As part of transition planning for a youth with disabilities, you may consider inviting any number of consultants to help in planning. As part of the article Adult Services: What Are They? Where Are They?, we discussed the primary agencies who may be invited to send a representative to the IEP meeting where transition is being discussed (e.g., Social Security Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation), but there are many other potential players and contributors.
The list below is meant to stimulate the possibilities!
Potential Consultant | His or Her Relationship to Transition Planning
Adult Education Representative | Provides information about lifelong education options
Advocacy Organization(s) Representative | May offer self-advocacy training or support groups for young adults
Assistive Technology Representative | Provides expertise on devices that can open doors to opportunities
At-Risk/Prevention Specialist | Offers counseling and support on teen pregnancy, alcohol, and drugs
Business-Education Partnership Rep. | Provides links between schools and local businesses and industry
Community Action Agency Representative | May link team to resources for traditionally underrepresented groups
Correctional Education Staff | Provides incarcerated youth with continued learning opportunities
Drop-Out Prevention Representative | Provides youth with alternatives to dropping out of school
Employer | Offers insight into expectations; promotes hiring of people with disabilities
Employment Specialist | Provides job development, placement, coaching
Extension Service Agent | Offers programs in parenting, homemaking, independent living
Guidance Counselor | Provides information on curriculum, assessment, graduation requirements, college
Health Department/School Nurse | Provides guidance on community health services and health care advice
Higher Education Representative | Provides information on postsecondary services to students with disabilities
Housing Agency Representative | Assists in developing housing options
Leisure Program Representative | Knows available program options within the community
Literacy Council Representative | Coordinates volunteers to teach basic reading and writing skills
Local Government Representative | Funds many local services; can provide information on local services
Local Disability Representative (e.g., UCP) | Provides information and training (often serves all disabilities, not just one)
Parent Training Information Center | Provides training on transition planning and advocacy services to families
Religious Community Member | Can provide social support to young adults and their families
Residential Service Provider | Can help access specialized housing
Social Worker | Provides guidance and arranges for case management, support, respite care
Special Olympics Representative | Provides sports training, competition, and recreational opportunities for youth
Therapists | Provide behavioral, physical, occupational, & speech services in the community
Transportation Representative | Offers expertise about transportation options and training
United Way Representative | Funds many community programs that may offer options for young adults
VSA (formerly Very Special Arts) Representative | Provides information on art programs and opportunities for youth
Vocational Educator | Provides job training; teaches work-related skills
YMCA/YWCA | Offers recreation and leisure programs