transition workshop at jcc on the palisades - my notes

[Guest guest]

I went to the transition workshop at the Jcc on the Palisades on Tues, 2/7.

What I found out was so interesting. Even though Adam is only 10, he has

begun some of the basic beginning steps of transition. I feel it is better

to be safe than sorry, before it is too late and he graduates without a

safety net. I wouldn't want to not be prepared when adam enters the work

force,college.

They can also graduate at 18 with a diploma .If you get a GED or diploma you

can also wait until they are 21 to graduate,if they have everything

academically. But the down side of this is they won't be working outside in

the world until then, and DDD, and DVRS may not be too happy with helping

him find a job, if you have waited 4 years.

Here are some of my notes, I know that they are choppy, but alot of material

was covered.First be registered with Department of Developmental Disabilites

when your child is very young.Transition starts when your kids are 14. Your

child is covered under section 504 and ADA.

First and foremost, have your kids to be good advocates for themselves.(

Career Clusters)

Here is a few programs that the state of NJ has.

There is a program called the springboard program, which starts at age 13.

The law for NJ is ages 14, while on the federal level is is age 16. Is your

child thinking about vocational college? Don't forget about SSDI,

government funding, post secondary education. There is a waiting list.

Access-link-(nj transit) Your adult child can be picked up or dropped off at

work as long as there is a link to either a train or bus within 1 mile from

the destination. If they travel by public transpotation you may have to be

their shadow, or get a one for them. They would have to get a ticket at a

reduced rate to ride a bus.

Other agencies connected with DDD are ARC, new concepts, spectrum,

independent office of disabled, CRC.

Youth envision sucess for Bergen county, call and get a brochure

201-996-9100 x 12.

OSSA, and Division of Human Services, Social services,Section 8.Community

Mental health, Care plus. SSI/Medicaid. Another one is Bergen County of

social services. Bergen county of volunteers. Get your child to volunteer at

one of the places to see what things he likes to do. Also you can look to

see what companies are looking for what volunteers doing different things.

www.bergenvolunteers.org. Also another book for college is K & W diane

verosi- princeton review. It shows you colleges that are sensitive to our

special kids.

When you are going to enroll in college make sure you get a self disclosure.

This will let you get extra time for taking tests etc. Aanother thing that

was discussed Needs Interest Preference of students. Also Hightened

Independance Progress(ages 14-21) in Hackensack. DDD is also connected to

division vocation recreation services or DVRS.

DVRS can be a consultant to your child when looking for job skills. You have

to get tested in their office.