tran-si-tion  noun

1.movement, passage, or change from one position, state,stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change: the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Simply put, transition is helping students with disabilities and their families think about their life after high school and identify long-range goals designing the high school experience to ensure that students gain the skills and connections they need to achieve these goals.

This transitional process will include many facets of planning for the future and should be fully understood by everyone concerned each step of the way. Planning for the future is an investment in a child's well being!

Have an adult child who has already graduated?  It's never too late to help them achieve all that they can.  There are a multitude of area organizations to help.

Supporting the transition process

There are many pieces to consider in the transition puzzle.  How will you help your child become the most productive and happy adult that they can be?

Advocacy

The Arc of Oakland County advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and other related developmental disabilities. The services available through the ARC include: Legal Advocacy, Government & Financial Benefits,  Community Outreach, Lifetime Advocacy Program

Community-Based Support

Individuals with disabilities and mental illness can realize their dreams as full members of their communities. There are two separate agencies offering comprehensive services and supports, training and education, and advocacy Community Living Services (CLS) and Macomb Oakland Regional Center (MORC).

Where to begin?  First, you must complete an eligibility determination by contacting Common Ground at 800-231-1127.  This access screening is typically a 45 minute phone interview detailing the area(s) of disability.  

                                Services in Oakland County - step by step information to help on the path to MORC or CLS

Choose a service provider that you feel fits your unique situation:

Community Living Services (CLS) encourages and support people to self-direct individualized budgets and to control who, what, when, where, and how supports are provided.  We promote flexible services and funding and fully embrace a “Whatever It Takes” mentality. 

The Macomb-Oakland Regional Center Inc. (MORC) helps individuals with disabilities and mental illness realize their dreams as full members of their communities. We do this through comprehensive services and supports, training and education, and advocacy.

Employment

Aside from the obvious benefit of providing for our financial needs; employment can expand our friendships and sense of community as well as offering that wonderful feeling of confidence in a job well done! 

Interviewing Skills   A teaching manual which helps adults prepare for job interviews and job searches.  Teaching Networking Skills: Paving a Way to Jobs and Careers

   https://www.communityinclusion.org/pdf/networkingmanual_F.pdf

Soft Skills:  Soft skills are personal attributes that enhance an individual's interactions, job performance and career prospects. They are interpersonal and broadly applicable.  

Soft skills are often described by using terms often associated with personality traits, such as optimism, common sense, responsibility, a sense of humor and integrity.  It is also viewed as abilities that can be practiced (but require the individual to genuinely like other people) such as empathy, teamwork, leadership, communication, good manners, negotiation, sociability, the ability to teach.

This is the guide from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Disability Employment Policy
Skills to Pay the Bills Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success
https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/

Job Accomodation Network (JAN) provides free consulting services for individuals with physical or intellectual limitations that affect employment. Services include one-on-one consultation about job accommodation ideas, requesting and negotiating accommodations, and rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related laws. Although JAN does not help individuals find employment, JAN does provide information for job seekers.   https://askjan.org/

Housing Options 

We all need somewhere to call home.  That home can be as varied as the individuals who live in them.  Get ready to consider your options and plan for that future home!

Getting My Own Address  for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities: Guide

The GMOA guide is a comprehensive but simple explanation of the steps, options and choices that are available to plan for housing in the community of one's choice.

This guide was compiled with input from individuals with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities, and their families and supports (including teachers, transition and supports coordinators, caregivers and others).

Community Housing Network is a nonprofit organization committed to providing homes for people in need through proven strategies of homelessness prevention, housing assistance and development, community education and referral, advocacy, and additional services.

Homes for Autism - goal is to provide financial assistance, support and hope to caregivers who have family members with autism. Homes for Autism exists to help people with autism achieve their best and to live and grow towards a better quality of life. We specialize in creative solutions to meet the needs of the people we serve and their families.

Life Skills

As individuals with special needs grow into adulthood, many will need assistance and support to learn the life skills necessary to achieve genuine independence.  Helping those with mild developmental disabilities to live independently and successfully in the community, building a life and a network of support.

On My Own helps adults with mild developmental disabilities become independent, social and contributing members of the community.

Since 1997, On My Own has taught adults the basic life skills necessary for successful, independent living.

Transportation

To do the things that we need to do as part of a community, we need to get around.  Transportation must be a consideration in any transition planning; whether this will be community transport, biking or walking or driving.

Driving  

Real Skills Academy is a State of Michigan certified driver training facility.  Although we provide a full range of private services, our focus is on evaluation and training of teens and adults with disabilities.