Overview of Transition Planning

Definition:

A set of coordinated 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.

Legal Definition:

Transition services are a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that…

 Is designed within a results-orientated process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of that child with a disability to facilitate movement from the school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living or community participation

 Is based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, and interests

This handbook is designed to help raise awareness of the many resources available and to allow students and their families to be fully involved in the transition planning process.

Contact Information:

Andrea Ellexson Morgan Becker

Principal, STEP Campus Student Resource Team Leader (SRT)

630-679-1210630-679-1210

Alison OndracekBlain Duesing

Transition Specialist-BHSTransition Specialist-STEP

630-679-3613630-679-1210

Gina RafalskiKelly Walsh

Transition Specialist-BHSTransition Specialist-STEP

630-679-3772630-679-1210

Starr Caldwell Laura Bargas

Transition Specialist- BHSTransition Specialist-RHS

(630)679-3567 (815) 407-5186

Timeline of Various Transition Activities

Below is a list of various transition activities. These activities 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, Alison Ondracek, Gina Rafalski, or Starr Caldwell at BHS or Laura Bargas at RHS.

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

Secondary Transition Experience Program (STEP):

  • Participate in annual review
  • Identify and access recreation/leisure options
  • Actively participate in post-secondary vocational services and or employment
  • Encourage active participation with adult services providers
  • Follow up with referrals for service provisions from adult service providers
  • Investigate and or confirm day programs and workshops
  • Investigate post-secondary education with follow up services
  • Apply for Medicaid, if appropriate
  • Purse Adult Education
  • Systematic phase out school supports phase in adult services.
  • Invite service providers to IEP meetings
  • Complete Summary of Performance if exiting school

References:

Tennant, M. S., & Kuffel, R. M. (2003 July). Links to life: A
transition timeline for students with special needs. Project
SIGHT/USC

Advocacy

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:

  1. What has been your experience regarding advocating for individuals with disabilities?
  1. Does your service have any fees?
  1. How assistance is provided (face-to-face, consultative, etc…)?

Advocacy Resources
CAP – Client Assistance Program
Client Assistance Program
Illinois Department of Human Services
100 N. First Street, 1st Floor West
Springfield, IL 62702-5197
Phone: 800-641-3929 (V/TTY)
Email:
/ CAP – Client Assistance Program
CAP helps you understand your rights and services from the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services.
Equip for Equality
20 North Michigan Ave., Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-341-0022
Phone: 800-537-2632
Fax: 312-341-0295
TTY: 800-610-2779
Email:

*Also provides benefit and legal services / Equip for Equality
Provides self-advocacy, legal services, training on disability rights, public policy programs and abuse investigations for children and adults with disabilities.
Great Lakes ADA (DBTAC)
DBTAC - Great Lakes ADA Center
University of Illinois at Chicago
Institute on Disability & Human Development (MC 728)
1640 West Roosevelt Road, Room 405
Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: 312-413-1407/ 800-949-4232 (V/TTY)
Fax: 312-413-1856
/ 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).
Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission
P.O. Box 7009
Hines, IL 60141
Phone: 708-338-7500
Intake Contact: 866-274-8023
Phone: 866-274-8023
TTY: 866-333-3362
/ Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission
State of Illinois Commission developed to assist people with issues of guardianship for adults with disabilities.
Will County Legal Assistance Program
5 E. Van Buren St., Suite 310
Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: 815-727-5123
Fax: 815-727-5152
/ Will County Legal Assistance Program
Provides civil legal services to low income and indigent residents of Will County. Eligibility is determined over the phone.
Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living
2415-A W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: 815-729-0162
TTY: 815-729-2085
Fax: 815-729-3697
Video phone: 815-768-2582
Email: visit web site for directory

*Also provides housing, legal and benefit services / Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living
Operating since 1985 provides assistance for special needs. This organization provides advocacy, help in explaining and filling out forms. Information referrals, peer counseling. The center also can locate and secure housing in appropriate setting.
The Arc of Illinois
20901 LaGrange Rd., Suite #209
Frankfort, IL 60423
Phone: 815-464-1832
Fax: 815-464-5292

/ 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.
Family Resource Center on Disabilities
20 E. Jackson Blvd. Ste. 300
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312-939-3513
Toll Free: 800-952-4199
Fax: 312-939-7297

/ 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.

Disability Support

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:

  1. How do I define my disability?
  2. What are some helpful strategies for dealing with my disability?
  3. Who can I talk to for support?
  4. How can I support myself long-term dealing with my disability?

Assistive Technology
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
1 West Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 100
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 217-522-7985 Voice
Phone: 217-522-9966 TTY
Phone: 800-852-5110 (V/TTY)
Fax: 217-522-8067
Email:
/ Illinois Assistive Technology Program
Serves people with disabilites as they find & use technology that promotes living, working & playing with greater independence.
TechConnect
A program of the Illinois Assistive Technology Project that serves people with disabilites as they find & use technology that promotes living, working & playing with greater independence.
Infinite Potential Through Technology(Infinitec)
Assistive Technology Exchange Network (ATEN)

Durable Medical Equipment Website
/ Infinite Potential Through Technology(Infinitec)
Infinitec provides assistive technology equipment through the Assistive Technology Exchange Network (ATEN).
Accessible Solutions/Accessible Living, LTD
308 North Bridge Street (Rt. 47)
Yorkville, IL 60560
Phone: 630-553-6607
Fax: 630-553-1942


*Also provides housing, health, and employment services / Accessible Solutions/Accessible Living, LTD
Accessible Living specializes in home and business accessible products and services for those who are disabled. They understand the importance of assistive technology for the physically challenged. We provide durable medical equipment including wheelchairs, barrier free ceiling lifts, custom wood ramps, indoor/outdoor stair lifts, residential elevators, and exercise equipment.

1

Disability Resources
Autism Society of Illinois
Phone: 630-691-1270
Toll Free: 800-691-1270
Fax: 630-932-5620
Email:
/ Autism Society of Illinois
To improve the lives of individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders.
Natural Learning Concepts
Phone: 800-823-3430
/ Natural Learning Concepts
Autism job placement service, in addition to products and resources for persons with special needs and on the autism spectrum.
.
Autism & Family Resource Center
Trinity Services Inc.
13318 W. Lincoln Highway
New Lenox, IL 60451
Phone: 815-462-4ASD (4273)
/ 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.
National Institute of Mental Health
www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml / 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.
National Alliance of Mental Illness
/ 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 Association for Down Syndrome
/ 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.
The Center for Disability Service
Formerly known as: United Cerebral Palsy
311 S. Reed St.
Joliet, IL 60433
815-744-3500
/ The Center for Disability Service
Formerly known as: United Cerebral Palsy
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.
Visual / Deaf Resources
The Chicago Lighthouse
Donna Jenkins
Youth Transition Coordinator
1850 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: 312-666-1331 ext.3433
Fax: 312-243-8359
TTY: 312-666-8874
/ The Chicago Lighthouse
Comprehensive program for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Illinois Talking Book Outreach Centers
2 locations:
East Peoria
Burr Ridge
Phone: 800-426-0709 / 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.
State of Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission
Brandy Hayes
1630 South Sixth Street
Springfield Illinois 62703
Phone: 217-303-8012
V/TTY: 877-455-3323
Fax: 217-577-4492
/ State of Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission
Provides support system for the Hearing Impaired

Benefits Planning

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:

  1. What proof of my disabled condition is required?
  1. What proof of my financial situation is required?
  1. What happens to the financial/medical benefits if I get a job?
  2. How often is my eligibility for benefits reviewed?
  3. How are benefits affected if I live at home with my parents?
  4. What do I need to do to keep getting financial benefits?
  5. What records need to be turned in regularly?
  6. What changes in my situation need to be reported and when?

Benefits Planning
Life’s Plan, Inc.
2801 Finley Road
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: 630-628-7169
Fax: 630-628-2350
Email: See web site for directory
/ Life’s Plan, Inc.
Provides trust options, case management and tax services for people with disabilities. This is a private company.
Sage Planning
910 Skokie Blvd, Suite 102
Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 847-509-4300
Fax: 847-272-0212
Email: / Sage Planning
Guides families through the maze of financial issues for individuals with special needs and their families. This is a private company.
Social Security Administration
552 Houbolt Road
Joliet, Il 60431
Phone: 866-783-7302
TTY: 815-729-2895
www.ssa.gov
*Also provides benefit and health services / Social Security Administration
Publishes "Red Book on Work Incentives" and "Understanding Supplemental Security Income". Benefits available for disability retirement and survivor benefits; free booklet available that highlights range of benefits.
Social Security will provide benefits (monetary income and/or health insurance coverage) to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability.
Health and Disability Advocates
Phone: 312-223-9600
/ Health and Disability Advocates
Offers programs/services for veterans, Think Beyond the Label, Career Fairs for Individuals with Disabilities, Access to health care (assist with questions guiding through the process).
Illinois Benefits Planning Projects
City of Chicago
Phone: 312-746-5743 / 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.
Neighborhood Legal Services "Benefits Management for working people with Disabilities: An Advocates Manual"
/ Neighborhood Legal Services "Benefits Management for working people with Disabilities: An Advocates Manual"
A website which offers clear facts for disabled workers rights in the workplace
Illinois Family Community Resources /DHS-Will County
45 East Webster Street
Joliet, IL 60432-4061
Phone: 815-740-5350
Fax: 815-740-5313
*Also deals with Health and Employment services / 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.
Family Benefit Solutions
1110 West Lake Cook Road
Suite 150
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Phone: 847-279-8506
Fax: 847-279-8507

Sherri Schneider / 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.

Educational and Training Resources