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:
- Guide to Adult Benefits, Services and Resources in English
- Guide to Adult Benefits, Services and Resources in Spanish
If you are interested in receiving a printed copy of the toolkit or the Guide to Adult Benefits, Services and Resources, please click here.
We are eager to partner with you to make the journey to adulthood as successful as possible.
Healthcare Resources
PACER's National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
Information and resources for families of youth with disabilities on transition planning, civil rights, work-based learning, higher education and more.
PACER's Transition Health Plan for Youth with Disabilities and their Families
PACER’s Transition Health Plan for Youth with Disabilities and Their Families is designed to help parents and youth assess where they are at and plan next steps to prepare youth to take on more responsibility for their own health care.
Transition QuickGuide: Take Charge of Planning and Managing Your Own Health and Career Goals
This checklist provides information and resources about health insurance coverage, self-care, health care transition, decision-making and career planning and management.
independence Resources
Together We Prepare - American Sign Language Videos
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission collaborated to create a series of videos presenting vital preparedness messages in American Sign Language. Topics include emergency planning, evacuation and building a kit.
Emergency Preparedness Tips for Those with Access and Functional Needs
A guidebook from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency that provides preparedness tips for people with visual, cognitive or mobility impairments; people who are deaf or hard of hearing; those who utilize service animals or life support systems; and senior citizens.
Guide for Voters with a Disability
USAGov provides this step-by-step guide to help individuals with disabilities prepare for Election Day and know their rights and options.
work Resources
Building a Resume: Tips for Youth with Disabilities
PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment provides these tips for young people with disabilities and their families on effective strategies for building the first resume.
Illinois Transition Consortium
Helps students successfully transition from school to employment by providing contacts, education, and support.
Contact by phone (618) 651-9028 or e-mail swalters@isbe.net.
Illinois Department of Employment Security Youth Program
Provides youth employment security through representation, training programs, and apprenticeship programs for students.