Transition Services
Transition planning is a process mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) for all students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The purpose is to facilitate the student’s move from school to post-school activities.
Parent/Student Resources
- Local/State Agencies
- Person Centered Planning
- Career/Vocational Resources
- Post-Secondary Education Resources
- Independent Living Resources
- Age of Majority
Local/State Agencies
Department of Aging and Disability Services
Department of Aging and Disability Services provides many programs and services to maximize opportunities for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut.
Some specific programs that may be of benefit for your son/daughter are listed below.
Department of Developmental Services
Department of Developmental Services website
Transition to DDS Adult Services Timeline
CT Family Support Network
Southington Public Schools Transition /Vocational Teacher is available to answer questions or assist students/families with referrals to either program.
Contact Information
860-628-3229 ext. 11235
Person Centered Planning
What is Person Centered Planning?
Person-centered planning (PCP) is a set of approaches for discovering what is most important to a person and specifying the opportunities, accommodations, and assistance that will give the person the best chance of experiencing what is most important.
What tools can be used?
- MAPS (Making Action Plans) - 6 step process facilitated by an individual who guides a team of players through a session that is aimed at identifying the students “story”, “dream”, “nightmare”, “gifts”, “needs” and “actions”. Typically, the student does most of the answering of the questions. Pre-planning with students is HIGHLY recommended prior to the formal MAPS session.
- Charting the LifeCourse - A framework created to help individuals and families of all abilities and all ages to develop a vision for a good life, think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live.
- Planning for the Future Workbook - A workbook to help young adults with disabilities, their families and professionals to plan for living, working and participating in the community.
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of Person Centered Planning as a part of your son or daughters transition planning, please contact our Transition Specialist, Effie Cahill by email or 860-628-3229 ext. 11235
Career/Vocational Resources
The American Job Center
American Job Centers are not just buildings. They are a system/network of several agencies working together to provide a full range of assistance to job seekers under one roof. The centers offer training referrals, career counseling, resume & interview preparation and job listings
YOUTH PROGRAMS
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth
- Youth Build (CWP, WorkPlace, Northwest WIB)
- Summer Youth Employment
- Job Corps (Hartford and New Haven)
- Apprenticeship CT Initiative
Programs and training vary by region and eligibility varies by program: check the Workforce Development Board websites in your area for more information.
WIOA YOUTH ELIGIBILITY
This program is for young adults not currently attending school. Young adults, ages 18 through 24, with one of the following barriers:
- Foster Care
- Disability
- Parent/Parenting
- Involved with Justice System
- High School Dropout
- Homeless
- Basic Skills Deficient
- English Language Learner
Post-Secondary Education Resources
Independent Living Resources
The Arc of Southington
The Arc of Southington provides advocacy, education, information and referral, and an array of quality and individualized services and supports to people with intellectual disabilities, and their families. The Arc of Southington’s Mission is to be a leader in the community and improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Southington Community Cultural Arts Center
Southington Community Cultural Arts Center - All Access Art Program (SoCCA All Access) is a thriving multi-faceted program that reaches more than 50 individuals weekly. Fun interactive art sessions taught by professional artists connect adults with intellectual disabilities with their community, provide creative skills training, produce meaningful income and enhance their quality of life through the creative process.
Other Local Resources
Commission for Persons with Disabilities
Age of Majority
Age of Majority
When your child reaches age 18 (age of majority in the state of CT), or is declared an emancipated minor, all rights under special education law will transfer to your child unless a court has appointed a legal guardian for your child. Once these rights have been transferred, you will still receive all required procedural notices, but your child may grant or withhold consent as appropriate.
Conservatorship
A conservator is a person appointed by the Probate Court to oversee the financial or personal affairs of an adult. In an involuntary conservatorship, a conservator is appointed only if the court determines that the individual is unable to care for him or herself, or unable to manage his or her financial affairs. In a voluntary conservatorship, the court appoints a conservator on the request of an adult who seeks assistance in managing his or her affairs, without making a finding that the individual is incapable.
Guardianship
The Probate Courts become involved in the lives of adults with intellectual disability when they are unable to care for their physical health or safety or make decisions about such care. In such cases, the courts appoint a guardian to supervise all or some aspects of the person’s care.
The court appoints a plenary guardian for someone who requires full supervision of matters involving health and safety. The court appoints a limited guardian for someone who can do some, but not all, of the tasks needed to maintain health and safety.
The guardian decides what programs and services the person needs. The court may give the guardian the authority to move the person to another residence; enroll him or her in educational, vocational or behavioral programs; release his or her medical records; and seek medical and dental care for the person.