“With the help of my family and school I have advocated for supports and services to help me while in school and through the transition to living on my own. Throughout high school my parents and I were not totally satisfied with the handling of my IEP so we spoke up for what we felt I needed to be successful as an adult. I talked with my parents and school about going to college. My parents and school contacted the SAVE Program, which helped provide transition supports through my IEP to go to college. I visited the campus, filled out application and dorm information, got accepted, got roommates, moved in and started school at Iowa Lakes Community College. During college I was in the SAVE Program for both years. I took classes and had an internship to help prepare me for jobs. I had On-the-Job Trainings all year long with the custodial and maintenance staff, and worked on campus in the Lakers Café. I applied, interviewed, and was accepted to the Project SEARCH program. Before I started the Project SEARCH program, I needed to move into my own apartment. I filled out paperwork for housing and housing assistance, found an apartment, and visited with Independent Living Choices (ILC) and got assistance with independent living skills. ILC helps me with budgeting, keeping track of my checkbook and spending. Also through ILC I get out and spend time with people (by attending support group get togethers) when I can. I was able to participate in the Partners In Policymaking Program, a leadership and advocacy training that empowers people with developmental disabilities and their families and learn how to advocate better for myself.”
“My Road to Transitioning”—a story by Caryn Johnson, young adult advocate
Resources
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Pennsylvania Secondary Transition Guide-Pennsylvania Department of Education |
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Secondary Transition Roadmaps- Pennsylvania Department of Education |
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Being a Healthy Adult: How to Advocate for Your Health and Health Care- Kathy Roberson, M.S.W, The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities |
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Keeping It Real: How to Get the Supports You Need for the Life You Want- The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities |
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Transition Health Care Checklist: Transition to Adult Living in Pennsylvania- Pennsylvania Department of Health |
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Journey to Adulthood: A transitions travel guide- National Health Care Transition Center |
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Transition Travel Guide: Resources for Roadblocks- National Health Care Transition Center |
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Disability Employment Policy Resources by Topic- Office of Disability Employment Policy |
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Talking With Your Doctor and Other Health Care Professionals-Video- Institute for Child Health Policy at the University of Florida, Health Care Transition Initiative |
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Secondary Transition Toolkit- Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network |
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Secondary Health Care Transition Toolkit- Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network |
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Heading for College with Special Healthcare Needs- National Health Care Transition Center |
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Health Care Transition Guide for Young Adults- Children's Medical Services (CMS) Network |
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Establishing Inclusive Postsecondary Education Opportunities: Tips for Effective Communication- Think College |
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Think College Self Paced Learning Modules- Think College |
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Self Determination Student Checklist- Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education Training and Technical Assistance Centers |
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Taking the Next Step: Life After High School- National Youth Leadership Network |
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Transition Checklist for Parents/Caregivers- Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) |
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Integrating Health into the Transition IEP- Family Voices, Diana Autin & Carolyn Hayer |
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Guardianship and Alternatives for Decision-Making Support- National Health Care Transition Center |
