Adolescence and adulthood is a time of growth, new experiences, risk, and increasing responsibilities. It is a time of emergence, of "coming of age," and of becoming a part of the greater community. All people, including individuals with disabilities, go through major life changes during this period. Puberty brings on physical and emotional changes that can be difficult to handle in the teen years. If, however, teens have support and appropriate outlets for their feelings and emotions, and newly emerging support needs, they will soon enter adulthood, feel empowered, and gain independence.

When your child turns fourteen, it is time to begin the long road to transitioning from school life. A new set of terms and procedures arise that need to be learned and addressed in your child's IEP. Teenagers and young adults will need community activities that are age appropriate (see our comprehensive listing below) to help them build their social and leisure skills. At home, new resources may be needed to provide day-to-day supports as family members age and the child grows in to a mature adult.

Educational needs will focus on future job possibilities, and plans for life away from home begin to unfold. Teens and adults with developmental disabilities may need and want support and services in a variety of ways - and in different areas of life. This might include assistance to live more independently, find a job or other meaningful daytime activity, pursue more education, and/or participate in leisure activities separate from family. It might also be a time to get more involved in advocacy and to become an active participant in one's self-determination. From the parents/caregivers perspective, this is a time of researching and seeking resources that can support their loved one in their jobs, in community activities and in their living arrangements and to make plans for their child's care when they are gone.

Below you will find some key resources on Transition, Support Groups, Recreation, and Publications that may be of interest to families supporting teens and young adults with developmental disabilities. Check out topics listed on the Family Net Works Resource Page for additional information.


Transition Resources

Adolescent Employment Readiness Center/Children's Hospital National Medical Center
202-884-3203
Provides vocational counseling and career guidance to youth with chronic health problems and physical disabilities.

Adolescent Health Transition Project
A website featuring downloadable and printable versions of the Adolescent Autonomy Checklist, as well as websites of Interest to Teens, and a Transition Resource List. The site was designed with WA State in mind but much of the information is applicable to other geographic regions.

Avenues Unlimited, Inc.
(301) 585-2608 (V/TTY)
A private, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people with physical, mental or emotional disabilities take greater control of their destinies. Operates workshops and individual sessions on conducting a job search, preparing for employment interviews, and becoming independent through getting the job of one's choice. Also provides trainings for parents/caregivers on how to instill "independent skills" in their children with disabilities.

Disability Support Services for Students/Montgomery College
(301) 279-5058
(301) 294-9672 (TTY)
Learning Center program for students with learning and other disabilities.

Graduate Transition Program (GTP)
Potomac Community Resources, Montgomery College Workforce Development and Continuing Education, and Target Community and Educational Services
Contact PCR at 301-365-0561
This is a two-year program for students with special needs upon exiting high school. The goal is to transition to greater independent living. Mornings are spent in developmental education classes at Montgomery College and afternoons in the workforce. Each participant will be helped to select and obtain career opportunities best suited to his or her interests and abilities. Participants must have a DDA letter of eligibility or private pay. Limited financial assistance is available. Participants must read at least at a second grade level, have basic conversational skills and require no behavior management.

High School/High Tech
This is a model program in Maryland that assists high school youth with disabilities to enter careers in science, engineering and high technology. The site provides a newsletter, message boards, and related links.

How The SSA Helps Prepare You for Adult Living, Learning, and Earning
Work can have a positive impact on independence, self-sufficiency, and financial freedom. This website provides information about two programs available through the Social Security Administration that can help prepare youth for adult living, learning and earning. The website features a learning guide to assist with understanding disability programs and work incentives; case studies demonstrating how SSA can help prepare for adult living, learning and earning; and helpful resources, including an index of terms and acronyms, a searchable database of work incentives, liaisons and PASS specialists.

The Independence Project
The mission of the Independence Project is to advocate for and support the development of specially designed community college classes and programs for students who can not be successful in typical community college classes. CCBC Harbour Horizons is a two year, five day per week program designed for students with mild to moderate learning differences who want to learn to live and work independently while earning a non-credit program completion certificate.

Interagency Transition Council for Youth with Disabilities
On December 29, 2000, Governor Glendening signed into law Executive Order 01.01.2000.26 that established the transition council. The purpose of the council is to ensure a unified and coordinated transition service system that truly serves the needs of transition age youth in Maryland. Continuing to make the system work requires building new relationships and new ways of working together. The council has developed a draft action plan to carry out the requirements of Executive Order 01.01.2000.26. Some subcommittees have already been formed to begin addressing the goals. All efforts are continuous and ongoing. Click Here to review and/or comment on the full report concerning the goals and activities of the Interagency State Plan for Transitioning Students with Disabilities.

Job Training and Tryout (JT&T)
(301) 949-7930
Offers a transitional employment program for young adults with mild developmental disabilities.

Life Experiences Activities Program (LEAP)
(301)-589-1777
Program offers assessment, work adjustment training, job placement, and internships for people ages 16 and over with mild mental retardation, neurological impairments, learning disabilities, emotional or physical disabilities.

Maryland Development Disabilities Administration
301-317-0325
301-438-6598
Governor's Initiative for Transitioning Youth, by public school referral for eligible students with disabilities. Allows priority status for DDA and DORS funding for adults' employment services. The DDA provides funding to a number of agencies that facilitate employment and transition services.

The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
Phone:(410) 554-9385
(888) 554-0334
TDD: (410) 554-9411
The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) offers a vocational rehabilitation program to help students with disabilities get ready to go to work. Program includes specialists to who work directly with school systems and a variety of services to help students prepare for employment.

The Maryland Interagancy Transition Council Website
The website is organized and formatted for transitioning youth with disabilities. (Parents and professionals are welcome to use it too!)

Middle School/High School Parent Involvement Resource Kit
A resource kit filled with research information, articles and sources on a variety of topics affecting preteens, teens, and their families. (National PTA)

The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition seeks to increase the capacity of national, state and local agencies and organizations to improve secondary education and transition results for youth with disabilities and their families. The Center's target audience includes educators, administrators, policymakers, employers, parents and other family members, youth with disabilities and others in the disability field.

A New Pamphlet on Students with Disabilities and Postsecondary Education
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education has prepared a pamphlet to inform students with disabilities about their rights and responsibilities and the responsibilities that postsecondary schools have towards them. This pamphlet explains the obligations of a postsecondary school to provide academic adjustments, including auxiliary aids and services, to ensure that the school does not discriminate on the basis of disability. This resource is written in a Question and Answer format, addressing many pertinent questions that arise once a student leaves the public school system. You can receive more information about the civil rights of students with disabilities in education institutions by contacting:

Customer Service Team
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
Washington, D.C. 20202-1100
Phone: 1-800-421-3481
TDD: 1-877-521-2172
Email: ocr@ed.gov

The pamphlet is available online. You may also request a print copy by contacting EdPubs via email: edpubs@inet.ed.gov or call toll free (877) 4-ED-PUBS.

Reference Points: Transition Updates From the TATRA Project
Resources and updates to help parent organizations, advocates and professionals better serve adolescents and young adults with disabilities and their families. Subscribers to this free internet publication will receive several short email messages each week featuring resources on a range of issues affecting young adults with disabilities and their families. Reference Point messages will be brief but will tell you where you can get more information.

Social Security Administration WORK! CD-ROM
This employment and disability video and resources CD-ROM was created by the Social Security Administration, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and the Institute for Child Health Policy. It contains two videos by SSA, one on PASS Plans and the other on the Ticket to Work. Both are very viewer friendly and aimed at young adults. The CD-ROM also has web links to other helpful resources. The CD-Roms are available via the internet by clicking on the heading above. The first copy is free.

Supported Business Enterprise
(410) 519-7333 or (301) 596-1020
A pilot program in the Baltimore/Washington DC metro areas that provides a new option for individuals with cognitive disabilities who need supports in order to operate a small business. An initiative of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, the Developmental Disabilities Administration, Division of Rehabilitation Services and the RISE program.


Social Supports

Best Buddies
(410) 539-0219
A nonprofit volunteer program that promotes friendships between students with mental retardation and students without disabilities.

Groups for Kids
An on-line resource listing social groups available for children and teens with special needs.

Jewish Community Center
(310) 881-0100 Ext. 6761
(301) 881-0012 (TDD)
Social Survival Skills Program for adults 18 years and older to enhance independent life skills in swimming, dance, art, cooking, money management, relationships and more.

KASA
KASA (Kids as Self Advocates) is an organization created by youth with disabilities to educate society about issues concerning youth with a wide spectrum of disabilities and special health needs. They believe in supporting self-determination, creating support networks, and proactive advocacy for all youth with disabilities in society. Currently they host a listserv and a website and are always looking for new members. This is an opportunity to learn how to advocate more effectively and to make connections across the country with peers.

Kennedy Institute: Family and Personal Support Services
(301) 251-2860
Companions program provides an after school social/recreational program for individuals with disabilities up to age 21.

Making Connections
(301) 656-9140
A friendship and dating organization for individuals with cognitive disabilities.

Maryland Ravens, Inc., Disability Awareness Program
(410) 679-9264
The goal of Maryland Ravens, Inc. is to promote disability awareness in the Baltimore metropolitan area through athletics, lectures, and community service.

Rock Creek Foundation for Mental Health Socialization Program
(301) 585-1282
Rock Creek offers a socialization program for individuals ages 18 and older.

Teen Talk
A part of Disability Centrals' web site, everything is written by - and for - teens with disabilities. Features teen-oriented chat rooms, message boards, game room, and more.

Teens First
410-879-6785
This group is for teens ages 13 to 21 with disabilities. Promotes self-advocacy, community volunteering, fundraising and self-awareness workshops. Teens travel to Annapolis to meet with their delegates and representatives and often speak at events. Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month. Teens First, under a grant from Family NET Works, produced Teen First Tips, Transition Brochure, and Your Life Plan (these documents are in PDF format).


Recreational Opportunities

Access Adventures
Melwood's Recreation & Travel Services
301-870-3226
Access Adventures offers year-round community based, affordable vacations to persons who have disabilities. Dedicated staff provide a safe and caring atmosphere supports travelers.

Achilles Track Club of Greater Washington
(301) 649-6878
Physical fitness for men and women with physical disabilities.

Aquatic Center of Montgomery County
(301) 468-4211
Adaptive Aquatic Program for children ages 4-15 who have special needs.

Bennett Institute Sports/Recreation Program
(410)-669-7302
Year-round sports and recreation program for children and adolescents with physical disabilities.

Boy Scouts of America
Provides programs for boys 7 and older with special needs. Contact the Boys Scouts Chapter in your County.

Chi Centers: Vacation Programs
301-439-4330
301-439-5366 (TDD)
Sponsors the Milton Lodge vacation program in Delaware for persons 18 or older with developmental disabilities.

Champion Baseball Maryland/Champion Baseball West
(410) 526-6101; (410) 887-5370; (410) 242-4260
T-ball and baseball for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Program each spring sponsored by Oriole Advocates.

Disabled Sports USA
Baltimore County: (410) - 771-4606
Montgomery County: (301) 217-0960
Membership organization providing recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families and friends.

Girl Scouts of Central Maryland
(410) 396-1550
The Girl Scouts will work with parents to include girls ages 5-17 with special needs into community units or will assist parents in locating Special Needs Units throughout the state.

Mighty Special Music Makers
(301) 229-0829
An inclusive program that provides opportunities for individuals ages 17 and older to perform in concert bands. Weekly practice sessions cumulate in seasonal concerts and an annual black tie performance. Fee: $100/year or $70 per session.

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association
(800) 369-7433
Information on therapeutic riding programs.

Potomac Community Resources
(301) 365-0561
Facilitates individuals with disabilities to connect with natural supports in the community through weekly sports clinics for aerobics, tennis, basketball, social activities and excursions and weekly band practices. Offers teen group activities.

Special Olympics - Maryland State Organization
(410) 290-7611
Provides a year-round sports program for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Takoma Park Neighborhood Youth Soccer
301-270-8187
Community based sports program from ages 4 through 11th grade. Access and support for children with disabilities can be arranged.

Topsoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer)
Maryland State Youth Soccer Association
(410) 987-7898
Statewide adaptive soccer program for boys and girls ages 4-19.



Publications

The ADA: Your Employments Rights as An Individual with a Disability
800-669-3362
This comprehensive booklet provides an overview of your rights as an employee under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Also available on-line through Medscape Health.

Complete Guide to Special Education Transition Services: Ready-To-Use Help and Materials for Successful Transition from School to Adulthood
By Roger Pierangelo, Ph.D. and Rochelle Crane, CSW (1997)
The comprehensive guide gives teachers, counselors and parents and source of information and tried-and-true advice to help them through every phase of the difficult and sometimes confusing process of transitioning students from school to further education or work.

Informal Assessments for Transition Planning
By Gary M. Clark, James R. Patton & Rozelle Moulton (2000)
A comprehensive source of assessment procedures to help identify the transition needs of students ages 14-21 in the areas of employment, further education and training, daily living, leisure activities, community participation, health, self-determination, communication and interpersonal relationships.

Life Beyond the Classroom
Transition Strategies for Young People with Disabilities - Third Edition
By Paul Wehman, Ph.D.
This classic text has everything you need to define, plan, facilitate and support young adults as they make the transition from school to work.

On The Road to Comunity Inclusion
The Boggs Center
(732) 235-9304
This 48-page booklet contains an edited collection of stories and strategies from direct support staff who help build community connections with the people they serve. Down-to-earth, real life stories, successes and challenges are presented. $5.00

Life Skills Activities for Secondary Students with Special Needs - Grades 7-12
By Darlene Mannix (1995)
For educators, parents and others involved in teaching adolescents with special needs. A collection of 190 illustrated activity sheets, each of which focuses on specific skill within the context of real-life situations.

Parenting Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities
Becoming the mentor, advocate and guide your young adult needs. An article published by the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition.

Self-Directed Employment
A Handbook for Transition Teachers and Employment Specialists
Edited by James, E. Martin, Ph.D (May 2002)
Step-by-step strategies and processes for helping people with mild to severe disabilities make their own employment choices. Includes an overview of the authors' Self-Directed Supported Employment model as well as materials to guide the individual through the process.

Social Skills Activities for Secondary Students with Special Needs
By Darlene Mannix (1999)
More than 180 ready-to-use worksheets designed to help special students in grades 6-12 to learn basic social skills and how to apply them at home, school, work, among peers, and in the community.

Skill Streaming for the Adolescent: New Strategies and Perspectives for Teaching Prosocial Skills
By Arnold P. Goldstein and Ellen McGinnis, (1997)
This newly-revised book is divided into six skill areas: beginning and advance social skills, dealing with feelings, alternatives to aggression, dealing with stress and planning skills.

Special Education News
(202) 320-0521
Special Education News provides in-depth, timely news related to educating students with disabilities. The Web site and newsletter are journalistic publications centered on the news of the special education field. The Web site is also designed to offer unique resources to special education professionals in one convenient place.

The Transition Handbook: Strategies High School Teachers Use that Work!
By Carolyn Hughs, Ph.D. & Erik W. Carter, MEd
This handbook offers 500 researched-based, teacher-tested, support strategies to help make a successful transition from high school to adult life.

Transition to Adulthood
A Resource for Assisting Young People with Emotional or Behavioral Difficulties
This handbook, edited by Hewitt B. Clark, Ph.D. (2000) is designed to help the reader discover proven methods to help young people with emotional or behavioral difficulties to move into the world of career-oriented education, employment, and independent living.

Transition from Teen to Adult for People with Special Needs (2003)
This booklet was written by a parent and describes the transition from teen to adult for people with special needs as a process that requires forethought and patience. The author, Theresa L. Gray, wrote this 20-page booklet in hopes that her experiences in transition will help other parents plan with confidence and effectiveness. Key topics include: education, record keeping, seeking assistance, a timetable, and adult care.