What Is Covered In A Transition Plan?

Employment & Career Interests

Along with assisting the student towards sound career and occupational paths, the transition team may also need to look into the need for adult employment and workshop services.

Post-Secondary Education

There will be a variety of options to consider including: university, community college, adult education or vocational training programs. High school and post secondary students with disabilities need to be aware of their rights and the services available to them. It is important that transition planning teams take into account all aspects of a student's educational needs.

Housing

Options will include: continuing to live with parents, apartment/dormitories, subsidized housing programs, supported living arrangements; group homes and residential programs.

Legal and Advocacy Issues

Legal considerations will include looking at the need for power of attorney or guardianship once a student with a disability turns 18. This will be a family decision but it is an issue which should be considered by the transition planning team - to ensure the student and their family are aware of their options. Elements to be considered will include the need for control or protection in medical, financial and other areas. The need for the student to be linked to advocacy services will also need to be considered.

Community Information

This includes recreation and transportation plans.

Need for Benefits

A transition plan will also consider a student’s need for: health care, insurance coverage, social security disability benefits and financial assistance programs. If a student is covered by their parents’ health insurance, the parents will need to learn for how long and under what circumstance the insurance can continue after the student turns 18. It may also be appropriate to determine whether a student may be eligible for Medicaid through Public Aid or Social Security (SSI) - or whether they may be eligible for services through DSCC (Division of Specialized Care for Children).

To Refer a Student
for Services Contact:

Western Illinois Service Coordination (WISC)
509 N. Lafayette St., Suite 203
Macomb, IL 61455
309-833-1621

Important Note

Recent funding changes have dramatically changed who can receive sheltered employment, day programming, workshop, residential and group home services.

- In order to receive these services, individuals are required to apply with Western Illinois Service Coordination, and

- if not already getting Medicaid, apply for Medicaid.

Funding for sheltered employment, day programming, workshop, residential and group home services is assigned on an as needed basis and the process can take up to a year before a decision is made. Therefore, it is recommended that students who may need these kinds of adult services should be referred to Service Coordination in their Sophomore year of high school if possible. This will prevent a student graduating high school and having to wait a year or longer before adult services can start.

Western Regional TPC

Transition Planning Website:

What Is Covered In A Transition Plan?

Important Note