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Answer:
First of all, don't be embarrassed! Right now, you are
taking the important step towards your own self-awareness and how to deal
with preparing your students adult living. It just so happens that next
week, I am providing training on Transition Essentials that includes a
section on the primary service providers in the transition process and
the need for interagency collaboration among service providers. I will
be discussing the role of the common community agencies listed below and
the Transition services they MAY offer. If you have any other questions
after checking out this list, just email me via the Ask a Specialist web
site.
Vocational Rehabilitation Agency/Department of Rehabilitation http://www.rehab.cahwnet.gov/default.htm
This agency assists individuals with cognitive, sensory, physical, or
emotional disabilities to attain employment and increased independence.
It is funded by federal and state money and typically operates regional
and local offices. Examples of employment services include medical, psychological,
vocational, and other types of assessments to determine vocational potential;
apprenticeship programs, usually in conjunction with the Department of
Labor; and housing or transportation supports needed to maintain employment.
Mental Health and Mental Retardation Agencies http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/stateresourceguides/california01.asp
This agency provides a comprehensive system of services responsive to
the needs of individuals with mental illness or mental retardation. Funding
is a combination of federal, state, and local levels. Services are provided
on a sliding payment scale. Types of services include employment support
from supported/sheltered minimal employment assistance; case management
services to access and obtain local services, therapeutic recreation including
day activities, clubs and programs; and respite care.
Independent Living Centers (ILCs)
http://www.ncil.org/aboutncil.htm
This agency helps individuals with disabilities achieve and maintain self-sufficient
lives within the community. Centers are operated locally and serve specific
regions. Some ILCs charge for classes but advocacy services are typically
available at no cost to clients. Examples of services include information
and referral services, connecting students with mentors with disabilities;
advocacy training, peer counseling services, housing assistance, training
in skills of independent living, and auxiliary social services (developing
and maintaining a list of personal care attendants).
Social Security Administration
http://www.ssa.gov
This agency operates the federally funded program that provides benefits
for people of any age who are unable to do substantial work and have a
severe mental or physical disability. Their programs include Social Security
Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Plans
to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), Medicaid and Medicare. Several work incentive
programs exist: cash benefits, Medicare or Medicaid - both while working,
and assistance to begin a new line of work. Individuals can also receive
medical benefits and can use income as a basis for purchase or rental
of housing.
Regional Center (RC)
http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov/rc/rcsvs_home.cfm
Regional Centers are nonprofit private corporations that have offices
throughout California. They provide local resource to help find and access
services available to individuals with developmental disabilities and
their families. The auspices of the Regional Centers fall under the Department
of Developmental Services that funds, coordinates and designs a wide range
of services for California residents with developmental disabilities.
Examples of the services provided by RCs include:
• information and referral
• assessment and diagnosis
• counseling
• lifelong individualized planning and service coordination
• purchase of necessary services included in the individual program
plan (IPP)
• advocacy for the protection of legal, civil and service rights
• family support
• and much more!
National Organizations and Resources
• National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
(NICHCY)
http://www.nichcy.org
• Parents Helping Parents http://www.php.com
• Transition from School to Young Adulthood: Basic Concepts and Recommended
Practices by J.R. Patton and C. Dunn (1998); ProEd, Austin, TX http://www.proedinc.com
• Adult Agencies: Linkages for Adolescents in Transition by G. Cozzens,
C.A. Dowdy, and T.E.C. Smith (1999); ProEd, Austin, TX http://www.proedinc.com
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