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Transition
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
is The Governor’s Transitioning Youth Initiative
(GTYI)?
GTYI helps people with disabilities work and contribute
to Maryland’s future after leaving school. GTYI
offers Supported Employment Services and Day Programs
through the Developmental Disabilities Administration
(DDA).
Who
is eligible?
A student qualifies for services through the GTYI if
he or she has a developmental disability, and transition
services have been written into his or her Individual
Education Plan (IEP). The student becomes eligible for
service between his or her 21st and 22nd birthday, or
if the date of graduation or exit from school is after
the student’s 21st birthday, the student is eligible
for one year from the graduation or exit date.
How
do I obtain services?
Families should help students apply for DDA services
by the age of 14. If you are over age 14, please apply
immediately. To download the DDA application, please
go to http://www.ddamaryland.org/AppForms/ApplicationS.pdf
or call the regional office at 301-362-5100. The most
effective way to apply is to coordinate your efforts
through your local school.
Work
with the IEP Team to make sure transition services are
written into the IEP by age 16. The student will not
be eligible for the GTYI program unless services are
written into the IEP.
Families
should gather as much information as possible about
the transition process. The Arc of Prince George's County
offers a Transitioning
Youth Series that 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. The Arc, Resource Connections,
and Prince George's County Public School also have a
collaborative program: Ready At 21. This three-part
series prepares high school juniors and seniors to lead
service provider interviews, IEP and IP meetings. Students
learn the principles of Self-Awareness, Self-Determination,
and Self-Advocacy. Call The Arc at 301-925-7050 for
more information of check the calendar
of events for upcoming session times.
Students
can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) one
month before their 18th birthday by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Visit their website at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.
The student becomes an adult at age 18, and the family’s
income is no longer considered for eligibility purposes.
Students
should apply to the Department of Rehabilitative Services
(DORS) before their last year of school. Visit the DORS
website at www.dors.state.md.us
or call 1-888-554-0334 to apply.
Your
family should begin interviewing multiple local service
providers during the last two years of school. Find
a provider with which your family feels comfortable
and who offers programs that fit your needs. Here is
a listing of DDA regional providers in Maryland: http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/dda_md/SMaryland.htm.
What
is the LEAP Program?
Life
Enrichment Awards Program (LEAP) jumps into action at
The Arc! 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. For more information
please contact Karen
Oliver at 301-925-7050, ext. 245. Click
here to download an application
Click
here to download a copy of the Transition Planning
Guide from the Maryland Department of Education.
Click
here for the Transitioning Youth Handbook from DDA
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