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Transition Tools

These tools will help you prepare for the transition to adulthood.

The transition to adulthood is a significant and exciting time in a person’s life. For youth with special healthcare needs and their families, this journey is no less rewarding but requires careful planning and knowledge of valuable resources to assist in the transition. We’re here to provide this support and help you and your family prepare for what lies ahead.

We have developed a set of checklists and materials to help youth and their families learn and practice new skills and gain greater confidence and independence. You can search for these resources by category or region on the right side of this page.

We’ve also compiled some of our most popular checklists and materials into one convenient packet for ease of reference:

We also have a booklet that includes information and resources that can be useful in planning for government benefits and health insurance:

If you are interested in receiving a printed copy of the toolkit or the Guide to Adult Benefits, Services and Resources, please fill out this short form.

We are eager to partner with you to make the journey to adulthood as successful as possible.

You can learn more about how we help empower youth to have a strong voice in the transition process on our Youth Voice and Youth Advisory Council pages.

Youth Advisory Council resources

Youth Advisory Council members created these fact sheets to share helpful tips, trusted resources and real-life advice from their personal experiences. These tools aim to help youth build skills, speak up for themselves and plan for the future.

Your IEP, Your Voice

Learn how to take an active role in your Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and speak up about what matters to you.

Your Future, Your Path: Trade School vs. College

Explore different education and career options after high school and learn how to decide which path may be right for you.

Asking for What You Need and How to Get It: A Guide to College Accommodations

Find out how to request accommodations in college and learn practical tips for advocating for yourself.

Healthcare Resources

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Independence Resources

  • Illinois Assistive Technology Program

    The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) provides expertise in assistive technology and accessible information technology to all Illinois residents of all ages with disabilities and/or health conditions including family members, friends and caregivers.

    IATP provides assistive technology demonstrations and allows people to see, try and borrow devices before making a purchasing decision. IATP also allows people to donate or obtain gently used assistive technology devices.

    IATP also offers classes and help in finding the right AT devices for your needs:

    • Tech Kitchen offers cooking classes in a home-style kitchen showcasing accessibility and adapted tools. Classes are for individuals 14 and up with any disability.
    • Smart Home Technology features a five-room interactive Smart Home display highlighting home automation. Experts in assistive technology can discuss your needs and help you compare different AT devices. This program focuses on serving individuals receiving services from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS-DRS).
    • IATP Makers provides custom AT devices and open-source 3D printer files for Illinois residents.

    For questions, visit the contact page on IATP’s website.

  • Illinois Life Span Program

    The Illinois Life Span (ILS) Program is a program of The Arc of Illinois that provides statewide resources and information, focused on developmental disability services and supports.

    Its website includes a resource locator that can help you find resources in your county and statewide.

    You can call ILS at (800) 588-7002.

  • Navarro Farm

    Navarro Farm in Frankfort, Ill., provides a safe, supportive environment where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can gain independence and purpose through agricultural experiences. It offers a wide range of hands-on programs and opportunities, including workplace readiness for transition and adult groups, a farmer and farmer trainee program, family-centered events, and seasonal and community celebrations.

    Navarro Farm programs include:

    • The Farmer and Farmer Trainee Experience, which focuses on helping people with IDD build confidence and life skills through agricultural activities, such as planting and harvesting crops, animal care, farm-to-table cooking lessons, running the farmstand and participating in social and recreational activities.
    • The Post-Transition Groups Skill Development and Job Readiness Program, which provides meaningful farm activities that teach responsibility, time management and problem-solving to prepare participants for future employment or volunteer opportunities.
    • Family-centered activities where families can come together, share experiences and create lasting memories.
    • Carter’s Corner farm stand.
    • Community events and open houses.
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Work Resources

  • Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project

    The Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project (ATTA) creates and provides resources and professional development tools to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their transition from secondary to postsecondary education or employment. ATTA provides training and support to students, young adults, families, employers and community members to ensure an equitable experience for individuals on the spectrum. ATTA offers:

    For questions, please contact Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support (ICSPS) Director Aimee LaFollette Julian, PhD, at (309) 438-5122.

    ICSPS maintains the Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project website on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education.

  • Instituto del Progreso Latino

     Instituto del Progreso Latino (Instituto) is a nationally recognized education hub serving over 8,000 participants from across Cook County and low-income communities on Chicago’s southwest side. Instituto programs and services include adult basic education, English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes, workforce development, career pathway and employment support, and wrap-around social services.

    Latino immigrants and their families can also gain skills that foster full participation in society while preserving cultural identity and dignity through citizenship and adult education courses, family literacy, immigration legal aid services, employment training, youth development programs and more. Instituto del Progreso Latino also includes:

    • Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy for high school students seeking to focus on a career in the health sciences field
    • Instituto College, which prioritizes the recruitment and retention of non-traditional, first-generation college students and values the training of bilingual and bi-culturally sensitive nursing professionals.
    • Online and in-person English, citizenship and adult education courses

    For questions, please call Instituto del Progreso Latino at (773) 890-0055.

  • Life's Plan Mini Grant for Self-Advocates

    Life’s Plan mini grants provide self-advocates start-up money to build a micro-industry business. A micro-industry is a business run by an adult or adults with a disability to earn money and be more financially independent. The micro-industry mini grant will provide up to $2,000 in funding.

    Individuals may be supported by staff or advocates to run a variety of business such as jewelry making, used book resale, greeting cards, errand running, food cart, shredding, lawn/snow removal services and other ideas. Agencies and service organizations are not eligible for this grant.

    Grant applications are available year-round:

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