Secondary Transition Services
Information for Students
Check out the
new Rhode Island web site for
students
www.ritap.org/MyTransition
Being informed is
the best way to advocate for the services and programs you may need to
effectively transition from high school to employment,
post-secondary education & training and community living. This
page is divided into sections that may help you navigate the
transition process and meet with success in the transition
from school to adult life
Understanding the Transition Process
The Rhode Island Department of
Education works closely with school districts, public adult
services agencies, parent organizations, universities and
colleges to provide current and useful information. One tool
that many young adults have found useful is and on-line tool
called
Youthhood. At Youthhood you will find tools to assist you in
planning for your life after high school. It is a great place to
start.
Advocating for
Yourself
There are many agencies and programs
that may become involved with you as you move from school to the
adult world. The most important thing to remember is
that you are moving from a system of entitlement to a
system of eligibility. This means that you will need to apply
for the services you may need, advocate for yourself and persist
in getting what you need to be successful in the community.
There are several resources to assist you with advocating
for yourself, some helpful web
sites include:
For students
who are planning to go to college
LD on Line -
The world's leading web site for Learning Disabilities and
ADHD
Preparing for College -
is a
Rhode Island resource for students, families, and educators to
help take advantage of available opportunities in higher
education. This web site resource is sponsored by the RI Board
of Governors for Higher Education.
Think College.net -
is a new resource for youth with
intellectual disabilities who
historically have not had many
chances to go to college.
Opportunities are changing as
individuals across the country
begin to create college
opportunities for these youth to
reap the benefits of
postsecondary education. This
website will provide information
and links to assist in the
college experience process.
For students
transitioning to the workforce
Rhode Island Department of Labor &
Training - is a resource for
all Rhode Islanders seeking
assistance with employment matters.
Of particular interest for students
are the one-stop employment centers
called NetWORKri. At the
NetWORKri centers students can
receive assistance with seeking
employment, preparing a resume, or
assistance with unemployment or
other worker benefits.
If you qualify doe services from the
Rhode Island Department
of Mental Health, Retardation & Hospitals (MHRH) -
Division of Developmental Disabilities
you may find the
Guide to Accessing Employment
Supports from the Sherlock
Center at Rhode island College
helpful.
Other
self-advocacy web sites
Advocates in Action - Rhode Island's Statewide Self Advocacy
Organization
ACT - Advocating Change Together -
is a grassroots
disability rights organization run by and for people with
developmental and other disabilities.
Programs & Agencies
that can assist in the Transition Process
Some of the most common agencies you
may access in
transition are listed below. Some of these agencies contract
with vendors (typically private or non-profit agencies) to
provide the actual services you may receive.
Department
of Human Services -
Office of Rehabilitation Services
Department
of Mental Health, Retardation & Hospitals (MHRH) -
Division of Developmental Disabilities