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Transition

  • Early Childhood Transitions - Transitioning to a school-based setting can be challenging. This page provides information and resources to help you feel empowered and make the transition as smooth as possible.
  • Kindergarten & Elementary Transitions - Transitioning into kindergarten and into the elementary grades may pose new challenges for students and their parents and/or caregivers. This page provides information and resources to help you feel empowered and make the transition as smooth as possible.
  • Middle & High School Transitions - Transitioning into middle and high school environments can be challenging This page provides information and resources to help you feel empowered and make the transition as smooth as possible.
  • Life After High School - Planning for life after high school can be overwhelming. This page provides information and resources to help plan and find appropriate options and services.
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Showing Results 51 - 100 of 416
Description: Sometimes kids aren’t ready to go to college. They might need help with things like getting organized, asking for help or managing emotions. Or they might feel burnt out or unmotivated. Taking a gap year might help prepare them for a better college experience. A common worry is that kids will lose momentum if they take a gap year. But for kids who need extra support, a gap year might mean that they are more successful when they do start college. Otherwise they might face a lot of...
Description: College is a time for kids to try out independence. For kids on medication, part of that independence is learning how to manage those meds on their own. Kids should start to practice managing meds well before they leave for college. The first weeks of school will be full of new information. That’s not the time to start figuring out what they need to be taking, when, and how to make sure they don’t forget. For example, kids can set reminders on their phone so they don’t forget....
Description: The question: My daughter has ADHD and is a B minus student. She struggles in school and has poor executive functioning skills. She will be looking for colleges next year. Are there any that have particularly good services for kids with ADHD? answered by A Ruth Lee, MEd, ET/P  
Description: Many teenagers with autism do well in high school and head off to college. When they get there, they sometimes run into unexpected challenges. But with the right tools and preparation, college students with autism can continue to succeed. Trouble with organization is common in kids with autism. Because college comes with so many new responsibilities, autistic students may have a hard time managing their time and staying on track. Living independently, taking care of daily needs, managing...
Description: College is an exciting time! You’re surrounded by new friends and new opportunities, and have more independence than ever before. However, college life also presents unique challenges to a student with ADHD. Managing classes, a social life, and extra curricular activities without day-to-day support from parents and a structured school schedule isn’t easy. But there are plenty of things you can do to set yourself up for success. This article provides top ten tips that are a great...
Description: The transition to college can be hard on kids’ mental health. Teenagers living away from home for the first time may experience academic stress while also trying to make new friends, build routines, and stay physically healthy. All these changes at once can be overwhelming for college kids. Parents can help kids prepare for these emotional challenges before college starts. First, try to avoid solving problems for your teen. Instead, let them know that you empathize and you’re there...
Description: Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it hard for kids to read. The workload in college can be challenging for kids with dyslexia, but they can prepare by practicing using reading strategies and tools while they’re still in high school. College students with dyslexia need to be especially careful about managing their time. Keeping a detailed schedule and blocking off time to study can help kids make sure that they don’t get behind. It also helps them learn how much time tasks...
Description: This booklet defines Special Education Terms (Birth to 22) as well as General Disabilty Terms.
Description: Digital Portfolio for Families - PEATC’s Digital Portfolio allows parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities the ability to organize personal, educational, medical, and legal information and documentation in a portable digital format. The portfolio provides users with easy access, reduced stress, no more binders, and less paperwork to store. Digital Portfolio for Military Families - PEATC’s Digital Portfolio for Military Families allows service members the ability to keep...
Description: TransCen On-Demand Webinars are designed to translate research and effective practices into useable, practical information, making it easier for participants to put knowledge into action. Depending on the topic, our webinars assist vocational rehabilitation staff, policymakers, researchers, individuals with disabilities and their families, educators, practitioners, service providers, and employers. Captions are provided for both live and recorded sessions. Special pricing is available for groups...
Description: Virginia Commonwealth University received a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) to fund the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Employment of Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities. The RRTC will conduct six studies to generate evidence-based interventions to assist youth to enter competitive integrated employment. The training materials and events focus on meeting the needs of stakeholders including...
Description: Make Stuff and Love People has over 1,500 images and 500 QR codes to "how-to" videos and resources for immediate access using any smartphone camera. The book is packed with devices that can be made in minutes for physical, visual, hearing, communication, or other challenges. "How-to" instructions for devices include those for reading and writing; life skills; employment; alternative communication; mounting devices to mobility aids; tablet and phone holders; self-care, eating, drinking, art, and...
Description: Hire Autism is a free program led and run by the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). With an active jobs board and by offering resources for employers and job seekers alike, Hire Autism aims to expand opportunities for individuals with autism and serve as a continuing resource for them in their workplaces. This website has 3 sections: I'm Looking for a Job- Hire Autism wants to help candidates find the right job. By registering with us, you’ll be able to make a unique profile to help...
Description: NCLER provides training videos and issue briefs about SSI basics, pandemic-related disaster assistance for SSI recipients, an important change for SSI recipients and applicants and SSI overpayment information. (Posted April 2022)
Description: George Mason University sociology major Charlotte Woodward has tirelessly advocated for the rights of people with disabilities—and she is being recognized for her efforts. In December 2021, U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced a federal legislation named for her: the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act (S.3301), designed to prevent discrimination by health care providers against people with disabilities who need organ...
Description: This virtual training webinar was the third of a three-part series on supports for strengthening the transition from high school to postsecondary education and training. Presenters shared strategies for promoting social emotional preparedness for transitions to postsecondary. (Recorded Tuesday, October 13, 2020) To access materials from the first webinar in the series, Laying the Foundation for Postsecondary Success, which focused on strategies that support student and family understanding...
Description: Inclusive Pathways to Success (IPS) is a nonprofit trade school created for young adults with differing abilities that will empower students, serve as their ally and build a new talent pipeline for the skilled trades in the greater DC area. We do not believe that our students’ disabilities, such as severe ADHD, autism, learning disabilities or mild intellectual impairment, are barriers to employment. IPS purposefully uses the term “differing abilities” and offers a new pathway...
Description: All we can say is WOW!! You HAVE TO WATCH Megan Bomgaars, a Denver youth with Down Syndrome whose forceful message of "DON'T LIMIT ME!" is a rallying cry for EVERYONE! Megan is a force of nature. She made the State Cheerleading finals at the Denver Coliseum, as part of the Evergreen High School Cheerleading Squad. She was a Guest Model at Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 2010 Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Jet Set Fashion Show in Denver. She traveled to Washington, DC to accept the 2008 National...
Description: Our Stomping Ground works closely with our Affordable Housing Partners to help fill set aside units within the apartment complex for persons with Developmental Disabilities (DD). Apartment buildings are close to vital services, such as transportation, grocery stores, retail shops and medical services. As units become available, OSG works with the VA DBHDS (Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services as well as local CSB (Community Service Board) to help identify Friends...
Description: This is a searchable listing of 85 community rehabilitation programs in Virginia that are approved by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to provide an array of employment related services to individuals with disabilities. The organizations, known by DARS as Employment Service Organizations (ESOs), operate primarily for the purpose of providing employment and vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. Such services may be provided separately or...
Description: The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) helps people with disabilities get connected to information about local community resources that support independent living. Launched in 2021 to help disabled people access COVID-19 vaccinations, DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights, and more. Call or send a text message to 888-677-1199 Monday-Friday from 8am to 9pm (Eastern) or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org...
Description: Transition planning is used to describe the very intentional, organized and coordinated process of guiding young people with disabilities with education, experiences, supports and services to help them have successful and meaningful lives beyond high school. It is planning that begins with the end in mind. While IDEA mandates specific documentation of transition planning and services in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with disabilities ages 16 and older, the mandated age...
Description: Explore Work Training Program If you are a teen who has a disability, you have choices and things to do to prepare for life after high school and becoming an adult. Just like every teen, this is a time of transition. You are preparing to be an adult, get a job, and become more independent. A big part of planning for the future means thinking about a job that is a good fit for you. Want to find out more about who you are and what you're good at? This training will help you explore your talents...
Description: Transition to Adulthood Resources (PEATC) - As students who have IEPs get older and progress through school, his/her special education program is required to focus more intentionally on preparing that student for life after high school. In Virginia, this school transition planning must begin by age 14, but can begin even earlier. For students, and their families, the thought of TRANSITIONING from school services to the adult world can be overwhelming. Many are unsure of what is meant by...
Description: The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) is a community resource and advocacy center run by and for persons with disabilities. ECNV’s mission is to END dependence by empowering people with disabilities to live independently. We are a cross-disability organization and work with people of all ages who have every type of disability. Founded in 1982, ECNV is one of 17 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Virginia. There are over 400 CILs nationwide. ECNV serves Arlington,...
Description: CRi is a community-based nonprofit organization with a focus on providing personalized resources to people with developmental disabilities & mental health needs. We believe in serving people within the communities in which they live. CRi is transforming how at-risk youth & people with developmental disabilities or mental health needs live, work & play. Working closely together with each individual, they create plans to empower & connect people with services & support while...
Description: ILO helps families create supportive communities to facilitate networks of support for adults with disabilities to enable them to live independently. They do this by developing teams of paid and unpaid individuals for their self-advocates as they move out of their family houses into their own homes. ILO will be the organization in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, MD that supports and empowers adults with disabilities to live as fully integrated, contributing and...
Description: The webinar will address how remote supports can provide the needed safety and opportunities for independence and self-determination for people with disabilities. SafeinHome Remote Support Staff is available 24/7 providing a consistent and responsive environment that encourages decision-making and learning. This person-centered remote support system can provide privacy, safety, guidance, wellness check-ins and more. The following are some of the many solutions SafeinHome successfully supports:...
Description: This guide was developed for people with disabilities living in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Falls Church, Virginia. If you’re a person with a disability, or you are helping someone with a disability, you may have already discovered that finding a place to live is difficult. This guide will help you navigate government benefits, available financing, different housing options, support services, and more.
Description: All disability service providers are short on time and funds.  Individuals with disabilities and their families are longing to be more independent, but are fearful of the unknown.  With the TravelMate and EmployMate lessons, and activities on the ONEder platform, the Arc of NoVA has found a solution to complement the current service provision model, making it much more effective as well.  Their transition suite of apps can be considered virtual supports, such as travel trainer or...
Description: This webinar provides information on how to submit a referral for housing, the Housing Action Plan, and how to work with a Support Coordinator to get help. Jeannie Cummins, Senior Regional Housing Coordinator with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and Blaire Lee of the Loudoun County Community Services Board (CSB) review the Housing Referral process. This is the process for referring someone with a developmental disability to independent housing...
Description: SSA’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program helps children with qualifying disabilities and their families. For this program, a child must meet all of the following requirements to be considered disabled and medically eligible: The child must have a medical condition, or a combination of conditions, that result in “marked and severe functional limitations.” This means that the condition(s) must very seriously limit the child’s activities. The child’s...
Description: Developed in collaboration between VCU's School of Social Work and the Partnership for People with Disabilities, LEAP provides training on healthy relationships and information about preventing abuse to adults with disabilities. LEAP was developed by a multidisciplinary team that included people with disabilities and their families, along with representatives from domestic violence, child advocacy, social services, health, LGBTQ+  and disability advocacy agencies. People with...
Description: Transition to Adulthood Resources - PEATC provides a variety of Transition to Adulthood Resources and topics on Supported Decision-Making include: Supported Decision-Making in Special Education Programs Supported Decision-Making and Special Education Transition Services Supported Decision-Making in Vocational Rehabilitation
Description: In this resource, you will learn about an option called Supported Decision-Making that may help students with disabilities learn to make their own decisions, live as independently as they can, and avoid unnecessary guardianship. We’ll also show you ways you can request and receive Supported Decision-Making supports and services from Special Education programs.
Description: This project was developed as part of a grant funded by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center for The Arc of NoVA to create short videos with information on interactions between people with disabilities and the justice system.  Each of these videos are designed to empower people with disabilities, educate them on what to expect, and let them know about options and accommodations they may request.
Description: For almost 20 years, SoundOut has been supporting students, teachers, principals, district staff, and education leaders as they take action to activate student voice, foster student engagement, and facilitate Meaningful Student Involvement.
Description: Transition Assessment Process: A Guide for Developing Postsecondary Goals and Transition Services - The transition assessment process should include a variety of methods for assessing the student and potential post-school environments. It is a multi-year process that requires both time and planning to allow for assessment through self-awareness, career awareness, exploration, preparation, and training to confirm interests. Its purpose is to help IEP teams craft postsecondary goals that align...
Description: This webinar introduces the College Access Evidence Matrix, an informational resource designed to help college-access providers and educational leaders easily find proven interventions, aligned to the highest Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) evidence standards, that can increase the likelihood that students successfully transition to postsecondary education and training. REL Appalachia staff provide an orientation to the evidence matrix and demonstrate how it can be used for a variety of...
Description: By hiring someone with Down syndrome, you start a virtuous chain: the more that people with Down Syndrome are seen at work, the more they’ll be recognized as valuable employees, and the more they’ll be hired.
Description: SSA Outreach Materials for People Facing Barriers The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impose hardships, especially on people who face barriers to accessing services and benefits. These include people with low-income, limited English proficiency, facing homelessness, or with mental illness, who have historically relied on meeting with us face-to-face to get the help they need. You will find an up-to-date list of resources and materials that you can use to learn about the Supplemental Security...
Description: Each webinar provides an opportunity for your students to learn about employment in different industries from people who really work in those industries. There is always a worksheet, an opportunity to ask questions, and a certificate of completion after each webinar. These meetings are accessible and Rubin provides a sign language interpreter. These are also taped and available on YouTube. Danny Rubin is an award-winning author and speaker who works directly with students and working...
Description: This One-Pager Library contains important information for families, including the difference between IEPs and 504 Plans, handling disagreements about your child's special education program, your Parental Rights and more.
Description: Using a trauma-informed lens can help educators be better prepared to meet students’ unique educational and transition needs. Trauma informed care provides a common language and an understanding of how to approach situations in a way that is supportive. This brief provides an overview of trauma and trauma informed strategies to support students who have experienced trauma. These strategies are a sample of best practices and actions that can be implemented...
Description: Through collaboration between students, families, schools, community agencies, and employers, Start on Success (SOS) provides high school students with IEPs who are pursuing standard diplomas with a high quality work-based learning experience. Selected students enroll in a credit-bearing Career and Technical Education (CTE) course and then participate in a paid internship at a local business with an assigned mentor to assist with problem-solving, accommodations, and applying workplace readiness...
Description: Social Security benefits provide resources that can enable students with disabilities to successfully transition to adult life. The following tips will help guide teachers, families, and students with the process of applying for and managing benefits. 
Description: The Parents’ Guides to Student Success were developed by teachers, parents and education experts. Created for grades K-8 and high school English, language arts/literacy and mathematics, the guides provide clear, consistent expectations for what students should be learning at each grade in order to be prepared for college and career.
Description: Explore ideas and resources related to the transition from school to adult life for youth who are blind or visually impaired, including those who are deafblind or who have multiple disabilities.
Description: CA Human Services (formerly Commonwealth Autism/The Founders Center) is home to various programs which help adults transition smoothly from their family home to an apartment or home of their own and to maintain their independence. The majority of our young adults have an autism spectrum diagnosis or a similar developmental disability, and they have the capacity to live independently with some training and support.  Our Readiness Program supports young adults who live at home with...
Description: View the Navigating Through Life Infographic Series - The youth leaders with disabilities from the Inclusion Project created the Navigating Through Life series. The six amazing graphics and text formats have different topics that a young person experiences as they move into adulthood. The youth leaders interviewed over 70 people with disabilities about their experiences when they entered adulthood. The Navigating Through Life series is intended to help youth start their own...