Pennsylvania Secondary Transition Guide

Resources

Employment

Exploring Careers: Information for Parents of Students With Disabilities: This document provides information regarding career awareness, exploration, and development.
PYLN Secondary Transition Toolkit 2012: The Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) has created secondary transition toolkit to assist youth in their transition into the adult world. The best thing about the toolkit is that it was written and designed by youth with disabilities who are members of the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) for youth. It can also be used with families and professionals as a youth-friendly Toolkit for transition.
Autism Transition Handbook 1-Pager: The flyer explains that the goal of the Autism Transition Handbook is to establish a community of practice that supports individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families with access to the most current and comprehensive information on transition services in Pennsylvania. (Also see Autism Transition Handbook Website)
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation: The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, or OVR, provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. This document provides guidance on how to begin establishing a relationship with OVR.
CareerOneStop Videos: Videos showing the types of work people do in nearly 550 careers, including videos for the 16 career clusters recognized by the Department of Education. These videos are captioned.
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry:Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR): The mission of OVR is to assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities to obtain and keep a job. OVR is an eligibility-based program. Services are provided by vocational rehabilitation counselors in 21 local district offices across the state.
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, PA Department of Labor and Industry (website)
Employment Kit for Individuals with Autism: This kit provides tools and tips while looking for a job. As an adult on the autism spectrum, you have strengths and abilities that employers are just beginning to understand. Therefore, this toolkit is a guide to help you research, find and keep employment in the current, competitive labor market.
Transition Skills Guidelines for Youth and Young Adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: This resources from Gallaudet University's Laurent Clerc Center National Deaf Education Center provides K-12 Guidelines regarding transition related skills for youth and young adults who are deaf/hard of hearing.
Obtaining and Maintaining Successful Employment: A Young Adult Perspective: This PowerPoint was presented at the 2013 PA Community of Practice On Transition. Session 404 on Thursday, July 25, 2013. It outlines suggestions for successful employment from a young adult perspective.
From IEP to IPE: Crossing the Bridge: This panel presentation including a young adult, will help young adults with disabilities and their families understand the differences between the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that is used in school and the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that young adults with a disability develops with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) as they transition from high school to employment. Learn the INs and OUTs of working with OVR, including the supports provided by the Client Assistance Program (CAP) on how to self advocate in IPE development and throughout the OVR process. As part of the presentation, the presenters will follow a young girl named "Penny" as she transitions from high school graduation to adult life.
Obtaining and Maintaining Successful Employment: A Young Adult Perspective (Webinar): In this webinar session, young adults with varying disabilities will discuss how they have obtained and maintained employment. This presentation will provide strategies and resources that youth, families, and professionals can utilize to actively engage in the transition process from school to real work for real pay.
Labor Laws (Effective Practices): Community-based vocational training and work experiences provide youth and young adults with a solid foundation for lifelong employment success. In order to implement and maintain employment-based programs it is important for educators, agency staff, and service providers to have an understanding of the relevant state and federal labor laws related to employment. This session will present information regarding the current labor laws and will provide resources to assist in developing and maintaining a work based learning program.
Autism Transition Handbook Website: The goal of the Autism Transition Handbook Website (wiki) is to assist individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families by providing access to the most current and comprehensive information on the transition to adulthood.
Choosing a Job - A First Step to Success: Choosing a job is one of the most difficult things you will do in your lifetime. This booklet developed by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) will help you decide on the right job for you.
Pennsylvania Work Incentives Planning Assistance: Most people don’t know that when a person qualifies for disability related benefits from the Social Security Administration (Social Security) such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it does not mean they cannot work. For transition aged youth, Social Security offers specific work incentives that might help them while in high school or college. This document provides information regarding work incentive counseling that is available in Pennsylvania for transition age youth.
Helen Keller National Center: The Helen Keller National Center provides information for youth and young adults who are deaf-blind. Information about training for employment and independent living is available, along with general information about deaf-blindness.
Hiram G. Andrews Center: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services: The Hiram G. Andrews Center provides a comprehensive program of services featuring the integration of education on campus at the Commonwealth Technical Institute, counseling, evaluation and physical restoration in a barrier-free environment. The Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services unit, under the direction of a vocational rehabilitation manager, includes a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf and certified interpreters.
Map It! What Comes Next (for students who are deaf or hard of hearing): This is a free, online, interactive training designed for transition-aged students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The training utilizes three questions: 1. Who Am I?, 2. What Do I Want?, 3. How Do I Get There? Video vignettes signed in ASL with spoken English and written transcription, self assessments, and a series of interactive questions guide students as they identify their goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
Getting Hired: This is a site for job seekers and employers with career tools including career assessment, job recommendations and interview training with captioned videos.
Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing: The Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ODHH) is an office within the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry that serves all 67 counties. ODHH is your first stop on the path to learn about anything and everything related to hearing loss, such as services, technology, sign language interpreters, or laws that require equal access for people who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing.
Overview of Labor Laws and Employment Related Issues PowerPoint: This PowerPoint accompanied the March 9, 2016 webinar regarding an Overview of Labor Laws in Pennsylvania
Child Labor Law Abstract: This document is an abstract of the child labor act hours provisions in Pennsylvania
April 27, 2016 COP Transition Webinar Assistive Technology for Youth with Complex Needs: This PowerPoint accompanied the April 27, 2016 Transition COP webinar regarding Assistive Technology for Youth with Complex Needs. Assistive Technology (AT) is an essential component of success for transition-age students with complex needs. Students who have the opportunity to experience and use a variety of tools in school for such tasks as communication, organization, navigation, and recall are more likely to transition successfully to adult life. This session will provide participants with a fresh perspective on the role of AT in transition as well as provide guiding questions and suggestions for addressing AT during multiple points throughout IEP development.
Supports and Resources Provided Through the Center for Workforce Information & Analysis: Recorded at the 2016 PA Community on Transition Conference, this session addresses resources and supports provided by the PA Center for Workforce Information and Analysis including: Occupational Data Sets, High Priority Occupations, PA Career Guides and Pennsylvania’s Job Gateway system. Included in this interactive session is a description and demonstration on the basics of Job Gateway including: how to set up a profile in Job Gateway, how to create or upload a resume, how to search for and apply for jobs, and how to use the system to locate employers, or suitable internship or apprenticeship opportunities.
Customized Employment: Family 1-Pager Guide: Customized employment is a flexible process designed to personalize the employment relationship between a job candidate and an employer in a way that meets the needs of both. This family friendly 1-pager guide describes customized employment.
Job Skills: Family 1-Pager Guide: Learning and practicing job skills while youth are still in schools helps youth with disabilities to be more successful at finding and maintaining employment. This family friendly 1-page guide describes skills for youth that lead to success in the workplace.
Preparing for Employment: Family 1-Pager Guide: When family members have high academic and employment expectations for their children with disabilities, the youth experience greater success in those critical areas. This family friendly 1-page guide addresses considerations for youth employability and the importance of work for youth with disabilities.
The Importance of Employment_Family 1-Pager Guide: This family friendly 1-page guide provides family members with discussion topics to review with their youth specific to the importance of employment.
TD Employment: This Section of the Transition Discoveries Guide addresses effective practices for Employment

Resources

Self Determination

PYLN Secondary Transition Toolkit 2012: The Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) has created secondary transition toolkit to assist youth in their transition into the adult world. The best thing about the toolkit is that it was written and designed by youth with disabilities who are members of the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) for youth. It can also be used with families and professionals as a youth-friendly Toolkit for transition.
From Entitlement to Eligibility 2012: From Entitlement to Eligibility: Differences Between Public Education and Post-Secondary Education for Individuals With Disabilities. This resource guide provides a side-by-side comparison of the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act (IDEIA 2004) and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
Transitioning to College Tip Sheet for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Transitioning from high school to a post-secondary educational environment is exciting but challenging for all students. Students who are deaf or hard of hearing often face different and greater challenges than typical students. This PEPNet tip sheet is one in a series of publications that addresses services provided to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. It discusses the challenges faced during the transition from high school to the post-secondary educational environment. It also addresses many questions that deaf students, in particular, may have about this period of transition.
Minnesota Compensatory Skills Checklist for Students with Hearing Loss: This resource from Minnesota provides a compensatory skills checklist for youth and young adults who are deaf or have a hearing loss
School and Family Transition Assessment Tool for Youth and Young Adults with a Diagnosis of Deaf/Blindness: This resources is a reflective school and family transition assessment tool for youth and young adults with a diagnosis of deaf/blindness
Transition Skills Guidelines for Youth and Young Adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: This resources from Gallaudet University's Laurent Clerc Center National Deaf Education Center provides K-12 Guidelines regarding transition related skills for youth and young adults who are deaf/hard of hearing.
Obtaining and Maintaining Successful Employment: A Young Adult Perspective: This PowerPoint was presented at the 2013 PA Community of Practice On Transition. Session 404 on Thursday, July 25, 2013. It outlines suggestions for successful employment from a young adult perspective.
Obtaining and Maintaining Successful Employment: A Young Adult Perspective (Webinar): In this webinar session, young adults with varying disabilities will discuss how they have obtained and maintained employment. This presentation will provide strategies and resources that youth, families, and professionals can utilize to actively engage in the transition process from school to real work for real pay.
Understanding Secondary Transition: PYLN and YSI Webinar: This PYLN webinar provides youth with information regarding planning for their future. Included in this session will be information regarding the secondary transition process and goal setting.
The History of Centers for Independent Living: This session developed and presented by members of the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network is designed to provide youth and young adults with an overview of the disability rights movement and the importance of engaging in a Center for Independent Living (CIL). CILs are non-profit organizations and are located throughout Pennsylvania. CILs, whose staffs and boards are composed of 51% or more of persons with disabilities, provide four core services including information and referral, advocacy, peer mentoring and independent living skills training.
Accessible Instructional Materials - Guide: This resource is a guide to Accessible Instructional Materials
Assistive Technology in the IEP: This resource provides information regarding how to incorporate Assistive Technology in the IEP.
Be A Superstar - Take the Survey: This YouTube video and supplementary resources are designed to encourage students and families to complete post-school outcomes surveys. Versions are available for youth and parents and in English and Spanish.
Self Determination for Youth in Transition (Youth): Building youth self-advocacy is a critical component of effective transition programs. No matter what their post-secondary goals are, youth with disabilities need to be able to identify their unique strengths and needs, accept their disabilities, set goals (self-determination), and advocate for the supports and accommodations that they need to be successful (self-advocacy). Educators, parents, agency providers, and youth themselves each play a unique role in the development of self-advocacy and self-determination skills. This webinar is framed from the Youth Perspective.
Self Determination for Youth in Transition (Families): Building youth self-advocacy is a critical component of effective transition programs. No matter what their post-secondary goals are, youth with disabilities need to be able to identify their unique strengths and needs, accept their disabilities, set goals (self-determination), and advocate for the supports and accommodations that they need to be successful (self-advocacy). Educators, parents, agency providers, and youth themselves each play a unique role in the development of self-advocacy and self-determination skills. This webinar is framed from the Parent Perspective.
Universal Design for Learning (Youth): Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an instructional approach that provides multiple avenues for students to access the general education curriculum. Based on the principles of architectural design, UDL considers the variations in student learning preferences before designing instruction, rather than “retrofitting” instruction to accommodate student diversity. UDL is a foundational component of a three-tiered model of college and career readiness for all students. UDL offers unique opportunities to support students with disabilities, both inside and outside the classroom. This webinar is designed for youth.
Universal Design for Learning (Families): Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an instructional approach that provides multiple avenues for students to access the general education curriculum. Based on the principles of architectural design, UDL considers the variations in student learning preferences before designing instruction, rather than “retrofitting” instruction to accommodate student diversity. UDL is a foundational component of a three-tiered model of college and career readiness for all students. UDL offers unique opportunities to support students with disabilities, both inside and outside the classroom. This webinar is designed for families.
Supporting Decision Making: The freedom to make decisions which affect our lives is a fundamental right that each of us should enjoy. The decisions and choices that we make are a reflection of who we are as individuals. They allow us to express our views, our personalities, our desires and goals as well as to reflect what we think is important in life. Through these choices and decisions we can pursue the lifestyles that we want. Supporting decision making: A guide to supporting people with a disability to make their own decisions, published by Disability Services Division Victorian Government Department Human Services, Victoria, Australia has been developed to assist support workers and supporters of people with a disability to understand rights and responsibilities with regard to decision making. It is also intended to give people with a disability a platform from which to understand and reinforce their right to make decisions.
March 19, 2015 - Transition Tools of Engagement for Youth and Young Adults: Self-determination and self-advocacy are keys to youth and young adults success as they transition from high school to adult life. This session, presented in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) and the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL), provided information regarding resources and strategies to enhance active youth engagement
Planning for the Future Checklist: 21 and Able (an initiative of the United Way of Allegheny County) in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, PaTTAN, local school districts, family members, youth, and community agencies created the Planning for the Future Checklist. The checklist is available in both English and Spanish. The checklist is designed to support youth with disabilities, as well as their family and IEP team members, to ensure they are reviewing all aspects of transition planning at age appropriate intervals.
Explore Your Future: Deaf and Hard of Hearing high school students: Explore Your Future (EYF) is a six-day career exploration program at Rochester Institute of Technology for college-bound deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students who will be in their junior or senior year. This program focuses on personal growth and career awareness for students as they begin to think about college
Hands and Voices: Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Hand & Voices provides non-biased information about communication methodologies and believes that families can make the best choices for their child if they have access to good information and support.
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA): The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is an organization representing people with hearing loss. The website has information on advocacy and also has an online community of young adults.
Hiram G. Andrews Center: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services: The Hiram G. Andrews Center provides a comprehensive program of services featuring the integration of education on campus at the Commonwealth Technical Institute, counseling, evaluation and physical restoration in a barrier-free environment. The Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services unit, under the direction of a vocational rehabilitation manager, includes a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf and certified interpreters.
Map It! What Comes Next (for students who are deaf or hard of hearing): This is a free, online, interactive training designed for transition-aged students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The training utilizes three questions: 1. Who Am I?, 2. What Do I Want?, 3. How Do I Get There? Video vignettes signed in ASL with spoken English and written transcription, self assessments, and a series of interactive questions guide students as they identify their goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
Getting Hired: This is a site for job seekers and employers with career tools including career assessment, job recommendations and interview training with captioned videos.
National Association of the Deaf: The mission of the National Association of the Deaf is to preserve, promote and protect the civil, human and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States.
Success for Kids with Hearing Loss: This is a website for professionals and family members seeking more information about the learning and social issues of children with hearing loss and what one can do to better support the future success of these children. Some of the resources are available at no cost and some are available for a fee. These are designed to be easy to understand quickly, and practical to use.
Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing: The Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ODHH) is an office within the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry that serves all 67 counties. ODHH is your first stop on the path to learn about anything and everything related to hearing loss, such as services, technology, sign language interpreters, or laws that require equal access for people who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing.
Discover Your Future: A summer program designed for 10th - 12th grade college-bound deaf and hard of hearing students who want to learn more about themselves, their skills, and potential careers.
Integrated Youth Development and Youth Leadership Webinar PowerPoint: Self-determination and self-advocacy are keys to youth and young adults success as they transition from high school to adult life. This session, presented in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) and the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL), will provided information regarding resources and strategies to enhance active, integrated youth engagement and leadership.
Been There Done That: Recorded at the 2016 PA Community on Transition Conference, a panel made up of young adults, family members, and support people provide insight into young peoples’ journeys through the transition years; where the students are now; and the youths' future plans.
Building the Bridge to 21st Century Transitions: Methods, Materials, and Strategies to Promote Self-Determination: Recorded at the 2016 PA Community on Transition Conference, this session overviews research and evidence-based practices to promote the self-determination of students with disabilities, enhance student involvement in transition planning, and to assess self-determination. Attendees will be provided information about resources that will enable them to implement effective practices to promote self-determination and promote student involvement in planning.
Self-Determination and Strengths-Based Approaches to Disability: A Bridge for 21st Century Transitions: Recorded at the 2016 PA Community on Transition Conference, this session examines self-determination, its application to the field of transition, and the central role of self-determination in newly emerging strengths-based models of disability. The session overviews research on self-determination and student involvement in education and transition planning and explores how changing understandings of disability are impacting the education of students with and without disabilities.
I'm a Leader: The Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) through a grant supported by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) has partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) to make youth leadership opportunities easier to find, teach, and learn about for all youth across Pennsylvania. All youth deserve the chance to learn about and experience leadership.
Understanding Self-Advocacy: Family 1-Pager Guide: Self-advocacy means that a person understands her/his rights and responsibilities. This family friendly 1-page guide provides family members basic information to share with their youth about self-advocacy.
TD - Transition Planning: This Section of the Transition Discoveries Guide addresses effective practices for Secondary Transition Planning
TD Youth Development: This Section of the Transition Discoveries Guide addresses effective practices for Youth Development
TD Person/Family Directed: This Section of the Transition Discoveries Guide addresses effective practices for Person/Family Directed Activities
TD Family Engagment: This Section of the Transition Discoveries Guide addresses effective practices for Family Engagement
TD Relationships: This Section of the Transition Discoveries Guide addresses effective practices for Relationships
TD Independent Living: This Section of the Transition Discoveries Guide addresses effective practices for Independent Living
TD Cross Agency Collaboration: This Section of the Transition Discoveries Guide addresses effective practices for Cross Agency Collaboration
TD Employment: This Section of the Transition Discoveries Guide addresses effective practices for Employment
TD Post-Secondary Education: This Section of the Transition Discoveries Guide addresses effective practices for Post-Secondary Education
Transition Discoveries Guide Cover Page: Transition Discoveries Guide Cover Page

Resources

Recreation

PYLN Secondary Transition Toolkit 2012: The Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) has created secondary transition toolkit to assist youth in their transition into the adult world. The best thing about the toolkit is that it was written and designed by youth with disabilities who are members of the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) for youth. It can also be used with families and professionals as a youth-friendly Toolkit for transition.
PYLN Secondary Healthcare Transition Toolkit 2012: The Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) has created secondary healthcare toolkit to assist youth in their transition into the adult world. The best thing about the toolkit is that it was written and designed by youth with disabilities who are members of the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) for youth. It can also be used with families and professionals as a youth-friendly toolkit for transition.
Pennsylvania Recreation and Leisure Guide

Resources

Health Care

PYLN Secondary Transition Toolkit 2012: The Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) has created secondary transition toolkit to assist youth in their transition into the adult world. The best thing about the toolkit is that it was written and designed by youth with disabilities who are members of the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) for youth. It can also be used with families and professionals as a youth-friendly Toolkit for transition.
PYLN Secondary Healthcare Transition Toolkit 2012: The Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) has created secondary healthcare toolkit to assist youth in their transition into the adult world. The best thing about the toolkit is that it was written and designed by youth with disabilities who are members of the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) for youth. It can also be used with families and professionals as a youth-friendly toolkit for transition.
Transition to Adult Living in Pennsylvania: Transition Health Care Checklist: The Pennsylvania Department of Health resource is a comprehensive resource designed to assist youth and families in making a successful transition to adult life. The document features special focuses on health and health related issues.
Communication Passport In Case of an Emergency: This document is designed to assist an individual with a disability to communicate information in case of an emergency.
Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities: This document provides information regarding how to prepare for a disaster for people with disabilities and other special needs.
Emergency Readiness Checklist for Individuals with a Disability: Emergency Readiness Checklist for Individuals with a Disability
Successful Health Transitions (Effective Practices): As youth and young adults transition from school to adult life, planning based on health concerns is an integral aspect and is closely intertwined with success in post-secondary education, independent living, and community living goals. Success in these arenas requires that youth be as healthy and independent as possible in managing their health and medical related conditions. This webinar will address the importance of planning for health care needs in the secondary transition process; special concerns and community resources for particular complex health conditions; and provide examples of “best practices” in health planning in the transition process.
Pennsylvania Medical Home Initiative: A Medical Home is not a building, a house, or a hospital, it is an approach to health care that emphasizes the partnership between pediatric clinicians and families, providing care for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) that is accessible, coordinated, continuous, compassionate, comprehensive, culturally-effective, and family centered.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Training: Online Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Training for self-advocates, direct care workers and the general public is available through the KEPRO Southwest Health Care Quality Unit (KEPRO-HCQU)

Resources

School

PYLN Secondary Transition Toolkit 2012: The Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) has created secondary transition toolkit to assist youth in their transition into the adult world. The best thing about the toolkit is that it was written and designed by youth with disabilities who are members of the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) for youth. It can also be used with families and professionals as a youth-friendly Toolkit for transition.
Autism Transition Handbook 1-Pager: The flyer explains that the goal of the Autism Transition Handbook is to establish a community of practice that supports individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families with access to the most current and comprehensive information on transition services in Pennsylvania. (Also see Autism Transition Handbook Website)
Least Restrictive Environment: What IDEA Says About LRE: This document provides a user friendly overview of what IDEA says about Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The document was developed by the Parent Education Network.
Secondary Transition Road Map: This document offers a road map for students navigating the secondary transition process that prepares students for adult life after they leave high school. Transition planning begins at age 14 as students explore and discover what they want their post-school outcomes to be through career awareness exploration activities.
Getting It Right In the IEP: This document provides a step-by-step explanation on how to ensure that each section of an IEP for a student of transition age is appropriately completed.
Inclusive Practices for Students Ages 14-21: Considerations and Concepts: All students ages 14-21 who have Individual Education Plans (IEP) are required to be involved in a transition process in school. This document outlines examples of an inclusive framework for transition planning
What Administrators Need to Know: This brief document describes for families, youth and educators, the basics of what administrators need to know about secondary transition planning for youth, ages 14 and beyond.
Secondary Transition Frequently Asked Questions: A series of questions regarding the planning and application of secondary transition services and activities. The questions were generated from educators, administrators and other educational professionals from the field.
What Families Need to Know: This brief document describes for families, youth and educators the basics of what families need to know about secondary transition planning for youth ages 14 years and beyond.
Summary of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance: The Summary of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (SAAFP) contains a summary of the student’s academic and functional performance, as well as recommendations on how to assist the student in meeting postsecondary goals.
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, PA Department of Labor and Industry (website)
Supplementary Aids and Services Fact Sheet: Supplementary aids and services means aids, services, and other supports that are provided in general education classes, other education-related settings, and in extracurricular and nonacademic settings, to enable children with disabilities to be educated with non-disabled children to the maximum extent appropriate in accordance with The purpose of providing supplementary aids and services is to support students with disabilities as active participants with non-disabled peers, as well as to enable their access to the general curriculum.
Minnesota Compensatory Skills Checklist for Students with Hearing Loss: This resource from Minnesota provides a compensatory skills checklist for youth and young adults who are deaf or have a hearing loss
Effective Practices for Successful Post-Secondary Outcomes: The Pennsylvania State Model: This PowerPoint that outlines Pennsylvania's current state model for secondary transition was presented at the 2013 PA Community on Transition Conference on July 25, 2013.
Easing the Transition to College: Tools to Help you Get your Students to College: While millions of students make the transition from high school to college each year, the information required to help a student get to college continues to get more complicated. Materials to help career and technical instructors assist students to earn Students Occupationally and Academically Ready/Program of Study (SOAR/POS) free college credits and information to help school counselors aid parents and students in selecting a college, completing the preparation steps, and actually transitioning to college are collected on a single Pennsylvania-focused website. This website, www.GettingThemThere.com, is a single entry point in finding everything the instructor, counselor, parent or student needs to support a student from a Pennsylvania high school/Career and Technical Center to college. This session will provide an overview of this web-based resource for Pennsylvania educators.
Accessible Instructional Materials - Guide: This resource is a guide to Accessible Instructional Materials
Assistive Technology in the IEP: This resource provides information regarding how to incorporate Assistive Technology in the IEP.
Be A Superstar - Take the Survey: This YouTube video and supplementary resources are designed to encourage students and families to complete post-school outcomes surveys. Versions are available for youth and parents and in English and Spanish.
Universal Design for Learning (Youth): Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an instructional approach that provides multiple avenues for students to access the general education curriculum. Based on the principles of architectural design, UDL considers the variations in student learning preferences before designing instruction, rather than “retrofitting” instruction to accommodate student diversity. UDL is a foundational component of a three-tiered model of college and career readiness for all students. UDL offers unique opportunities to support students with disabilities, both inside and outside the classroom. This webinar is designed for youth.
Universal Design for Learning (Families): Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an instructional approach that provides multiple avenues for students to access the general education curriculum. Based on the principles of architectural design, UDL considers the variations in student learning preferences before designing instruction, rather than “retrofitting” instruction to accommodate student diversity. UDL is a foundational component of a three-tiered model of college and career readiness for all students. UDL offers unique opportunities to support students with disabilities, both inside and outside the classroom. This webinar is designed for families.
January 28, 2015 Webinar PPT- Career and Technical Education and Special Education -
Understanding Career and Technical Education and Special Education: What IEP Teams Need to Know
CTE Informational Booklet
CTE- "I" Statements
CTE - Online Resources - A Reference Guide
CTE and Special Education Question and Answer Document
Autism Transition Handbook Website: The goal of the Autism Transition Handbook Website (wiki) is to assist individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families by providing access to the most current and comprehensive information on the transition to adulthood.
Planning for the Future Checklist: 21 and Able (an initiative of the United Way of Allegheny County) in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, PaTTAN, local school districts, family members, youth, and community agencies created the Planning for the Future Checklist. The checklist is available in both English and Spanish. The checklist is designed to support youth with disabilities, as well as their family and IEP team members, to ensure they are reviewing all aspects of transition planning at age appropriate intervals.
Effective Practices in Secondary Transition for Youth who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing - Jan. 22, 2014: Transitioning from high school to a post-secondary educational, employment, and/or community environment is exciting but challenging for all individuals. Youth and young adults who are deaf or hard of hearing often face different and greater challenges than their peers. This webinar will present information regarding effective practice programs and services that are targeted specifically for transition age youth and young adults who are deaf or hard of hearing.
April 27, 2016 COP Transition Webinar Assistive Technology for Youth with Complex Needs: This PowerPoint accompanied the April 27, 2016 Transition COP webinar regarding Assistive Technology for Youth with Complex Needs. Assistive Technology (AT) is an essential component of success for transition-age students with complex needs. Students who have the opportunity to experience and use a variety of tools in school for such tasks as communication, organization, navigation, and recall are more likely to transition successfully to adult life. This session will provide participants with a fresh perspective on the role of AT in transition as well as provide guiding questions and suggestions for addressing AT during multiple points throughout IEP development.
I'm a Leader: The Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) through a grant supported by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) has partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) to make youth leadership opportunities easier to find, teach, and learn about for all youth across Pennsylvania. All youth deserve the chance to learn about and experience leadership.

Resources

Agencies

PYLN Secondary Transition Toolkit 2012: The Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) has created secondary transition toolkit to assist youth in their transition into the adult world. The best thing about the toolkit is that it was written and designed by youth with disabilities who are members of the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) for youth. It can also be used with families and professionals as a youth-friendly Toolkit for transition.
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation: The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, or OVR, provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. This document provides guidance on how to begin establishing a relationship with OVR.
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, PA Department of Labor and Industry (website)
Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT): Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) strives to enhance the lives of all Pennsylvanians with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians, and their families, through access to and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services, which allow for choice, control and independence at home, work, school, play, and in their neighborhoods. This website directs the user to PAIT's resources and services.
2013-14 - PA COP Webinars
2015-16 Secondary Transition Directory: This is the current 2015-16 directory of secondary transition resources in Pennsylvania. This directory includes information regarding education and agency contacts at the state, regional and local levels.
Delaware County Agencies Guide: This document contains agency resource information for Delaware County.
York County Agency Directory: This document contains a list of agency resources in York county
Butler County Agency Resource Directory: This document list the agency resources in Butler County
Lawrence County Resource Directory: This document contains agency resources information for Lawrence County
Mercer County Resource Directory: This document contains agency resource information for Mercer County
Blair County Family Resource Guide: This document contains information regarding resources for families in Blair County
Cameron and Elk County Youth Consortium: This document contains information regarding the Cameron and Elk County Youth Consortium
York County Transition Coordinating Council: This document contains information regarding the York County Local Transition Coordinating Council
McKean County Youth Consortium: This document contains information regarding the McKean County Youth Consortium.
Potter County Youth Consortium: This document contains information regarding the Potter County Youth Consortium.
Lackawanna County Agencies Contact Information: This document contains agency contact information for Lackawanna County
Chester County Transition Guide: This document contains information regarding secondary transition and agency contacts for Chester County
Armstrong-Indiana Counties Transition Council: This document contains information regarding the Armstrong and Indiana Counties Transition Council
Bucks County Resource Directory
Cameron County Resource Directory: This document contains a list of agency contacts and resources in Cameron County
Elk County Resource Directory: This document contains a list of agency contacts and resources in Elk County
McKean County Agency Resource Guide: This document contains a list of agency contacts and resources in McKean County
Potter County Agency Resource Directory: This document contains a list of agency contacts and resources in Potter County
Greene County Agency and Resources Directory: This document contains agencies and resources located in Greene County
Washington County Agency and Resources Directory: This document contains agency contacts and resources located in Washington County
Pike - Delaware Valley Transition Council: This document contains information regarding the Pike-Delaware Valley Transition Council
Cambria County Agency and Resource Directory: This document contains agency contact information and resources located in Cambria County
Somerset County Agency and Resource Directory: This document contains information regarding agencies and resources located in Somerset County
Adams County Transition Council: This document contains information regarding the Adams County Transition Council
Allegheny County-Pittsburgh Public SD - LTCC: This document contains information regarding the Allegheny County-Pittsburgh Public SD Transition Council
Northeast Educational Intermediate Unit Transition Coordinating Council: This document contains information regarding the Northeast Educational Intermediate Unit Transition Coordinating Council. This transition council serves Lackawanna, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties.
Centre County Transition Coordinating Council: This document contains information regarding the Centre County Transition Coordinating Council.
Clearfield County Transition Coordinating Council: This document contains information regarding the Clearfield County Transition Coordinating Council
Clinton County Transition Coordinating Council: This document contains information regarding the Clinton County Transition Coordinating Council
Chester County Transition Council: This document contains information regarding the Chester County Transition Council
Fulton County Local Transition Council: This document contains information regarding the Fulton County Transition Council
Huntingdon County Transition Council: This document contains information regarding the Huntingdon County Transition Council
Juniata County Transition Council: This document contains information regarding the Juniata Transition Council
Mifflin County Transition Council: This document contains information regarding the Mifflin County Transition Council
Bradford-Sullivan Counties Transition Council: This document contains information regarding the Bradford-Sullivan Transition Council
Lycoming County Transition Council: This document contains information regarding the Lycoming Transition Council
Tioga County Transition Council: This document contains information regarding the Tioga County Transition Council
Labor Laws (Effective Practices): Community-based vocational training and work experiences provide youth and young adults with a solid foundation for lifelong employment success. In order to implement and maintain employment-based programs it is important for educators, agency staff, and service providers to have an understanding of the relevant state and federal labor laws related to employment. This session will present information regarding the current labor laws and will provide resources to assist in developing and maintaining a work based learning program.
Connecting with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation: This webinar sponsored by PYLN presented an overview of services and supports provided by the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Adam's County Community Resource Directory: This document contains a list of agency resources in Adam's county
OVR School to Work Q and A
OVR - Project SEARCH
OVR Transition Guide for Professionals
Butler County Transition Council
Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council Overview: This document provides an overview of the resources and services provided by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council
Washington County LTCC 01.2016: Washington County LTCC description and 2015.16 calendar
2015.16 Monroe Northampton LTCC: Monroe Northampton LTCC description and 2015.16 Calendar
Monroe, Northampton, Pike Co CIU 20 Transition Resource Guide 2015: This resource describes the Transition Resource Guide for Monroe, Northampton and Pike Counties in Colonial IU 20.
Warren County LTCC Co-Chairmen: This document contains the information for Forest/Warren Human Services and Beacon Light Behavioral Health System
IU13 Transition Supports and Resources: This site includes information regarding the Lancaster and Lebanon TCC meetings.
NARIC Articles on Traumatic Head Injury: Articles, Books, Reports and Links from National Rehabilitation Information Center on Traumatic Brain Injury
Greene County LTCC: Meeting Dates and times
Fayette County LTCC: Fayette County LTCC 2015-16 Descriptions and Meeting Dates
Pennsylvania Work Incentives Planning Assistance: Most people don’t know that when a person qualifies for disability related benefits from the Social Security Administration (Social Security) such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it does not mean they cannot work. For transition aged youth, Social Security offers specific work incentives that might help them while in high school or college. This document provides information regarding work incentive counseling that is available in Pennsylvania for transition age youth.
2015-16 COP Webinar Series - Navigating Financial Considerations for Secondary Transition: SSA and Waivers: There are a number of financial issues that need to be understood and considered as a youth transitions from school to adult life. During this session, information regarding the Social Security Administration and related work incentives offered through SSA will be presenter. This session will also address issues related to Medical Home and Community Based Services Waivers.
Alexander Graham Bell Association: College Transitions: Three college graduates who are deaf or hard of hearing share their perspectives on researching, choosing and transitioning into a college or university.
Hands and Voices: Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Hand & Voices provides non-biased information about communication methodologies and believes that families can make the best choices for their child if they have access to good information and support.
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA): The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is an organization representing people with hearing loss. The website has information on advocacy and also has an online community of young adults.
National Technical Institute for the Deaf: The primary mission of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf is to provide deaf and hard of hearing students with outstanding state of the art technical and professional education programs, complemented by a strong arts and science curriculum, that prepares them to live and work in the mainstream of a rapidly changing global community and enhance their lifelong learning.
Allegheny County City of Pittsburgh TCC Brochure
Central Susquehanna Transition Alliance LTCC: Local Transition Councils serving Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Union, Snyder Counties.
Wayne County Resource Directory: This document contains the description and Information of resources in Wayne County.
Special Kids Network Home Service Program Flyer: This document has information regarding the SKN Home Service Programs.
Special Kids Network Parent Board Flyer: This documents gives parents or caregivers of a child with special needs information of services available.
Special Kids Network Regional Coordinator Districts: This document is a map of each region and contact information.
Special Kids Network Home Service Program Flyer Spanish: This flyer has the information for Home Service Programs in Spanish
Special Kids Network Parent Board Flyer in Spanish: This flyer gives parents and caregivers of a child with special needs information in spanish
National Association of the Deaf: The mission of the National Association of the Deaf is to preserve, promote and protect the civil, human and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States.
Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf: The mission of PSAD is to work to maximize the participation and productivity of its Deaf and Hard of Hearing Citizens within the larger society of Pennsylvania through education, advocacy and services.
Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing: The Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ODHH) is an office within the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry that serves all 67 counties. ODHH is your first stop on the path to learn about anything and everything related to hearing loss, such as services, technology, sign language interpreters, or laws that require equal access for people who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing.
Pennsylvania Partnership for the Deaf-Blind (PPDB): The PPDB exists to provide support for individuals with deafblindness and their families through a family-driven network. We support our members as they deal with the daily issues of life. PPDB has developed a guide to assist with transition which is available on their site.
Overview of the Workforce & Opportunity Act Webinar PowerPoint: This webinar addresses the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) that was signed into law in July of 2014. There were significant changes as a result of WIOA that will be discussed during this webinar. Specific emphasis will focus on Title IV of WIOA that re-authorized the Rehabilitation Act, the governing legislation for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). This PowerPoint was utilized during this presentation session.
Bedford County Local Transition Resources 2015-16
Bedford County LTCC
Luzerne and Wyoming County LTCC
Making the Connections with Local Transition Coordinating Webinar PowerPoint: This PowerPoint was utilized during the March 23, 2016 webinar - Making the Connections with Local Transition Coordinating Councils. There are over fifty Local Transition Coordinating Councils (LTCCs) throughout Pennsylvania that provide trainings, resources, and supports to youth, families, and professionals involved in the secondary transition process. During this session, LTCCs’ projects, products, and activities will be shared. This session will also feature strategies to strengthen your LTCC’s efforts.
Schuylkill County Transition Council: Schuylkill County TCC Information
Allegheny County City of Pittsburgh TCCAC Brochure: Allegheny County and City of Pittsburgh TCC
Franklin County: Franklin County Transition Resources LIU 12
Franklin County Human Services Directory: Franklin County Human Resources Directory 2016.17
Adams York Resource Directory 2016
Franklin County TCC
2016.17 Secondary Transition Directory
TD Cross Agency Collaboration: This Section of the Transition Discoveries Guide addresses effective practices for Cross Agency Collaboration

Resources

Community Living

PYLN Secondary Transition Toolkit 2012: The Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) has created secondary transition toolkit to assist youth in their transition into the adult world. The best thing about the toolkit is that it was written and designed by youth with disabilities who are members of the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) for youth. It can also be used with families and professionals as a youth-friendly Toolkit for transition.
PYLN Secondary Healthcare Transition Toolkit 2012: The Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) has created secondary healthcare toolkit to assist youth in their transition into the adult world. The best thing about the toolkit is that it was written and designed by youth with disabilities who are members of the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) for youth. It can also be used with families and professionals as a youth-friendly toolkit for transition.
Autism Transition Handbook 1-Pager: The flyer explains that the goal of the Autism Transition Handbook is to establish a community of practice that supports individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families with access to the most current and comprehensive information on transition services in Pennsylvania. (Also see Autism Transition Handbook Website)
Secondary Transition Road Map: This document offers a road map for students navigating the secondary transition process that prepares students for adult life after they leave high school. Transition planning begins at age 14 as students explore and discover what they want their post-school outcomes to be through career awareness exploration activities.
Transition to Adult Living in Pennsylvania: Transition Health Care Checklist: The Pennsylvania Department of Health resource is a comprehensive resource designed to assist youth and families in making a successful transition to adult life. The document features special focuses on health and health related issues.
Secondary Transition Frequently Asked Questions: A series of questions regarding the planning and application of secondary transition services and activities. The questions were generated from educators, administrators and other educational professionals from the field.
Housing Services for Independent Living: This webinar addresses various provisions in PA's Home & Community Based Service Waivers that need to be considered in developing independent living models, including the 30 hour rule under the Consolidated waiver, the 50 hour rule under the Autism waiver and community integration under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) waiver. The presenters describe creative approaches to coordinating home management and supportive services including micro-boards, mini- boards, and co-ops and provide information on actual examples of these models.
Secondary Transition: Guide to Housing Options: This document provides information for youth and families regarding resources and supports that promote successful community housing options for individuals with disabilities.
Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT): Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) strives to enhance the lives of all Pennsylvanians with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians, and their families, through access to and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services, which allow for choice, control and independence at home, work, school, play, and in their neighborhoods. This website directs the user to PAIT's resources and services.
Pennsylvania Recreation and Leisure Guide
Minnesota Compensatory Skills Checklist for Students with Hearing Loss: This resource from Minnesota provides a compensatory skills checklist for youth and young adults who are deaf or have a hearing loss
Cents and Sensibility - Guide for Financial Education: This resource developed by the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation provides information concerning financial education for transition age youth and young adults
Financial Education Webinar PowerPoint - 11-20-13: Having an understanding of financial skills and money management is crucial for all youth and young adults transitioning to adult life. This session presented in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Technology Foundation (PATF) presented on November 20, 2013, provided information regarding the necessary financial skills that are needed for individuals with disabilities to live independently. Included in this presentation was information regarding the PATF’s Cents and Sensibility financial education booklet. (Also found on this website)
Communication Passport In Case of an Emergency: This document is designed to assist an individual with a disability to communicate information in case of an emergency.
Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities: This document provides information regarding how to prepare for a disaster for people with disabilities and other special needs.
Emergency Readiness Checklist for Individuals with a Disability: Emergency Readiness Checklist for Individuals with a Disability
Autism Transition Handbook Website: The goal of the Autism Transition Handbook Website (wiki) is to assist individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families by providing access to the most current and comprehensive information on the transition to adulthood.
April 1, 2015 - COP Webinar Transportation Resources and Strategies: As youth and young adults prepare to transition into post-secondary education/training, employment, and independent living opportunities, a critical aspect to maintaining success is having the knowledge and skills to safely and efficiently travel to-and-from a variety of end destinations. Direct and explicit instruction regarding transportation options to access one’s community is provided through travel instruction. This session will provide a broad overview of the established competencies to support the travel instructors’ service and instruction during community-based lessons as well as identify additional community transportation resources.
Travel Instruction Scope of Practice: The scope of practice is an official document of the Consortium for the Educational Advancement of Travel Instruction, Inc. (CEATI). This scope of practice was approved by the CEATI Board of Directors on March 1, 2010. Statement of Purpose The purpose of this document is to define the scope of practice in Travel Instruction in order to: 1. Delineate the domain of travel instruction practice that directs the focus and actions of services provided by travel instructors. 2. Delineate the dynamic process of travel instruction assessment and instructional services to achieve outcomes that support students’ function and independence in everyday activities; especially in the community. 3. Support travel instructors in the provision and delivery of high-quality, evidenced-based services to students with disabilities, other than blindness and visual impairment. 4. Inform students and the community (e.g. families, educators, other professionals, agencies, employers, health-care providers) about professional services offered by travel instructors as qualified service providers and the supports that can be provided by travel instructors to other professionals serving individuals with disabilities. 5. Provide guidance and support for educational preparation and professional development of travel instructors.
A Cost-Benefit Model for Travel Training
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY – TRAVEL INSTRUCTOR COMPETENCIES: This document contains information that Western Michigan University has developed Academic Competencies for the Effective Practice of Travel Instruction and Curriculum Areas for the Preparation of the Travel Instructor.
Helen Keller National Center: The Helen Keller National Center provides information for youth and young adults who are deaf-blind. Information about training for employment and independent living is available, along with general information about deaf-blindness.
Hiram G. Andrews Center: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services: The Hiram G. Andrews Center provides a comprehensive program of services featuring the integration of education on campus at the Commonwealth Technical Institute, counseling, evaluation and physical restoration in a barrier-free environment. The Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services unit, under the direction of a vocational rehabilitation manager, includes a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf and certified interpreters.
Pennsylvania Partnership for the Deaf-Blind (PPDB): The PPDB exists to provide support for individuals with deafblindness and their families through a family-driven network. We support our members as they deal with the daily issues of life. PPDB has developed a guide to assist with transition which is available on their site.
April 27, 2016 COP Transition Webinar Assistive Technology for Youth with Complex Needs: This PowerPoint accompanied the April 27, 2016 Transition COP webinar regarding Assistive Technology for Youth with Complex Needs. Assistive Technology (AT) is an essential component of success for transition-age students with complex needs. Students who have the opportunity to experience and use a variety of tools in school for such tasks as communication, organization, navigation, and recall are more likely to transition successfully to adult life. This session will provide participants with a fresh perspective on the role of AT in transition as well as provide guiding questions and suggestions for addressing AT during multiple points throughout IEP development.
Promoting Independent Living: Family 1-Pager Guide: There are many aspects of independence for a young person with a disability and family members to consider. This family friendly 1-page guide addresses examples of activities in the school, home, and community that parents and family members can discuss with their youth.
TD Independent Living: This Section of the Transition Discoveries Guide addresses effective practices for Independent Living

Resources

Financial

Housing Services for Independent Living: This webinar addresses various provisions in PA's Home & Community Based Service Waivers that need to be considered in developing independent living models, including the 30 hour rule under the Consolidated waiver, the 50 hour rule under the Autism waiver and community integration under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) waiver. The presenters describe creative approaches to coordinating home management and supportive services including micro-boards, mini- boards, and co-ops and provide information on actual examples of these models.
Financial Education (Effective Practies): Having an understanding of financial skills and money management is crucial for all youth and young adults transitioning to adult life. This session presented in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Technology Foundation (PATF) will present information regarding the necessary financial skills that are needed for individuals with disabilities to live independently. Included in this presentation will be information regarding the PATF’s Cents and Sensibility financial education booklet.
Pennsylvania Work Incentives Planning Assistance: Most people don’t know that when a person qualifies for disability related benefits from the Social Security Administration (Social Security) such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it does not mean they cannot work. For transition aged youth, Social Security offers specific work incentives that might help them while in high school or college. This document provides information regarding work incentive counseling that is available in Pennsylvania for transition age youth.
2015-16 COP Webinar Series - Navigating the Road to Success: Medical Assistance/Medicaid waivers and Financial Education Webinar Handout: This PowerPoint accompanied the COP series webinar Medical Assistance/Medicaid waivers and Financial Education. This webinar provided information regarding additional financial issues that need to be understood and considered as a youth transitions from school to adult life include Medical Assistance/Medicaid waivers. Information will also be presented regarding financial education strategies for transitioning age youth and young adults.
Medicaid: Waivers | Pennsylvania Health Law Project
ABLE: All You Want to Know About the New ABLE Accounts in Pennsylvania: Recorded at the 2016 PA Community on Transition Conference, this session addresses the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. ABLE gives individuals with disabilities the opportunity to establish savings accounts to help maintain their independence and control their own finances without jeopardizing government benefits. Presenters discuss the ABLE legislation in Pennsylvania and provide information about how to set up and use an account.
Promoting Employment Among Youth Who Receive Social Security Administration Benefits: Recorded at the 2016 PA Community on Transition Conference, this presentation provides attendees with an understanding of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and related government benefits, work incentives, and how “work incentive counseling” can help students, their parents, and professional educators address this critical element of transition. It is recommended that any youth who receives SSA benefits and their parent have access to work incentive counseling early in their transition planning.
Financial Fundamentals: Family 1-Pager Guide: This family friendly 1-page guide describes six topics to discuss with youth when discussing how you can managing their financial future.

Resources

Post Secondary Education

Think College: College Options for People with Intellectual Disabilities: The Think College! website is designed to share current information, provide resources and strategies, and give the users ways to talk to others. The information is for transition-age students as well as adults attending or planning for college.
Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT): Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) strives to enhance the lives of all Pennsylvanians with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians, and their families, through access to and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services, which allow for choice, control and independence at home, work, school, play, and in their neighborhoods. This website directs the user to PAIT's resources and services.
Transitioning to College Tip Sheet for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Transitioning from high school to a post-secondary educational environment is exciting but challenging for all students. Students who are deaf or hard of hearing often face different and greater challenges than typical students. This PEPNet tip sheet is one in a series of publications that addresses services provided to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. It discusses the challenges faced during the transition from high school to the post-secondary educational environment. It also addresses many questions that deaf students, in particular, may have about this period of transition.
Vocational School Tip Sheet for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: This PEPNet tip sheet provides information regarding the factors that a student who is deaf or hard of hearing should consider when choosing a professional, trade or vocational school for careers such as EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), massage therapy, firefighting, truck driving, and others?
Transition Skills Guidelines for Youth and Young Adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: This resources from Gallaudet University's Laurent Clerc Center National Deaf Education Center provides K-12 Guidelines regarding transition related skills for youth and young adults who are deaf/hard of hearing.
Reasonable Accommodations, Rights and Responsibilities in College/Tech School: During this panel presentation filled with vignettes and role plays, the presenters will follow a young girl, Penny, as she transitions from high school graduation to adult life. As we greet Penny, she has met with her OVR counselor, and with some information from an advocate at the Client Assistance Program, she has chosen a vocational goal and is looking at colleges. As Penny continues in her transition, she has some questions about differences in accommodations between high school and college/tech schools, how to advocate and obtain accommodations through disability services offices, and how to coordinate between OVR, financial aid offices, and disability services offices. One of the presenters, an attorney, will share resources concerning The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAA) as amended and the Rehabilitation Act and the protections those laws may provide in post-secondary education.
There is No IEP in College: How is Section 504 for post-secondary education different from IDEA in high schools? What accommodations will youth and young adults have at community colleges, colleges, or universities in Pennsylvania? What can I do to better prepare youth and young adults for success in college? This session will provide valuable information to youth and young adults, family members, higher education professionals, secondary educators, vocational rehabilitation professionals, and agency stakeholders.
Easing the Transition to College: Tools to Help you Get your Students to College: While millions of students make the transition from high school to college each year, the information required to help a student get to college continues to get more complicated. Materials to help career and technical instructors assist students to earn Students Occupationally and Academically Ready/Program of Study (SOAR/POS) free college credits and information to help school counselors aid parents and students in selecting a college, completing the preparation steps, and actually transitioning to college are collected on a single Pennsylvania-focused website. This website, www.GettingThemThere.com, is a single entry point in finding everything the instructor, counselor, parent or student needs to support a student from a Pennsylvania high school/Career and Technical Center to college. This session will provide an overview of this web-based resource for Pennsylvania educators.
College Resources for Students with Disabilities Guidebook: With more adaptive technologies and progressive legislature, prospective college students with disabilities have countless resources available to make the transition to higher education less stressful.
Scholarships and Fianncial Aid for Students with Disabilities Guide: We've created a complementary guide to scholarships and financial aid for students with disabilities to help students and their families better understand the vast number of financial aid options available to them. Key elements of the guide include: - A comprehensive review of all of the scholarships available, listed by disability - Amounts awarded and deadlines for each scholarship - Debt-forgiveness options for those who acquired a disability post-graduation
Assessments and Supports: Assessments and supports for youth with autism
Alexander Graham Bell Association: College Transitions: Three college graduates who are deaf or hard of hearing share their perspectives on researching, choosing and transitioning into a college or university.
Explore Your Future: Deaf and Hard of Hearing high school students: Explore Your Future (EYF) is a six-day career exploration program at Rochester Institute of Technology for college-bound deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students who will be in their junior or senior year. This program focuses on personal growth and career awareness for students as they begin to think about college
National Technical Institute for the Deaf: The primary mission of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf is to provide deaf and hard of hearing students with outstanding state of the art technical and professional education programs, complemented by a strong arts and science curriculum, that prepares them to live and work in the mainstream of a rapidly changing global community and enhance their lifelong learning.
Pepnet2: Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Pepnet2 is an organization and website dedicated to improving postsecondary outcomes for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, including those with co-occurring disabilities. The website contains classes, training modules resources and professional communities related to postsecondary education. It includes information for high school students who are college bound.
Map It! What Comes Next (for students who are deaf or hard of hearing): This is a free, online, interactive training designed for transition-aged students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The training utilizes three questions: 1. Who Am I?, 2. What Do I Want?, 3. How Do I Get There? Video vignettes signed in ASL with spoken English and written transcription, self assessments, and a series of interactive questions guide students as they identify their goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
Discover Your Future: A summer program designed for 10th - 12th grade college-bound deaf and hard of hearing students who want to learn more about themselves, their skills, and potential careers.
April 27, 2016 COP Transition Webinar Assistive Technology for Youth with Complex Needs: This PowerPoint accompanied the April 27, 2016 Transition COP webinar regarding Assistive Technology for Youth with Complex Needs. Assistive Technology (AT) is an essential component of success for transition-age students with complex needs. Students who have the opportunity to experience and use a variety of tools in school for such tasks as communication, organization, navigation, and recall are more likely to transition successfully to adult life. This session will provide participants with a fresh perspective on the role of AT in transition as well as provide guiding questions and suggestions for addressing AT during multiple points throughout IEP development.
Strategies for Higher Education Success: This recorded webinar addresses strategies for preparing students to successfully attend and complete a post-secondary college or training program. Included in this session is information regarding Pennsylvania specific programs designed to assist youth and young adults with disabilities in this process.
Entitlement vs Eligibility: Family 1-Pager Guide: School-age students with a disability receiving special education services are ENTITLED to receive services to access a free appropriate public education as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, ELIGIBILITY for services and supports for youth once they exist school is determined thought the requirements of the agency outside the public school system. This family friendly 1-page guide describes the differences between entitlement and eligibility for services.
Exploring the Option of Two and Four Year College; Family 1-Pager Guide: When considering a two or four-year college, it is important for youth to self-advocate for needs and live as independently as possible. This family friendly 1-page guide describes considerations for discussions family members may have with you considering college options.
Post-Secondary Education Expectations: Family 1-Pager Guide: This family friendly 1-page guide describes difference between high school and post-secondary education.
Pennsylvania Deaf-Blind Project -
New Page: Master List of Resources
TD Post-Secondary Education: This Section of the Transition Discoveries Guide addresses effective practices for Post-Secondary Education