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Transitioning Youth
What is Transition?
Transition is the period of time when a student prepares to move from life as a student to life in the adult world. For students with developmental disabilities this means planning not only training and careers, but also identifying adult service providers. Maryland students are entitled to a free, appropriate and public education. Students with disabilities receive this entitlement until they complete the school year in which they turn 21; after this—eligibility and availability of funds determine services. Finding adult service providers is the responsibility of the student and the student's family.
What Services does The Arc provide?
The Arc wants to make sure that the transition from childhood to adulthood is smooth. Here are a few of the services we offer:
- Transitioning Youth Workshop series: This series walks families
and youth through the transition process. Workshops include
introductions to the Developmental Disabilities Administration,
Social Security Benefits, Housing, Employment Opportunities,
Futures Planning, and more.
- Ready At 21: Through the generosity of grants from The Walmart
Foundation and The HSC Foundation, Ready At 21 is an 18-part
series run in collaboration with Prince George's County Public
Schools and Prince George's Community College. Ready at 21 prepares
high school juniors and seniors to lead service provider interviews,
IEP and IP meetings. Students learn the principles of Self-Determination,
Community Living, and Employment/Career Awareness.
- Networking Opportunities for youth and families
- Life Enrichment Awards Program (LEAP): The LEAP grant, sponsored
by the HSC Foundation, provides goods and services that are
usually not available from public service and government agencies,
and are directly linked to transition planning and implementation.
Funds may be used for a variety of purposes including: Career
Related Courses, Equipment, Business Attire, Job Exploration.
Eligible applicants with a disability must be between the ages
of 14-25.
Funds for Calendar Year 2012 have all been awarded.
Who do I contact?
If you have questions about the Transitioning Youth Process, contact Melonee Clark at 301-925-7050, ext. 307.
For more information about Transition, click here and download a copy of the Transition Planning Guide. Click here to download an informative booklet entitled After the School Bus Stops Coming...
What is the next step in services?
The Arc would love to meet you and discuss our different programs for adults. The Arc offers four Adult Day Programs and an Employment Services Program.
What are some areas of transition that
I need to consider?
Applying for Metro Access, getting a Non-Driver's
Maryland Identification Card, applying for Supplemental Security
Income (SSI), applying for Medicaid, and attending the College
for Living at PGCC.
Click
here to visit the Maryland Transitioning Youth website.
Click
here to view additional resources.
Click The Following Links to Read About Child Programs That The Arc Offer:
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