The Wisconsin Integrated Transition Planning Project works to improve transition planning for Wisconsin youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). The Project does this by helping youth with disabilities to get better information about healthcare, education, and employment services. Having access to this information can make the transition to adulthood easier.
Self advocates, family members, and people who work in education, employment, and healthcare are a part of this project. They work together to improve and simplify the transition planning process by promoting integrated transition planning.
Integrated transition planning is when youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities or special health care needs, their family members and service providers thoughtfully map out and prepare for the youth’s life as an adult. It integrates planning for the youth’s education, work, and healthcare to achieve their goals as an adult. Ideally, this planning occurs throughout childhood with more focused planning as the child becomes a teen.
Focus Areas
Project Aim
More families and transition-age youth with ID/DD in medically underserved Wisconsin communities receive relevant information and support for integrated transition planning by age 18.
Beliefs
- Include post-secondary education, employment, and healthcare.
- Start discussions and planning early.
- Have high expectations for independent and integrated community living.
- Give equal voice to those who face the most barriers accessing support.
Prioritizing Equity
The project focuses extra attention on helping families who face more barriers in accessing services. Some examples of these barriers include:
- Bias, racism, and ableism
- Language and cultural needs that are not met by service providers
- Supports or care providers that are too far away or costly
- Extra challenges to success after high school
Project Structure
The Wisconsin Integrated Transition Planning Project is made up of three groups. These groups work together to achieve the goals of the project.
Wisconsin Transition Planning Coalition
The Wisconsin Transition Planning Coalition meets every other month to provide input on project activities. The group includes self advocates, family members, and people who work in education, employment, and healthcare.
Stakeholder Leadership Team
The stakeholder leadership team meets monthly to guide project activities.
Project Staff
Project staff carry out project activities based on the direction of the Coalition and Leadership Team.