Special Education Transition Supports
Individuals with disabilities often require supplementary support during their transition to adulthood. Following high school, families will engage with various community resources to assist their young adults in leading fulfilling and productive lives.
Below is a list of community resources to guide you through this process. Should you require further assistance, please contact our District Transition Coordinator, Michelle Cottrell, at mcottrell@jths.org or 815-727-6807
- Advocacy
- Assistive Technology
- Able Accounts
- Guardianship
- Medicaid, SSI & SNAP
- Pace & Paratransit
- College/post-secondary training
- Employment support
- Community Living DRS/PUNS/DDD
- State ID & driver’s license
- Social Connections
- Special Education High School Roadmap
Advocacy
Assistive Technology
Able Accounts
ABLE Accounts
ABLE Accounts, which are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families, were created as a result of the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 or better known as the ABLE Act. The beneficiary of the account is the account owner, and income earned by the accounts will not be taxed. Contributions to the account, which can be made by any person (the account beneficiary, family, friends Special Needs Trust or Pooled Trust.
Why is there a need for an ABLE Account?
Millions of individuals with disabilities and their families depend on a wide variety of public benefits for income, health care and food and housing assistance. Eligibility for these public benefits (SSI, SNAP, Medicaid) require meeting a means/resource test that restricts eligibility to individuals with less than $2,000 in liquid resources, such as cash savings, non-ABLE checking and savings accounts and some retirement funds. Having an ABLE account allows you to put funds into this account and not effect the $2,000 limit of funds and lose of benefits such as SSI, SNAP, Medicaid.
Visit the ABLE National Resource Center https://www.ablenrc.org/get-started/ to learn more about ABLE Accounts.
View the presentation below to learn more about ABLE Accounts.
Need more support?
Additional community Non-profits and Supports to help with Federal and State
disability programs.
- The Arc of Illinois 9980 190ᵗʰ Court Mokena, IL Phone (815)464-1832
- DRC (Disability Resource Center) 77 N. 129ᵗʰ Infantry Drive (815)729-0162
- FULL LIST of advocacy community support agencies HERE
If you have further questions or need additional assistance reach out to our JTHS district
Coordinator.
Guardianship
Learn more about guardianship!
There are several different types of guardianship to consider.
- For a basic summary of guardianships click HERE.
- A more detailed paper on guardianship HERE.
- Visit the Equip for Equality FAQ page on guardianship HERE.
For more information on Guardianship view the presentations below:
How do I start the process of guardianship?
The Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission is a free community resource that was developed to assist individuals and families with issues of guardianship. The website is www.gac.state.il.us. Phone 708-338-7500; TTY 866-33-3362.
When filing for Guardianship you can choose to file independently or use an attorney to complete the process.
For information on how to file a guardianship case in court without an attorney review these resources:
- Robert Farley’s “The Book” reviews the process families can independently take to complete guardianship HERE. The steps for Will County are listed HERE.
- Illinois legal aid at www.illinoislegalaid.org
For information on how to file the case in court with an attorney review these community resources:
- Prairie State Legal Services provides free legal services for low-income and seniors in Will County. pslegal.org Phone: 815-727-5123
- Will County Bar Association can provide a referral to an attorney. www.willcountybar.org Phone: 815-726-0383
Need more support?
Additional community non-profits and supports to help with guardianship
- The Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission West Suburban Regional Office PO Box 7009 Hines, IL Phone (708)338-7500
- The Arc of Illinois 9980 190th Court Mokena, IL Phone (815)464-1832
- DRC (Disability Resource Center) 77 N. 129th Infantry Drive (815)729-0162
- Full list of Advocacy Community resources
If you have further questions or need additional assistance reach out to our JTHS district Coordinator.
Medicaid, SSI & SNAP
Federal and State Disability Programs
There are several federal and state programs that help individuals with disabilities in areas of supplemental income, insurance, and funding for support needed to live a productive life.
*Don’t forget to get a STATE ID. Many agencies recommend getting a STATE ID before starting the process of applying for other programs. Learn more about the free state id HERE.
Below is a video giving an overview of the programs available.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PRESENTATION
SSI & SSDI are minute 0 thru 46
Medicaid starts at minute 47
CLICK HERE FOR THE SLIDES
Social Security Information Review
- View the Arc’s SSI Fact Sheet HERE in English HERE in Spanish
- Review the SSI eligibility webpage HERE
- Review Robert Farley’s “The book” starting on page 13 to learn more about SSI and frequently asked questions. HERE
- Review the applying for social security flow chart HERE
- Review the SSA publication “benefits for children with disabilities” HERE.
Applying for Social Security
There is a lot of information you need to have ready. Review the SSA starter kit worksheet before filling online or attending an appointment. (click here for adult worksheet) (click here for child worksheet).
There are three ways to apply for Social Security
1. You can make an appointment at the Social Security Office in Joliet by calling 866-783-7302 OR 800-772-1213
2. Complete the full application online HERE.
3. Initiate an application online HERE.
- You will only be asked basic information. After you submit the online request, a Social Security representative will schedule an appointment to complete your application. The office will send the appointment date and time by mail (and email, if provided) within 7-14 business days to the person interested in applying. In some cases, a Social Security representative may call to schedule the appointment.
Medicaid- AABD (Aid to the aged, blind, and disabled) Information Review
- View the Arc’s General Medicaid fact sheet HERE English HERE Spanish
- Review information about Medicaid AABD HERE
- Review the website HERE.
- Review Robert Farley’s “The book” starting on page 17 to learn more about Medicaid. HERE
What if I already have private insurance?
- Can be secondary insurance (if the family already has insurance, they can keep private insurance on a disabled individual and add Medicaid as secondary)
How does AABD affect other programs?
- Individuals who already receive SSI are eligible for Medicaid. Often individuals will apply for SSI first to help with the process of Medicaid.
- Helps with PUNS process if the individual is also eligible for funding through the PUNS process. SEE PUNS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS LINK for more information on PUNS.
- Individuals who receive Medicaid may also be eligible for SNAP benefits.
Applying for Medicaid-AABD (aid to the aged, blind and disabled)
1. Apply online HERE.
- When you apply online, you will be asked to create a secure account.
- Once your application is submitted, you will see a “T- number” (tracking number) next to it. It is important to write this number down and keep it somewhere safe, because you will need it in the future to track your application.
- You can use the same online application at https://ABE.illinois.gov to apply for Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also called Food Stamps). When you fill out your application, check the boxes for all of the benefits you would like to receive.
2. Apply over the phone
- Call DHS Help Line 800-843-6154 TTY 866-324-5553 OR DHS Family Community Resource Center of Will County at 815-740-5350
- A representative will take your information. Make sure to request the case number when you have completed the application. You should write this number down and keep it in a safe place.
SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly Food Stamps) helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health.
- Review the SNAP website HERE to learn more about SNAP.
- View the Arc’s fact sheet on SNAP HERE English HERE Spanish
Applying for SNAP benefits
1. Apply online HERE.
- When you apply online, you will be asked to create a secure account.
- Once your application is submitted, you will see a “T- number” (tracking number) next to it. It is important to write this number down and keep it somewhere safe, because you will need it in the future to track your application.
- You can use the same online application to apply for Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also called Food Stamps). When you fill out your application, check the boxes for all of the benefits you would like to receive.
2. Apply Using a Paper Application
- Download the application HERE (English) HERE (Spanish)
- Complete application
- Turn in the Application to the DHS Family Community Resource Center of Will County at 45 E. Webster St Joliet, IL 60432 Phone 815-740-5350
3. Apply over the phone. Call DHS Help Line 800-843-6154 TTY 866-324-5553
- A representative will take your information. Make sure to request the case number when you have completed the application. You should write this number down and keep it in a safe place.
Need more support?
Additional community Non-profits and Supports to help with Federal and State disability programs.
• The Arc of Illinois 9980 190th Court Mokena, IL Phone (815)464-1832
• DRC (Disability Resource Center) 77 N. 129th Infantry Drive (815)729-0162
• FULL LIST of advocacy community support agencies HERE
If you have further questions or need additional assistance reach out to our JTHS district Coordinator.
Pace & Paratransit
PACE and PARATRANSIT Travel Support
PARATRANSIT is an ADA bus ride share service. It runs along the same routes as PACE, but provides additional supports that are not available on PACE such as pick up at door.
View the Brochure HERE (English) HERE (Spanish)
The individual must call 312-663-4357. This requires an in-person assessment. Pace will provide transportation to and from the assessment at no charge.
RIDE FREE is for seniors and people with disabilities who are enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access program. These individuals are eligible to ride free on the CTA, Metra and Pace fixed-route services. Eligibility in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program (BAP) is required to be found eligible for the RTA Ride Free program. Review the link on Medicaid to learn more about ABA HERE.
View the Brochure HERE (English) HERE (Spanish)
View the Application HERE (English) HERE (Spanish)
REDUCED FARE is for seniors and people with qualifying disabilities to ride at a reduced rate on CTA, Metra and PACE.
View the Brochure HERE (English) HERE (Spanish)
View the Application HERE (English) HERE (Spanish)
ACCESS PILOT PROGRAM is a discount PACE program for individuals who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-sometimes called food stamps).
View the Brochure HERE (English) HERE (Spanish)
View the Application HERE (English) HERE (Spanish)
TRAVEL TRAINING helps seniors and individuals with disabilities learn how to use Metra, PACE and CTA. Travel Training helps people become more independent in their travel.
View the Brochure HERE (English)
Need more support?
- Contact DRC 129th Infantry Drive Joliet, IL Phone 815-729-0162
- FULL LIST OF COMMUNITY ADVOCACY RESOURCES
If you have further questions or need additional assistance reach out to our JTHS District Transition Coordinator.
College/post-secondary training
College and Post Secondary Supports for Individuals with Disabilities
There are several supports available for individuals who need additional support for post-secondary and college pursuits.
Two services that you can sign up for while still at JTHS are DRS STEP and TRIO.
Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS-STEP)
DRS works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities.
- If you have not already signed up for DRS and are still enrolled at JTHS contact the District Transition Coordinator, Mrs. Cottrell, mcottrell@jths.org 815-727-6808 or visit your Guidance Counselor HERE (West) HERE (Central).
- If you have already graduated reach out to the Joliet DRS office at 1617 W. Jefferson St. Joliet, IL (815)730-4200.
- If you are a DRS client, you can apply for sponsorship/grant funding see example HERE. You can request a copy from your College and Career Center or contact the District Transition Coordinator, Mrs. Cottrell, mcottrell@jths.org 815-727-6808. If you have already graduated talk to the DRS office at 1617 W. Jefferson St. Joliet, IL (815)730-4200.
TRIO Educational Talent Search
The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs.
View this presentation on TRIO to learn more about TRIO at JTHS. Many colleges also have TRIO services on college campuses.
If you are still a JTHS student join the JTHS College and Career Center Google Classroom HERE Central HERE West
Colleges are not required by law to provide accommodations from your IEP. However, most colleges and post-secondary institutions have a disability office to help you advocate for modifications and accommodations.
Download the POST-SECONDARY PLANNING GUIDE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. HERE
Individuals with disabilities should be able to answer the following questions. *Hint if you do not know the answers look at your IEP.
1. What is my disability?
2. Do I know the accommodation(s) I’m receiving?
3. How does my disability impact me within the academic setting?
Once you know your disability you can search this DATABASE OF COLLEGES DISABILITY PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT SERVICES to help identify college that would have the resources specific to your abilities.
View the presentation below that outlines how education rights and accommodations changes at the college level.
View the presentations below to learn about JJC’s “Connect To Your Future” program. Students with disabilities qualify to receive support and possible funding through this program.
View this presentation to learn about Disability Services at JJC.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE PRESENTATION
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDES
View the presentation from the Disability and Accommodation of Illinois State University.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE PRESENTATION
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDES
View the presentations form the Disability and Accommodation Offices from Bradley University, University of Cincinnati and Southern Illinois University
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE PRESENTATION
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDES
View the presentation below on programs for NUERODIVERSE LEARNERS at Aurora University and Marquette University.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE PRESENTATION
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDES
Need more support?
Additional community Non-profits and Supports to help with Federal and State disability programs.
• DRS
• JJC (Disability Services) 815-280-2613 https://jjc.edu/disability-services
- 1215 Houbolt Rd. Joliet, IL (Room A-1125)
- Approved and ensures necessary accommodations are in place to implement students’ needs based on ADA and Rehabilitation Act 504.
• JJC (Testing Services) 815-280-2261 https://jjc.edu/student-resources/testing-services
- 1215 Houbolt Rd. Joliet, IL (Room A-1138)
- Coordinates testing in order to help determine placement of student-based on skills measured.
• JJC (Financial Aid)
- 1215 Houbolt Rd. Joliet, IL (Room A-1020)
- Financial aid questions and assistance.
• DRC (Disability Resource Center) 77 N. 129th Infantry Drive (815)729-0162
If you have further questions or need additional assistance reach out to your JTHS Counselors HERE (West) HERE (Central) or JTHS District Coordinator.
Employment support
EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
Review Illinois Department of Human Services-Department of Human Services (DRS)
• In high school many students sign up for DRS. This is called the STEP program.
- STEP helps school districts provide students training and support in the areas of employment, independent living, and advocacy.
- When students transition from JTHS they are already signed up with DRS and will have a relationship with their DRS counselor, streamlining support into adulthood.
For more information on DRS (a part of IDHS) view the presentation below
A few links on vocation terms and websites
- Common transition and vocational related terms listed HERE
- Sheltered Employment vs. Competitive Employment. Review those HERE
- Visit the Disability Benefits 101 Illinois website HERE
- Visit the PACER’s Nation Parent Center on Transition and Employment website HERE
- Visit the Illinois Department of Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation page HERE
In addition to DRS there are several other community resources to help adults with disabilities with employment. Please review the list below.
Community Living DRS/PUNS/DDD
Housing and living support for individuals with disabilities.
Some individuals with disabilities need additional support to live independently and lead productive lives. There are some services available to help.
- There are a lot of acronyms and terms. Familiarize yourself with them HERE.
Here is an overview of how many individuals with disabilities receive support.
View this video on different types of housing options available for individuals with disabilities.
Review these fact sheets provided by the Arc of Illinois
• Comparison of Adult Home and Community Based Services (Medicaid Waivers) HERE (English) HERE (Spanish)
• Adults with disabilities living options HERE (English) HERE (Spanish)
• PUNS/DD
- The basics HERE (English) HERE (Spanish)
- Residential Options for Individuals DD HERE (English) HERE (Spanish)
View this video to learn more about eligibility and the process of PUNS.
How to apply
Need more support?
Additional community Non-profits and Supports to help with Federal and State disability programs.
- The Arc of Illinois 9980 190th Court Mokena, IL Phone (815) 464-1832
- DRC (Disability Resource Center) 77 N. 129th Infantry Drive (815)729-0162
- FULL LIST of advocacy community support agencies HERE
State ID & driver’s license
State ID and Driver License for those with disabilities
Having official identification is an important part of adulthood. As adults we are often asked to show ID. This will be important when you apply for a job and/or any state or federal disability support programs.
What is an Illinois Disabled Person’s Identification Card and where do I get one?
The Illinois Disabled Person’s Identification Card is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. The card is simply a driver’s license or identification card that substantiates that a person meets certain disability criteria under state law. It does not specifically name your disability but rather a classification. There is no fee for the card!
Ready to get your State ID?
1. Print a copy of the Disability Identification Application HERE
2. Get the Application signed by your doctor.
3. Review the list of documents you need to bring with you on the form HERE
4. Schedule a DMV appointment online at the link HERE
- Step by step directions HERE
- Call 312-793-1010 if you need more assistance.
5. Take your application signed by your doctor; your documents from the list in step 3 to the Joliet Illinois Secretary of State and DMV Facility at 210 Joyce Rd. Joliet, IL at your scheduled appointment time.
Community resources for drivers’ education for Individuals with Disabilities
Some individuals take drivers’ education in high school. Others wait until adulthood. Sometimes individuals with disabilities need additional support or adaptations to drive. Below are some community driver programs to review.
Marianjoy Rehabilitation Driver Program
https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/rehabilitation-services/rehabilitation-specialty-programs/driver-rehabilitation-program
Strive for Independence Driver Evaluations and Trainings for All Abilities
https://www.striveforindependence.org/
Need more support?
Additional community Non-profits and Supports to help with Federal and State disability programs.
- The Arc of Illinois 9980 190th Court Mokena, IL Phone (815) 464-1832
- DRC (Disability Resource Center) 77 N. 129th Infantry Drive (815)729-0162
- FULL LIST of advocacy community support agencies HERE
Social Connections
Social Connections
After high school it’s important to continue to be socially engaged and active in the community. Below are a few community programs for individuals with disabilities.
Special Recreation of Joliet and Channahon
Special Recreation of Joliet & Channahon (SRJC) is a cooperative extension of the Joliet and Channahon Park Districts, and provides year-round recreation activities for individuals who wish to participate in alternative Park District programs. These programs are designed to help participants who have physical or mental disabilities, sensory impairments, or any other type of disability, to develop leisure skills, independent living skills, and motor skills. In addition to all of these benefits, perhaps the most important aspect of SRJC's programs is fun! Transportation is available for some SRJC programs to residents of Joliet and Channahon, for an additional fee.
For more information about SRJC or to request a registration form, call the Kathy Green Multi Purpose Center at (815) 741-7275 ext. 160. WEBSITE https://jolietpark.org/special-recreation-of-joliet-channahon
Kiwanis Club-Aktion Angles
Aktion Club is the only service club for adults with disabilities, with more than 10,000 members worldwide. Club members become competent, capable, caring leaders through the vehicle of service.
https://www.aktionclub.org/
https://www.facebook.com/AktionAngels/
Disability Resource Center
The foundation service of Disability Resource Center, and any true CIL, is the peer relationship. Staff who have experience living with a disability and achieving their personal goals assist others who have similar disabilities, serving as role models, mentors, and advocates.
Some activities include: Support groups for different abilities, DeafHOH Social Group, and Game Nights.
https://www.drcjoliet.org/peer-counseling
Special Education High School Roadmap
High School Transition Road Map
As you begin your journey through high school use this roadmap to help guide
you. Now that you are in high school you will be an active participate in your IEPs,
use the left side of the map as a checklist for each year. On the right side of your
map is an independence checklist to build the community connections and
resources you may need as you transition to adulthood.
Freshman Year IEP
- Using your results from your career cluster survey identify a JTHS career path *if eligible
- Review your transition plan in IEP and make sure it aligns with career path, electives and transition survey.
- Identify where you will complete your community service hours.
Freshman Year Transition Planning
- Complete a career cluster survey
- Sign up for PUNS *if eligible.
- Complete `
- Complete transition survey
Sophomore Year Transition Planning
- Look into PACE or Paratransit
- Obtain a disability ID and/or drivers’ license.
- Sign up for TRIO* career/college support
- Complete a career exploration activity.
- Attend a college or career fair. Find them on schoollinks.
- Complete 15 hours of community service.
Sophomore Year IEP
- Review the PaCE Framework checklist.
- Update your transition survey/plan. Does it still align with your post secondary plans?
- Identify your career pathway.
- Think about taking a WBL, or IRO class as an elective to build real work experience with support.
- Be able to define your disability.
Junior Year Transition Planning
- Review post secondary employment supports. (post-high school)AND/OR
- Review post secondary educational supports.
- Attend college or career fairs-sign up through school links or TRIO.
- Create a resume and write a personal statement. JTHS College and Career Centers can help.
- Complete 15 hours of community service.
- Meet your DRS counselor.
- Consider ACT prep and complete ACT.
Junior Year IEP
- Sign up for DRS-STEP in your IEP meeting.
- Review the PaCE Framework checklist.
- Update your transition survey/plan.
- Identify your career pathway.
- Consider taking a WBL or IRO class.
- Be able to define your disability.
- List your accommodations and modification.
- Identify at least 3 postsecondary options (college, trade and/or transition program)
Senior Year Transition Planning
- Investigate/apply for SSI, Medicaid and SNAP programs.
- Learn about ABLE Accounts.
- Consider need for guardianship or power of attorneys.
- Set up post secondary employment supports. AND/OR
- Set up post secondary educational supports.
- Attend a financial aid seminar and complete FAFSA. Visit the JTHS College & Career for help.
- Complete at least 3 college or career applications.
- If you are a DRS client (college bound)-request and complete the sponsorship application. (employment)-request high school exit meeting.
- Complete selective service (males only at 18years)
Senior Year/Year 5+/Exit IEP
- Be able to define your disability.
- Know your accommodation and modifications.
- Explain how and who to disclose your disability and needs to in school and community setting.
- Ask for a copy of your most recent IEP, reevaluation and SOP. You will need these when asking for accommodations.
- Invite adult service providers to IEP meeting
Post Secondary Transition Planning
- Contact Service Inc. and ask to be moved from planning to seeking on the PUNS waitlist. See Community Living supports for more details on PUNS.
- Apply for Federal and State programs*eligibility for these programs changes at 18 yrs old.
- Visit at least 3 CILAs.
- Visit 2 sheltered workshops.
- Visit DRC-Disability Resource Center
- Familiarize yourself with community
- supports for:
Advocacy
Assistive technology
Employment support
Community living supports
Paratransit & PACE
Disability State IDs
Social Connections
Guardianship
Able Accounts
Education/College Supports