Transition to adulthood_NEW topics:

Transition to adulthood_NEW

Resources

Here's a starter kit of helpful resources for transition-age youth and families.

The Minnesota Council on Developmental Disabilities offers a list of advocacy organizations and resources (click on Advocacy near the top of the page).
Learn about helping your child develop self-advocacy skills »

The Minnesota STAR Program helps Minnesotans with disabilities access the assistive technology they need to live, learn, work and play. The program offers free information and assistance, device demonstrations, an online AT lending library where you can borrow a device for a time of need or "try before you buy".
Technology for HOME offers person-centered assistive technology consults and technical assistance to help people with disabilities live more independently.
The PACER Center's Simon Technology Center helps children and adults with a variety of disabilities use assistive technology to enhance learning, work and independence.
The Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living provides information about local independent living services and links to disability-related information from around the world.
If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), make sure the school considers technology as part of the plan. Learn more about assistive technology for education.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness parent warmline connects parents with parent peer specialists for resources, answers and support.
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, call **CRISIS (**274747) from your cellphone or text MN to 741741 to talk to a team of mental health professionals.
Check this directory of children's mental health crisis response phone numbers.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling 988.

Plan for the future with supplemental and special needs trusts.
The new Minnesota ABLE Plan helps people with disabilities save while preserving their SSI and Medicaid.
The Arc Minnesota's master pooled trust helps provide financial security for people with disabilities without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits.
Learn more about helping your child develop money management skills »

Civil rights

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights ensures that all Minnesotans live free from discrimination, including Minnesotans with disabilities.

Special education

Understand the basics on procedural safeguards and parental rights related to special education.
Read about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal law ensures a free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities, including access to special education and related services.

Community organizations

The Minnesota Council on Disability serves Minnesotans with disabilities through policy, training, technical resources, and collaboration with public and private stakeholders.
The Minnesota Disability Law Center provides special education advocates.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in areas such as employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government programs and services.

Decision making

Decision making takes on new importance during the transition to adulthood. Learn more about decision making options »

Online support

Use the keyword search option in Facebook to find groups based on your situation — such as children with disabilities, support group for parents and friends of children with disabilities or information for parents and families of children with disabilities. It's important to make decisions based on accurate information, so be sure to ask questions of your health care team, your local human services agency or other reputable sources. The Hub team can help, too.

Networking

Family Voices of Minnesota offers connected parent-to-parent networking.
For casual gatherings, search Meetup by location and keyword to see if a local group already exists — or create your own!
The Mighty is a safe, supportive community for people facing health challenges and the people who care for them.

Community organizations

The PACER Center enhances quality of life and expands opportunities for children, youth and young adults with disabilities.
The Arc Minnesota promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Center for Parent Information and Resources provides family-friendly information and research-based materials on key topics for families of children with disabilities.

Understand the basics on parental rights related to special education from the Minnesota Department of Education.
The National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education offers networking opportunities, research updates and more.
The Minnesota Council on Developmental Disabilities offers a collection of resources for children, youth and families.
The Center for Parent Information and Resources provides resources to guide discussions about postsecondary education and training for transition-age youth.