THE ART OF A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION By Donna J. Flanery

Components of A Successful Transition  Conversion to Adult Services  Partnering with Professionals  Connecting with Community Supports  Tough Issues Facing Parents

Conversion to Adult Services

BIGGEST FEARS

WHAT ARE A PARENTS BIGGEST FEARS? #1 What will happen to my child when the school bus stops running? #2 If my child goes to work, will the benefits stop?

Comparison of Services Childhood Services  Every child is entitled to services  School systems help to coordinate services  Services overlap and intertwine with each other Adult Services  Each service received by an adult must be qualified for ( just because you have a disability, does not mean that you meet the guidelines)  The individual or family must coordinate services  Each service is separate

Where do we begin?

Getting Started  Have service providers present at the Transition ARD  Determine what services are needed  Who can provide those services ?  How do we apply for those services ?  When can we apply for services and is there a waiting list? How long is the waiting list?

Partnering With Professionals

Educate Yourself  Attend conferences and workshops  Talk to other parents  Find a support group  Do your homework 1.Research on the internet 2.Read books, articles, blogs 3.Collect Information

Learn to be assertive and not aggressive  Attitude is very important  Know what you want but be prepared to compromise  Open communication enables parents and professionals to work effectively together and to achieve the best outcomes

POSITIVE RESULTS

NEGATIVE RESULTS

Networking and Building Relationships  Attend meetings  Become connected  Meet professionals involved with services

Two Important Issues When Working With Professionals  Show R-E-S-P-E-C-T  Remember there are boundaries

Connecting With Community Supports

What are community supports?  Inclusion Activities  Recourses in the Community  Volunteering  Employment Assistance and Supported Employment  Recreational Activities

Community Inclusion  Attending a movie  Going bowling  Eating at a restaurant  Attending church  Participating in group meeting/activities

Community Resources  Dr. appointments/ Pharmacy pick-up  Shopping( grocery store, Wal-Mart, mall)  Visiting Service Organizations (housing, food stamps, service coordinators)  Job Applications

Volunteering  Church  Libraries  Animal Shelters  YMCA  Businesses  Community organizations

Employment Assistance and Supported Employment  Employment Assistance is assistance in locating competitive employment in the community  Supported Employment is supporting an individual in paid employment by helping the individual sustain that employment

Recreational Activities  Special Olympics  The ARC  YMCA  Support Groups  Church

Issues Facing Parents  Guardianship  Transportation  Safety  Living Arrangements  Relationships

Guardianship Yes? No? Alternatives

Transportation Public Transportation Vs Natural Supports

Safety  Safety in the home  Street Safety  Exploitation  Abuse and Neglect

Living Arrangements Where will my child live? Who will provide supports for my child? What if my child and I disagree?

Relationships Yes, individuals with disabilities do have more than platonic relationships How do you approach the subject? What issues do parents need to take into consideration?

QUESTIONS????

Contact Information