Life Planning - Transition Government Agencies for people with disabilities: New Horizons Un-Limited

Life Planning: Government Agencies

National
State Listings: NY / WI (Official USPS State Abbreviations)
Country Listings: Australia

National

USA.gov, Disability Services via their Transition Planning section, provides resources and information to help parents of kids with disabilities work with their children to plan and prepare for postsecondary education, employment or other opportunities.

Youth Engaged 4 Change website contains resources and publications on issues relating to youth including assessment. Of particular interest are: Find Opportunities, Find Answers and Find Inspiration.

U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education offers much information to students interested in pursuing a college education. They offer information on financial assistance programs and scholarships, they offer links to resources regarding college cost and admissions, as well as an A to Z topic search.

U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has a mission to "provide leadership to achieve full integration and participation in society of people with disabilities by ensuring equal opportunity and access to, and excellence in, education, employment and community living." They fund a variety of educational and community programs. For more information, call (202) 205-5465.

U.S. Department of Education Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) supports a wide range of policies, programs, and activities that help young people and adults obtain the knowledge and skills they need to prepare for postsecondary education, successful careers and productive lives. The OVAE gateway includes access to information, research and resources to help students become lifelong learners and make the most of their education, their careers, and their individual human potential. Their website offers information on available grants, legislation, community colleges, adult education and literacy resources, career and technical education resources and much more. For more information, visit their website or e-mail ovae@ed.gov.

U.S. Department of Labor, Guideposts for Success Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP's) work in the youth arena is based on the Guideposts for Success. The Guideposts represent what research and practice has identified as key educational and career development interventions that make a positive difference in the lives of all youth, including youth with disabilities. They were developed by ODEP in collaboration with one of its research and technical assistance centers, the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth), following an extensive review of research and best practices in education and workforce development.

The five Guideposts are as follows:

State Listings

New York

New York Department of Public Instruction: Student and Youth Transition Services resources and materials within this section are designed to assist schools, students and families with the transition from school to post-school. A successful transition process is based on the student’s strengths, preferences and interests, and requires collaboration between the school district, student, family and community agencies. Transition planning and services are designed to prepare a student with a disability to achieve his or her post-secondary goals related to living, learning and earning within the community. This section includes Who to Contact? Publications, News and Announcements, Transition Resources, Services, Requirements, Guidelines, Implementation Tools, Data and Reports and Who Can Help.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Team> is a part of the Division for Learning Support: Equity and Advocacy, which also includes Student Services, Prevention & Wellness; Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; and Wisconsin Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired. For more information call the State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction at (800) 441-4563 (U.S. only) or (608) 266-3390.