What is Transition Planning?
Transition planning is about creating a path to adult life that includes meaningful connections to the community through work, life and social opportunities.
We know the earlier we start working with students to develop future goals, the more successful we can be in finding all the opportunities that await them. In fact, at age 14, state law requires that students begin receiving transition services and that those services are included in the student’s Individual Educational Plans (IEP). Transition planning is based on the student and takes into account their individual needs and strengths as well as their preferences and interests.
Possible partners to consider in transition planning include:
Opening Opportunities Through Employment
In Crawford County, several agencies work together for student transition planning. These agencies share resources and together promote employment as a option for a youth transition into adulthood, and to become a successful part of their community.
Understanding Timeline Acronyms
Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Through its Service and Support Administration (SSA) department, connects people to needed resources and services
Phone: 419-562-3321
Website: www.crawfordcbdd.org
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Provides employment services and vocational rehabilitation to individuals with disabilities.
Phone: 419-747-3000
Website: www.ood.ohio.gov
Job and Family Services
Provides Medicaid, food assistance and summer work programs.
Phone: 419-562-0015
Website: www.crawfordcountyjfs.org
OhioRISE/Harbor Behavioral Health Case Management Entity
Program that works to help children with complex behavioral and mental health needs.
Phone: 800-475-4449
Website: www.harbor.org/services/
ViaQuest Psychiatric and Behavioral Solutions
Offers dual diagnosis services for counselling, behavior therapy, and medication management.
Phone: 614-339-1649
Website: www.viaquest.com
Community Counselling and Wellness Center
Provides mental health and substance maintenance needs in Crawford County.
Phone: 419-562-2000
Website: www.myccsi.squarespace.com
Eligibility requirements vary from agency to agency.
Transition Planning Timeline for Students
This guide is meant to give families a general idea of what to expect during the transition planning process. Remember, each student will progress at their own pace, based on their own strengths and needs.
Transition planning begins at age 14, if a student is enrolled in school and has an IEP.
Transition Assessments
Data is the foundations for identifying post-secondary goals. The Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Operating Standards require an integrated and competitive post-secondary employment goal be included in the IEP.
Age 14
Students can begin in-school work study and OOD career exploration.
High School Freshman
Meet with transition coordinator. Begin considering post-secondary education options. Vocational goals may be included in IEP.
Age 15
Crawford County Board of DD re-determines eligibility
Education
Begin discussions about graduation timeframe. Pioneer CTC Registration and tours for junior and senior year.
Work Assessments
Begin to Explore Path or Employment. Choose a vendor for summer work. OOD Summer Programs:
- Career Exploration (3 weeks)
- Summer Work (5 weeks)
Age 16
Take part in any of the previously identified OOD activities. Summer job and job development services.
Age 17
Begin discussions of school exit date and the possibility of social graduation.
Education
Shift from academic focus to vocational/independent living. Ongoing transition planning and assessments.
Vocational
- Internships
- Volunteer Experiences
- Summer Work
- Job Training
- Job Development
Benefits and SSA Services
Begin benefits applications and, if need, guardianship processes. Within the last year in school, work with SSA to develop ISP.
Age 18-22
Student accepts diploma and exits school services.
Graduation
Supports based on Path to Employment which may include employment or day programs. There are 4 places on the Path to Employment:
- I have a job but would like a better one or to move up.
- I want a job! I need help to find one.
- I am not sure about work. I need help to learn more.
- I don’t think that I want to work, but I may not know enough about it.
Employment/Adult Services
For each person to be a meaningful and engaged member of the community through work, life, and social connections.
Ultimate Goal
Support Services
Maintaining Community Employment, Creating Community Connections
As an adult, additional opportunities for continuing education, vocational training, employment, independent living and community activities can be explored, as needed, through a network of local private providers and public agencies.
Contact your Service Support Administrator (SSA) for more information.