Transition: Independence Resources
DSCC and Illinois LEND’s Transition Resources for Hispanic Teens in the Chicago Area
The transition to adulthood can be a challenging time for both adolescents and their parents. These challenges can be more difficult when the adolescent has a disability.
Illinois LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) and the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) partnered to provide helpful information about the unique challenges Hispanic families can face during the transition to adulthood. This resource list is aimed at transition-age teenagers and their families in the Chicago area:
DSCC Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet
Emergencies like power outages and weather events can be especially dangerous for individuals with complex medical needs. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) helps with emergency knowledge and disaster planning. It includes important considerations for emergency situations as well as a resource toolbox with expert advice for pediatric, disability and/or advanced healthcare needs.
DSCC’s Adolescence Changing Roles Tip Sheet
Adolescence is a time of change for the whole family. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families support healthy mental, emotional and behavioral (MEB) development, and find ways to cope during this time of change.
DSCC’s Adolescent Development Tip Sheet
As youth with special healthcare needs transition to adulthood, they may undergo many physical, emotional and behavioral changes. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) covers what both teens and parents can expect and how to cope.
DSCC’s Adult Living Arrangements/Self-Reliant Skills Checklist
There are many activities that youth with specialized healthcare needs can practice doing to become more self-reliant and ready for their desired adult living arrangements. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this Adult Living Arrangements/Self-Reliant Skills Checklist to help youth and their families learn about and build important skills and abilities in the areas of independence, nutrition, personal care and hygiene, and mobility/exercise. Some of these activities may not apply to everyone.
DSCC’s Adult Living Arrangements/Self-Reliant Skills Checklist in English
DSCC’s Adult Living Arrangements/Self-Reliant Skills Checklist in Spanish
DSCC’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Tip Sheet
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. This Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet provides information about the ADA, your rights under the law, and resources for more information.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) tip sheet in English
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) tip sheet in Spanish (Coming soon)
DSCC’s Chores for Teens Tip Sheet
It’s important for teens to help around the house. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) will help teens with special healthcare needs understand how being responsible for chores at home can build new skills and greater independence as an adult.
This tips sheet also includes additional resources and a home living activities checklist.
DSCC’s Home Fire Safety Skills Tip Sheet
A fire can happen at any time. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families learn about practicing fire safety in the home.
DSCC’s Know Your Rights: Minors’ Consent and Access to Healthcare Services
This guide from the Division of Specialized Care for Children aims to help youth understand their rights as a minor related to privacy and obtaining healthcare services. It covers:
- Which services they can receive without parental consent.
- When a parent can access their health information.
- When a provider needs their consent before sharing their health information.
Know Your Rights: Minors’ Consent and Access to Healthcare Services in English
Know Your Rights: Minors’ Consent and Access to Healthcare Services in Spanish.
DSCC’s Preparing for Adult Living Tip Sheet
It’s important for you make the most of your abilities and acknowledge your limitations. This understanding will help you know where you can improve and where you need accommodations.
This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) offers steps to help youth with disabilities become self-determined and improve their quality of life.