Transitioning to Adulthood What BRS can do for you

What will your future look like? Will you have a good job? Will you have your own apartment or house? Will you have your own car? Will you go to movies with friends or take a vacation? Will you have health insurance?

What will you need to consider? Is your high school or post high school training preparing you for a job? What kind of job experience will you have to show an employer? Will your home or apartment need special adaptations? Will you drive or need public transportation? Will you have health insurance? Will you need someone to help you?

What can BRS do for YOU?  help you learn what you're interested in,  help you find out your strengths,  help you know where you might need help,  train for a job,  have someone help you learn the job,  find a job,  and/or other services you might need to reach a career goal. BRS can help you prepare for and look for work by partnering with your family and school to:

Who is eligible for BRS services? To be eligible for BRS services, you must have a physical or mental disability (other than blindness*) that seriously affects your ability to be employed. *people who are blind are served by BESB AND the services from BRS can help you prepare for, find or succeed in work in the competitive workforce. The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) is a state-federal program that is part of the Department of Social Services.

What about students who are not in Special Education? If students are eligible for accommodations and services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, they may also be eligible for BRS services.

How do you start working with BRS? YOU CAN CALL and ask to talk with a BRS counselor. If you feel more comfortable, your teacher, guidance counselor, parent, or other adult can call for you.

When is a good time to start working with BRS? You or your parents can invite a BRS counselor to come to your school Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting as early as age 14. Meeting with a BRS counselor early will help make sure that you and your family understand the differences between what your school did for you and what an adult service, like BRS, can do. Meeting with a BRS counselor before the end of your junior year to decide if you are eligible and plan for your career will give you a path to follow when you leave high school.

Can your family help? Absolutely! You are always welcome to bring any adult along with you. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian will have to help you. Family support can continue to be an important part of your success after school.

Do you have to pay anything? In most cases there is no cost if you are eligible. Any other funding will also be explored. Examples are: grants, scholarships, other adult agencies, health insurance.

What about Medicaid and other benefits? It is possible to work and continue to receive Social Security, Medicaid and other benefits. BRS has people who can help you. Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWICs)specialize in helping people understand how work affects their benefits. They can also help you understand how some benefits change when you turn 18.

BRS can help YOU think about your career after high school look for a job learn more about your disability get the right training and education after high school see if your job site needs accommodations get help to learn a job learn about assistive technology, and learn about vehicle and home modification

For more information, contact: Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Department Of Social Services 11th floor, 25 Sigourney St. Hartford, CT (TTY)