
TRANSITION RESOURCES
In Illinois, transition planning must begin by the time the student turns 14 ½. The IEP team must start helping the student plan for their future when they leave high school. Planning includes working with the student to develop post-secondary goals and determining a plan for a course of study to meet these goals. School personnel will assist in any way possible to help students and parents prepare for life after high school. This includes a wide variety of activities. Students may learn life skills, such as cooking and budgeting. Students may work in the community or school the STEP, a work program offered by SMASE in conjunction with the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS). Students may need help researching career or college options. Resource and Instructional teachers will assist students with this process. For students who will likely need more intense services, such as residential placement, it is essential that parents start making plans and keeping their PUNS application current.
Below are some resources for parents and students. As always, contact your district or SMASE if you need assistance.
- Lewis and Clark-Preparing for College for Students with Special Needs
- What’s out there for adults with developmental disabilities-employment, benefits and support options
- The government and you: Transition and Beyond-Overview for Families of Adults with Developmental Disabilities.
- Toolbox for Families: Instruction and Forms
Transition Resources Weblinks
- PUNS-A Guide to Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services
- https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=32253
- In our area, the local agency is called CISA.
Central Illinois Service Access (CISA)
Developmental Disability Services
101 Madigan Dr
Lincoln, IL 62656Phone: (217) 732-4731
TTY: (217) 732-4731
Fax: (217) 732-4870
Toll Free: (877) 437-9588Crisis after hours number: (217) 732-4731
- Challenges Unlimited
- Local Department of Human Services Offices and Providers
- NCWD Youth, 411 on Disability Disclosure
- http://www.ncwd-youth.info/– this link gives you access to all of the resources they have developed on the topic…you can download, print, order a hard copy…