Resources
General Transition Resources
Disability Resources from the U.S. Department of Labor
Disability Scoop The largest national news organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to covering developmental disabilities.
Disability Info INDEX helps people with disabilities find the information they need. We collect and keep up-to-date information on programs, providers and services in Massachusetts that have something to offer to people with disabilities. INDEX is a project of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
College
Easter Seals College Navigator College Navigator program helps students build skills beyond the college classroom and into their communities to prepare them to reach their educational and employment goals.
Accredited Schools for Students with Disabilities This guide was put together to help disabled students and their parents better understand their rights and responsibilities in regard to a postsecondary education. You will also find useful tips and information for locating the college or university program that best suits your needs.
Think College (College Options and Resources for Students with Intellectual Disabilities)
Think College is designed to provide resources and strategies, let you know about training events, and give you ways to talk to others. The information is for transition-aged students as well as adults attending or planning for college. It provides resources and tools for students, families, and professionals.
Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) Funded by the Commonwealth since 2007, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education oversees grants and state funds for partnerships between public institutions of higher education, school districts, and adult service disability agencies to support inclusive postsecondary education. The purpose of these inclusive postsecondary education opportunities is to increase academic and career success for persons who are 18 and older and have a severe intellectual disability, severe autism spectrum disorder, or other severe developmental disability.
Independent Living and Medical Assistance
Mass Options Empower you to make informed choices by making access to community services and supports easier. Trained specialists from Mass Options give you fast, personalized attention. All you need to do is tell them about yourself or what you need to live independently.
MetroWest Center for Independent Living MetroWest Center for Independent Living: TAP- Transition to Adulthood Program is specialized to work with young adults with disabilities who will be transitioning out of high school. Our mission is to work directly with young adults, help them determine their goals and find pathways to achieving these goals.
SafeInHome SafeinHome provides Remote Supports services for people with I/DD and older adults. By combining assistive technology with real human support, individuals can stay connected, supported, and more independent—at home and in the community.
BenePLAN Team BenePLAN assists individuals with disabilities — in particular those who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — to understand how working and earning or increasing wages impacts these and other public benefits.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Be prepared for your next medical appointment. Create a list of questions that you can take with you whether you are getting a checkup, talking about a problem or health condition, getting a prescription, or discussing a medical test or surgery. Whatever the reason for your visit, it is important to be prepared. With the QuestionBuilder app, it's easy.
A Young Person's Guide to Health Care Transition A Young Person’s Guide to Health Care Transition, published January 2017, is about making the transition from pediatric to adult health care. This brief will review topics youth should consider around transitioning to adult health care, living a healthy lifestyle, and paying for health care.
Take Care First Aid Instruction Take Care First Aid provides a non-certification class especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This unique and fun training class covers common emergencies, first aid, safety and injury prevention.
Transition Related IEP Information
Parent Center Hub- A Parent's Guide to Age of Majority
Getting Ready for When Your Teen Reaches the Age of Majority: A Parent’s Guide
AANE Transition To Adult Programs
For many, the transition to adulthood is filled with anxiety and uncertainty about the future. AANE can provide Autistic individuals and their parents and family members with the information and resources to help make this transition easier.
Recreation
Sped Child Mass Summer Camp List (SPED Child and Teen - Disability Camps, Workshops and Events in Greater Massachusetts)
Teen Life Boston This website, Teen Life Boston, provides information on a host of summer programs, jobs and internships, volunteer opportunities, college admissions and local resources.
Special Olympics Massachusetts The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Self-determination, guardianship and supported decision making
Adult Services: Direct Referral and Chapter 688 Referrals
Travel (driving and public transportation)
Driving resources in Massachusetts Resources are available to support older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income commuters in driving affordably and safely in Massachusetts.