Transition Planning How to Prepare for Life After

Transition Planning How to Prepare for Life After High School Presented by: Michelle Smock – School Psychologist michellesmock@k 12. ginet. org Melissa Kosmoski – Transition Specialist melissakosmoski@k 12. ginet. org

Introduction Have you ever wondered what your child will do after high school? How early should you start planning? What options are available in lieu of college?

Where do I begin? ?

Transition Time Line suggested by NYS From an individual student perspective, the following is a series of events that may need to be considered during the student's transition process. All items will not be applicable to all students. The list is provided to serve as an optional planning tool. (from NYS document: Transition Services: A Planning and Implementation Guide)

Different Strokes for Different Folks VESID OPWDD OMH

College Bound Who can help: VESID Employment Bound Who can help: Student VESID OPWDD (if applicable) Day Habilitation Who can help: OPWDD OMH

VESID

Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) VESID offers access to a full range of services that may be needed by persons with disabilities through their lives. Through its administration of both the special education and vocational rehabilitation programs, VESID coordinates policy and services relating to: – transition services for infants and toddlers with disabilities (ages birth to two years) – special education services for students with disabilities (3 -21) – transition services for students with disabilities from school to adult services – vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, ages 16 and older – independent living services for adults with disabilities Students that are visually impaired apply to CBVH (Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped)

Who is eligible for VESID services? All students that have an IEP or a 504 Plan may apply for VESID during their Senior Year; however not all applicants will qualify. Eligibility is determined on a case by case basis. Further information can be found on the VESID website. http: //www. vesid. nysed. gov http: //www. p 12. nysed. gov/specialed/publications/transition/parents. pdf

OPWDD

OPWDD (formally OMRDD) Office for People with Developmental Disabilities OPWDD's vision is to assist people with developmental disabilities live productive and fulfilling lives. The agency creates opportunities and supports these individuals in ways that allow for as many as possible to access the supports and services they want and need. For more information visit http: //www. omr. state. ny. us/.

Services for individuals with developmental disabilities Developmental Disabilities include: Mental Retardation Autism Epilepsy Cerebral Palsy Neurological impairments Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) A person with the any of the disabilities listed above may qualify for adult services through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). To receive OPWDD support, one must have a MSC.

What is a Medicaid Service Coordinator? A Medicaid Service Coordinator (MSC) helps link an individual with services in the community to meet his/her needs. Service Coordination is an alliance between the person, the Service Coordinator, and the person's chosen circle of friends, family, and service providers.

How Can Service Coordinators Help? l Health Services Assistance in finding a doctor or therapist of your choice. Advocating with health care providers, pharmacists, etc. Accompanying you on appointments. l Financial Assistance in applying for and maintaining entitlements such as SSI, food stamps, and Medicaid. Assistance in establishing bank accounts and resolving financial problems. l Educational/Vocational Arranging transportation. Finding a new school, day program or job. Coordinating and advocating with school program personnel. l Family Recognition of the importance of family, our Service Coordinators maintain regular contact and support to family members regarding services being provided and the person's well being. l Living Arrangements Referrals for residences and independent living assistance. Assistance in securing subsidized housing and getting home car and respite services. l Social and Recreational Extensive assistance is given in finding recreational opportunities such as clubs, summer camps, sports, vacations, leisure programs and companion programs. Planning is person-centered; not system-centered

Local Agencies

The Office of Mental Health The New York State Office of Mental Health promotes the mental health and well-being of all New Yorkers. Their mission is to facilitate recovery for young to older adults receiving treatment for serious mental illness, to support children and families in their social and emotional development and early identification and treatment of serious emotional disturbances, and to improve the capacity of communities across New York to achieve these goals. For further information visit there website at http: //www. omh. state. ny. us/

Local OMH Agencies Visit http: //bi. omh. ny. gov/bridges/index to view agencies in Erie County. Please note that mental health system is different than that of OPWDD in that agencies that work with individuals under 18 are different than the agencies that work with individuals over 18.

To sum it up……… VESID OPWDD OMH Apply in 12 th grade for college or employment support Apply for Medicaid Service Research agencies that Coordination ASAP can provide Non-Medicaid REGARDLESS of age Care Coordination prior to your child turning 18 Make sure your child meets with their guidance counselor, special education teacher and transition specialist to develop his or her individual plan Apply for VESID during 12 th grade Make sure your child meets with their guidance counselor, special education teacher and transition specialist to develop his or her individual plan

Questions

Agency Websites People Incorporated – www. people-inc. org Aspire of WNY - www. aspirewny. org Cantalician Centers - www. cantalician. org Opportunities Unlimited - www. opportunitiesunlimited. org Community Services - www. csdd. info Autistic Services - www. autisticservices. com Summit Educational Services - www. summited. org Heritage Centers - www. heritagecenters. org