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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Description: The K-12 Inclusive Practices Guide is an informational resource to support school divisions and parents looking to improve outcomes for students with disabilities by meeting their needs to the maximum extent possible in general education setting.
Description: Impact Feature Issue on Self-Determination and Supported Decision-Making for People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities - This issue looks at how people with disabilities are experiencing self-determination in the U.S. and other countries today, and at the emergence of Supported Decision-Making (SDM) as one way to support individuals with disabilities to exercise self-determination. Articles include discussions of self-determination and SDM in education and human...
Description: The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) program seeks to empower young people with developmental and other disabilities to further develop their leadership skills. Students, serving as Delegates from communities throughout Virginia, participate in a wide range of activities and learning experiences during this summer program set on a university campus. The Youth Leadership Academy is Virginia's premiere opportunity for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with disabilities to...
Description: This section includes videos on the topics of Assessment, Employment, Postsecondary Education and Training, Independent Living, Collaborative Partners, and Virtual Transition.
Description: These Apps for Student Success cover the following topics: Productivity 30/30- Free from App Store - Task manager: simple, attractive, useful Campus Engagement Corq- Free from App Store & Google Play - Discover amazing events and groups around campus from your favorite mobile device. Mental Health and Wellness Happify- Happify brings you effective tools and programs to help you take control of your feelings and thoughts. Stress Management Headspace (Free trial available) - guided...
Description: This section of the Social Security website includes Audio, PDF and Other Language versions of the following information: What You Need to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18 Disability Benefits How We Decide if You Still Have a Qualifying Disability Your Right To Question The Decision Made On Your Claim Benefits For Children With Disabilities Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors If You Are Blind Or Have Low Vision - How We Can Help Your Ticket To Work: What...
Description: Federal Resources for Stakeholders Who is the audience for these resources? OSEP stakeholders include, but are not limited to, children with disabilities and their families, educators, local and State educational agency staff, researchers, and policymakers. What is in included in the Federal Resources for Stakeholders section? Tool Kits In this section you can access the archived "Tool Kit on Universal Design for Learning (UDL)," the "Tool Kit on Teaching and Assessing Students with...
Description: At University Headquarters we are an industry-leading, independent educational organization. We have compiled a comprehensive set of information for students who wish to pursue higher education. We are your all-in-one source for information on colleges, entrance requirements, and career paths. We provide career guides that will help you navigate all of the requirements to gain entry to programs, become certified, or move up the career ladder in your chosen field. If you are unsure about your...
Description: Self-advocacy is important for kids with dysgraphia in middle school. But kids this age can sometimes feel embarrassed about speaking up. You can help your child by rehearsing some common scenarios and responses. 1 of 5: Can I use Assistive Technology? 2 Of 5: Can I get a copy of the teacher's notes And more...
Description: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers an integrated and comprehensive range of services consisting of workforce development activities benefiting job seekers—adults, dislocated workers, youth, incumbent workers, new entrants to the workforce, veterans, individuals with disabilities—and employers. WIOA’s objective is to meet employers’ needs by increasing employment, job retention, earnings, and occupational skills among all job seeker populations. Job...
Description: How does WIOA work in Virginia Career Works - Northern Region? SkillSource operates seven (7) One Stop Employment Centers in Annandale, Alexandria, Leesburg, Manassas, Reston, and Woodbridge. These resource centers provide free access to numerous career development, training, and support services to benefit both local employers and job seekers. SkillSource partners include Virginia Employment Commission, Northern Virginia Community College, Job Corps, Family and Social...
Description: This guide is offered as a free resource for attorneys who may work with people with developmental disabilities in the justice system. Our aim is to assist attorneys in understanding the possible presence of a disability in a client, how to fully identify that disability, and offer some ideas on appropriate ways to defend that person in a criminal prosecution. Cases are so individualized that this guide could never hope to be fully comprehensive, but it is meant to offer a solid foundation. The...
Description: We've broken down key ideas about how to support your child in their journey toward self-determination at school, home, and in the community. The interactive modules below can be accessed whenever it suits you! Being a parent is tough, and finding ways to support your child can sometimes seem like a big commitment. The Parent Path to Success gives you bite-sized videos that you can watch on your schedule. We hope these videos help you find small opportunities for success with your child!...
Description: disAbilityNavigator is a unique web resource created by and for people with disabilities and their families. Topics covered include: Family Caregiving Family Support Health Fitness & Recreation Health Care Settings & Providers Health Conditions & Disabilities Community Community Resources Community Best Practices & State Plans Individual Supports Advocacy Federal, State & Local Laws Protection & Advocacy Transitions Planning Insurance & Benefits Life Skills My Money...
Description: Medicaid at a Glance, Virginia Medicaid - The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) plays an essential role in the Commonwealth’s health care system by offering lifesaving coverage to one in five Virginians, including more than 500,000 newly eligible adults who gained access to care when the program expanded in 2019.
Description: Parents of children with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities are accustomed to paying close attention to their child's physical, cognitive, and emotional development. This proactive approach should also include their child's sexual development, which for many parents may not seem as obvious or urgent, especially to those with young children. Drawing on her unique background as both a sexual educator and mother of a child with Down syndrome, the author blends factual...
Description: The Profile of a Virginia Graduate describes the knowledge, skills, experiences and attributes that students must attain to be successful in college and/or the work force and to be “life ready.” In developing the profile, the Board of Education determined that a life-ready Virginia graduate must: Achieve and apply appropriate academic and technical knowledge (content knowledge); Demonstrate productive workplace skills, qualities, and behaviors (workplace skills); Build...
Description: Partnership for People with Disabilities (VCU) - More than 50 million Americans currently live with some form of disability. In Virginia, this means that one of every five citizens will have a disability or know someone who does. Everything we do at the Partnership is focused on supporting people with disabilities and their families to be fully participating members of their community. Our work focuses on the four major areas of emphasis of early childhood, education, health, and community...
Description: Learn about programs that help you pay for college. Find ESL classes to study English as a second language. Learn about applying for, financing, and attending college or university in the U.S. Local public libraries not only lend books. They help children learn to read, and adults learn English or find a job. Federal libraries gather and preserve special collections.
Description: Researching and selecting a college that fits your needs can be daunting, but that challenge can be even greater when you’re a student with disabilities. However, that doesn’t mean your options are limited. As technology has advanced, so has accessibility for all students. Learning disabilities are defined as conditions that give rise to difficulties in acquiring knowledge and skills, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down’s Syndrome, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity...
Description: Google Maps has launched a new feature that shows the wheelchair accessible routes around public transit in major cities around the world. To access the “wheelchair accessible” routes, type your desired destination into Google Maps. Tap “Directions” then select the public transportation icon. Then tap “Options” and under the Routes section, you’ll find “wheelchair accessible” as a route type. When you select this option, Google Maps will show...
Description: The birth of a child is an exciting, life-changing event. A beautiful new baby comes to your house, family, and neighborhood. It is a time for celebration. But what happens when this new child has a disability? What if there are health problems? What if, as time goes by, it seems as if the child isn’t learning and progressing as quickly or easily as other children? What do you do? CPIR offers a suite of resource pages that can help you find answers and people who can...
Description: The education of children with disabilities is a top national priority. Our nation’s special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), sets high standards for their achievement and guides how special help and services are made available in schools to address their individual needs.
Description: About the Training Curriculum Title | Building the Legacy for Our Youngest Children with Disabilities: A Training Curriculum on Part C of IDEA 2004 By Whom? | This training curriculum was produced by NICHCY at the request of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education. The Center for Parent Information and Resources is pleased to house this curriculum and to make it continuously available. For Whom? | The curriculum is intended to...
Description: Finally, we come to the last of the IEP components—the transfer of rights at age of majority. This component is only needed in the IEPs of some students, as you’ll see. IDEA’s exact words What does age of majority mean? What IDEA requires How is the student informed?
Description: Kids grow fast, don’t they? And early intervention is designed for children from birth up to age three. At that point, services under EI end. If the child will need continued support once he or she moves on to preschool, it’s very important to plan ahead so that the transition is smooth. The resources below will help you do just that.
Description: The One-Pager is a downloadable, fillable PDF file of the One-Pager - a tool to help others get to know the important things about you. Think about a time when you really wanted someone – a teacher – to know stuff about you but you really didn’t want to have to take the time and the words to explain it. Think about your IEP. How long does it take for anyone to look at it and find out the important things about you? The One-Pager was created as a way to cut...
Description: Goal Plan is a downloadable, fillable PDF file of the Goal Plan - a simple tool to help you set and attain goals. We are all striving to become better at something or to accomplish a goal. But how often do we actually sit down and plan out steps to achievement? Whether you are trying to improve your grades, or accomplish a life-long goal, the Goal Plan will help you get there!.
Description: The Good Day Plan is a downloadable, fillable PDF file of the Good Day Plan - a tool to help you design days that are perfect for you! Think about what a good day at school or work looks and feels like for you. Do you need coffee? Do you need to listen to music first thing in the morning, or do you need some quiet time to start your day? Does it happen now? If not, what can you do to make it happen? Who can help you along the way? The Good Day Plan helps you make and stick to...
Description: A Life 4 Me is a an online resource to help people with disabilities establish community connections, including social, employment, and volunteer opportunities. It was developed by youth with disabilities, in partnership with the Partnership for People with Disabilities and Virginia Department of Education. Video Tours Include: Go To College Get Services in the Community Live in the Community Work in the Community Friendship Support Entrepreneurship Economic/Personal Finance Mental Health...
Description: College Steps was founded by a clinical psychologist and a special educator with a simple mission: To empower students living with learning and social challenges through structured post-secondary support. Working closely with high schools, colleges and families, we emphasize peer-to-peer services that build confidence and success. College Steps provides personalized college support for students with learning and social challenges. Our student-centered support utilizes peer mentoring and...
Description: The SpectrumWise story (Barbara Simeroth is the founder): a parent’s love and a teacher’s expertise come together to solve a problem that shouldn’t exist. As the parent of a child who didn’t fit in, my goal was no different than the parent of a neuro-typical: to raise a mature, happy, independently functioning adult who can make a real contribution to the workplace and the world. Today, thanks to the right support and a very courageous transformation, that child is a...
Description: Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children - The Department of Defense, in collaboration with the National Center for Interstate Compacts and the Council of State Governments has developed an interstate compact that addresses the educational transition issues of children of military families. Currently all 50 States and the District of Columbia participate in the interstate compact that provide a uniform policy platform for resolving the challenges experienced by...
Description: Being a parent is the most wonderful—and hardest—job in the world. If you have a child with special needs, your job is no less wonderful, but it can be more complicated. Your child’s education is most likely an area of great interest to you. As a child with a disability, he or she may be eligible for special education services in school. If so, then it will be important for you to learn: more about special education; how special education services can support your child; and...
Description: More and more students are seeking support for mental health disabilities at colleges, but colleges have been unable to meet that demand. Some have argued that the nation has reached a “campus mental health crisis.” This National Council on Disability (NCD) report examines and assesses the status of college mental health services and policies in the United States, and provides recommendations for Congress, federal agencies, and colleges to improve college mental health services...
Description: AAIDD, is the publisher, copyright holder, and sole owner of the SIS, SIS-A. SIS-C, SIS-A Annual Review Protocol, and Person-Centered Planning With the Supports Intensity Scale-Adult Version™: A Guide for Planning Teams (2017). The suite of SIS tools also includes all associated interview scoring forms, user’s guides, training manuals and materials, and associated electronic software platforms, most notably SISOnline and SISVenture. The SIS-A is a standardized assessment tool...
Description: The road to adulthood for youth with disabilities is filled with opportunity, and parents play a key role. PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment is ready with the information families want, presented in a way families can use. Founded in 2014, 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. This...
Description: Several referral services can direct you to a lawyer who fits your needs. Your match may be just one a phone call away. State your legal problem and you can be given the name of an attorney in that area of the law right in your community. Referral services charge a small fee that covers your initial consultation with the lawyer. The Virginia Bar Association does not offer attorney referrals. There are, however, a number of referral services in the state.
Description: Community-based Skills Assessment Tool Kit - The transition out of school-based services for students with autism can be difficult. There is no "one size fits all" plan for the path to adulthood. The most important factor in creating a plan is to focus on the individual. His or her strengths, needs, challenges and preferences will be vital to a successful transition process. The CSA helps parents and professionals assess the current skill levels and abilities of students with...
Description: This web app provides online resources to help famililies raising children and youth in foster care and kinship care, where children and youth are brought up by non-birth parent relatives. The following topics are covered: Trying to Enroll a Child in School? Concerned about Learning or School? Concerned about Mental Health or Behaviors? Need Public Benefits? Concerned about Transitions Through School and After? Concerned about Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs? Involved in the Court...
Description: A recent PBS NewsHour segment examined issues related to employment of people with disabilities, including taking a deeper look at why the employment rate of Americans with disabilities is much higher compared to people without disabilities. The segment also shows how employers benefitting from hiring people with disabilities.
Description: Student-directed IEPs are quickly gaining momentum in schools across the country—the proven benefits include higher academic achievement, enhanced student motivation, and increased communication and self-advocacy skills for students with disabilities. Now for the first time, there's a book that gives elementary and high school educators in-depth how-to guidance on making student-directed IEPs work for students with a range of special needs. Packed with practical advice, helpful examples,...
Description: Virginia Career Works stands for access, trust, support, and innovation with the vision of meaningful work and a successful career for every Virginian and sustainable vitality and growth for business and industry across the Commonwealth. Our mission is to advance economic stability and growth by preparing and connecting people who want to work with employers who need to hire through its training providers and network of professional partners. Virginia Career Works is Virginia’s vital link...
Description: As you get older, you’re able to start making your own decisions about a lot of things that matter most to you. You may choose your own clothes, music, and friends. You also may be ready to make decisions about your body and health. Making healthy decisions about what you eat and drink, how active you are, and how much sleep you get is a great place to start. Here you’ll learn how your body works—how your body uses the food and drinks you consume and how being active may help...
Description: The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) plays a critical role in improving the health and well-being of Virginians through access to high-quality health care coverage. This year, Medicaid expanded eligibility for health coverage to close to 400,000 Virginia adults. This year also marks the one-year anniversary of Virginia’s nationally-renowned Substance Use Disorder benefit, the Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services program. DMAS also achieved major milestones in...
Description: Great Expectations is a nationally recognized program that helps Virginia’s foster youth earn the postsecondary credentials they need to achieve an independent and successful life. Great Expectations is currently available at 21 of Virginia’s Community Colleges. Great Expectations was created in 2008 as a partnership between Virginia’s Community Colleges and philanthropists supporting the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education. The program launched at five Virginia...
Description: LIFE stands for Living Independently, Focusing on Empowerment. Project LIFE is a UMFS program, funded by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Their mission is to enhance the successful transition of older youth in foster care to adulthood by: increasing the capacity of professionals working with youth to engage in sound, evidence-based practices, and promoting permanent connections, effective preparation for transition to adulthood, and meaningful youth input into state and local...
Description: Services for Older Youth - Youth services (also known as the Independent Living Program) assists foster care youths ages 14-21 in developing the skills necessary to make the transition from foster care to independent living. Independent Living services include activities that are based on a written assessment of life skills. Areas of focus include personal development skills such as self-esteem, communication skills, decision-making, conflict resolution and anger management. Examples of...
Description: There is a juvenile and domestic relations district court in each Virginia city and county. In Virginia, a juvenile is any person under 18 years of age. The juvenile and domestic relations district court hears all matters involving juveniles such as criminal or traffic matters. Juvenile delinquency cases are cases involving a minor under the age of 18 who has been accused of committing an offense that would be considered criminal if committed by an adult. Other juvenile offenses may be referred...
Description: Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice - The Reentry, Education and Intervention Division is responsible for meeting the needs of youth committed to DJJ by providing them with quality education, treatment and rehabilitation and reentry supports to create a seamless transition to the community. The Reentry, Education and Intervention Division is composed of: Education – Responsible for providing quality instructional practices and programs to improve student performance....