A Roadmap from School to Work for students with developmental delay
Ages 14 to 21

Begin planning at age 14

By state law, when a student with a developmental disability reaches age 14, it is time to begin school to work transition planning.  From that age until graduation, your child should be included in IEP meetings to discuss post-high school dreams and plans.  Transition plans are an integral part of the IEP.

Register with the Office of Mental Retardation

The Office of Mental Retardation (OMR) is the gatekeeper of services for adults with mental retardation.  Call the main office in Norristown at 610-278-1450 to be sure that your child’s case file is open and active.

Your case manager will assist you in contacting other agencies such as the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Social Security Administration and medical Assistance, transportation services, and local provider agencies that will support you child’s post-high school plans.

Writing Transition IEP’s

Your high school transition coordinator should attend and assist in writing transition IEP’s, beginning at age 14.  Your child’s regular and special education teachers, vocational education staff, your assigned OMR case manager/supports coordinator, your child, and you should attend every IEP meeting.  During the IEP:

• Confirm your child’s year of graduation.  Students with developmental delay are entitled to a free and appropriate education until age 21.
• Be specific in writing goals for employment.
• Discuss and plan for transportation needs and services.  Public transportation training goals should be included in the IEP.
• Request several on-site community based job explorations provided through your school district or local intermediate unit.  This will help assess your child’s work preferences and abilities.
• Request career exploration and job-coaching services from local provider agencies.
• Explore post-high school education options, such as community colleges and vocational schools.  What supports are available from their office of disability services?
• Request information about provider agencies and their programs’ compatibility with your child’s needs and interests.

Government Agency Supports

* The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)  610-525-1810

* Website:  www.dli.state.pa.us  Search under “Transition from School to Work”

OVR, a division of the Department of Labor and Industry, works with families, the Office of Mental Retardation, and schools to assist adults with disabilities prepare for and find appropriate employment.

Students should be referred to OVR two years prior to graduation by the OMR case manager/supports coordinator of the family.

You should:

• Work closely with your case manager/supports coordinator from the Office of Mental Retardation in coordinating services from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Choose a provider agency to provide on-site job coaching, usually funding through OVR.  Then, contact that provider agency’s liaison with OVR to expedite the initial OVR intake meeting.
• Request a community-based work assessment from OVR.

* Social Security Administration 800-772-1213

* Website:  www.ssa.gov Search under “Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income”

The Social Security Administration allocates monthly cash benefits to people ages 18 to 64 with disabilities who are not able to support themselves.  For 2002, eligibility for benefits restricts earnings to no more than $780 per month and restricts savings or personal assets to no more than $2000.

Social Security disability programs also offer health care coverage or medical assistance through Medicare and Medicaid. 

You should:

• Register with your local Social Security Office
• Request a medical assistance card to assure that your adult child has healthcare insurance.  Parents’ income is not considered when applying for medical assistance for a child with a medically diagnosed disability. 

Transportation Services

You should:

• Coordinate transportation training and home-to-work transportation services through your case manager/supports coordinator at the Office of Mental Retardation.
• Be proactive in securing these services.  Transportation challenges frequently result in job loss.

New Opportunities for a Fulfilling Future

There are many opportunities for adults with special needs to work and live in the community.  Your proactive advocacy for your teenager’s transition planning and work experiences during the high school years should assure meaningful, appropriate employment upon graduation.

Internet Resources

For additional information about school to work transitioning, visit www.transitionmap.org and . . .

* The ARC at www.thearc.org  Click on “Employment/Transition to Work”

* Office of Mental Retardation at www.dpw.state.pa.us/mr/omrEmployment.asp

* PaTTAN (PA Training and Technical Assistance Network) at www.pattan.k.12.pa.us

* PA Depart. Of Public Welfare at www.dpw.pa.us.gov (to download forms required by OMR)