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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

  • Brush Up on Your Dental Care Video and Guide

    Good oral health and maintaining a healthy smile are important for everyone. Special Olympics offers a Brush Up On Your Dental Care video and guide to help people with disabilities understand and develop good oral hygiene habits, including brushing techniques, preparing for dental visits and common dental problems.

    The easy-to-understand video demonstrates, step by step, how to prepare for a dental visit and care for your dental health.

    The Brush Up on Your Dental Care Guide offers caregivers and self-advocates information on developing and maintaining a complete oral hygiene program. Information includes:

    • Easy-to-follow instructions on proper brushing, rinsing and flossing techniques
    • Suggestions for adaptive positions for these activities
    • Common dental problems
    • Oral health considerations during the growth and development of a child with intellectual disabilities

  • DSCC's Turning 19 and Medicaid Prescription Coverage Tip Sheet

    The “Turning 19 and Medicaid Prescription Coverage” tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) explains Illinois Medicaid’s Four Prescription Policy for members aged 19 and older. It goes over policy details as well as what to do before an individual turns 19 and how to handle prior authorization, if needed.

  • Southern Illinois Pathways

    Southern Illinois Pathways is a grassroots initiative led by individuals with disabilities, family members and professionals to support families navigating disability, special education and mental health systems across metro east Illinois. It offers free, plain-language workshops for families, students, young adults, and individuals with disabilities. It helps make disability rights, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), mental health supports, local services and self-advocacy easier to understand.

    Southern Illinois Pathways offers free:

    Southern Illinois Pathways is a program of SIP Arts Foundation, Inc., an Illinois nonprofit advancing arts, disability advocacy and education across Madison, St. Clair and Monroe counties in metro east Illinois.

    For questions, please contact Southern Illinois Pathways at  (618) 816-8834, (618) 623-2423 (direct) or info@southernilpathways.com.

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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.

  • SIP Arts Foundation

    SIP Arts Foundation, Inc. is an Illinois nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. It offers community education on special education laws, disability rights and advocacy. The foundation also offers opportunities to provide a voice and foster healing through creative expression in the arts. SIP Arts Foundation programs include:

    • One-on-one person-centered planning that maps each family’s goals and next steps
    • Free community meals that reduce isolation and bring families together
    • Group advocacy workshops where every family leaves with a personalized binder organizing their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), rights and records
    • Pathways to Expression, an inclusive studio arts program in Belleville for children ages 4 to 12 with and without disabilities
    • Self-advocacy programming in St. Clair and Madison counties that helps young people find their voice and prepare for the transition to post-secondary education and employment

    For questions, please visit SIP Arts Foundation’s “Let’s Connect” page or email  info@sipartsfoundation.org.

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Work Resources

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