links to transition planning tools such as checklists, flowsheets and policies that can be customized by professionals for their practice. The website has a frequently asked question and answer section for youth and their families.
Got Transition5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 440
Washington, DC 20015
Phone: 202-769-0486
Email: info@GotTransition.org
Website: https://www.gottransition.org/
Heath Resource Center
Heath is the official resource website of the HSC National Youth Transition Center. It is an online clearinghouse of 45 organizations with a common mission to empower youth and young people with disabilities on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. It provides educational support services, postsecondary training, transition resources, webinars, guides and information on available resources at American universities for disabled students.
Website: http://www.heath.gwu.eduHeath Resource Center
Email: AskHEATH@gwu.edu Web site: https://www.heath.gwu.edu
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title IB Youth Program
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title IB Youth Programs serve youth and young adults who face barriers to employment and education. The program staff work with participants to build the skills necessary to explore and develop careers, pursue education, occupational skills training, gain work experiences and employment.
Website: https://dol.ny.gov/wioa-youth-young-adult-services-providersNational Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth
Curtis Richards
Phone: 202-822-8405, ext163
Email: YouthTeam@labor.ny.gov
Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER Center)
PACER is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth with special health care needs. Services include support, assistive technology, education and helpful information, and links towards independent living. The website has a variety of helpful videos and guides and useful information on laws and people's rights. All services are provided free of charge by parents of children with special health care needs.
Website: https://www.pacer.orgPACER Center, Inc
8161 Normandale Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55437
Phone: 952-838-9000
Toll-free: 800-537-2237
Email: pacer@pacer.org
Youthhood
Youthhood is an informational site affiliated with the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET), which helps youth plan for life after high school. It is a youth-designed site for youth with special health care needs. Youthhood provides easily accessible information on postsecondary education, independent living, and opportunities to achieve a successful future.
Web site: https://www.youthhood.orgNational Center on Secondary Education and Transition
Institute on Community Integration
University of Minnesota
6 Pattee Hall
150 Pillsbury Drive SE
Minneapolis MN 55455
Phone: 612-624-2097
Fax: 612-624-9344
Email: ncset@umn.edu
