Youth and Transition Resource Guide

Contents:


If you would like to update or add to the information on this page, please e-mail us.

General / Comprehensive Resources


  • See also our FAQ Page for general information about deafblindness.
  • What is Transition for the Individual who is DeafBlind?
    Internet: http://education.gsu.edu/georgiadeafblindproj/transition.html
    Description: A concise Q and A, including the meaning of transition, basic guidelines and recommendations for the transition process, and who is part of the transition team.
  • Was There Life Before Transition?
    Internet: http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehear/summer02/life.htm
    Description: A brief description of the history and meaning of "transition" in special education.
  • Self-Determination for Children and Young Adults Who Are Deaf-Blind
    Internet: http://www.tr.wou.edu/ntac/self-determ.htm
    Description: "Self-determination is 'the ability of individuals to make the choices that allow them to exercise control over their own lives, to achieve goals to which they aspire and to acquire the skills and resources necessary to participate fully and meaningfully in society.'"
  • Enhancing the Self-Determination of Youth and Young Adults Who are DeafBlind
    Institute on Community Integration
    University of Minnesota
    102 Pattee Hall, 150 Pillsbury Drive SE
    Minneapolis MN 55455
    (612) 625-5592 Voice
    E-mail Brian Abery: abery001@tc.umn.edu
    Internet: http://ici.umn.edu/projectscenters/schoolage.html#projects
    Description: Seeks to "Enhance understanding of the multiple factors that contribute to the self-determination of these students; Increase knowledge of the environmental factors that have the potential to facilitate or serve as barriers to their enhanced self-determination; Develop and field-test a multi-component education and support program to facilitate such children and youth taking an age and capacity appropriate degree of personal control over their lives; and Disseminate this information to educators, families, and persons who are deafblind at a local, state, and national level. Funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).
  • The Choices for Young Adults Born DeafBlind
    Internet: http://www.sense.org.uk/word_documents/fact4.html
    Description: focus on Great Britain, but can be helpful to those in other countries
  • Sense Publications List
    Internet: http://www.sense.org.uk/deafblind/resources.html
    Description: A list of factsheets and articles related to DeafBlindness.
  • Youthwork Links and Ideas - Deaf and DeafBlind Adolescents
    Internet: http://www.youthwork.com/generaladoldeaf.html
    Description:     Articles and links about topics ranging from exploring your identity and culture, to education and transition.
  • Minnesota Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division - Services and Resources for Consumers
    Internet: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/ECS/dhhs/consumer.htm
    Description: "Whether you are culturally deaf, oral deaf, late deafened, hard of hearing, deafblind, or a friend, coworker, or family member of a person with hearing loss, you’ve come to the right place. Here you can find information about services designed to meet your needs. Learn about assistive technology, sign language interpreters, your legal rights, and more."

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Transition


  • National Transition Follow-Up Study of Youth Identified as Deafblind: Parent Perspectives
    Internet: http://www.tr.wou.edu/ntac/transition.htm
    Description: "the first research initiative to thoroughly explore the post-school life of youth who are deaf-blind… regarding communication, sensory status, mobility, health, and problem behaviors, ...secondary school experiences, especially regarding services and supports, work experience, and transition planning… "
  • National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
    Internet: http://www.ncset.org/
    Description: "Headquartered at the Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota, the NCSET provides technical assistance and disseminates information focused on four major areas of national significance for youth with disabilities and their families:
    • Providing students with disabilities with improved access and success in the secondary education curriculum.
    • Ensuring that students achieve positive postschool results in accessing postsecondary education, meaningful employment, independent living and participation in all aspects of community life.
    • Supporting student and family participation in educational and postschool decision making and planning.
    • Improving collaboration and system linkages at all levels through the development of broad-based partnerships and networks at the national, state, and local levels."
  • TransCen, Inc.
    Internet: http://www.transcen.org/main.html
    Description: "The associates at TransCen, Inc. have developed, implemented, and researched numerous innovations regarding school-to-adult life transition and career development for people with disabilities."
  • PACER Center
    8161 Normandale Boulevard
    Minneapolis, MN 55437-1044
    (952) 838-9000 Voice
    (952) 838-0190 TTY
    Toll-free in Minnesota: 1-800-537-2237
    (952) 838-0199 Fax
    Internet: http://www.pacer.org
    E-mail: pacer@pacer.org
    Description: "The mission of PACER Center is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. With assistance to individual families, workshops, and materials for parents and professionals, and leadership in securing a free and appropriate public education for all children, PACER's work affects and encourages families in Minnesota and across the nation." Provides some programs for youth and young people in transition.
  • Tips for Career Exploration
    Internet: http://www.afb.org/CareerConnect/users/careerexploration.asp
    Description: How to prepare a self-analysis profile sheet in order to consider what you have to offer a prospective employer. From AFB CareerConect: "employment planning for people who are blind or visually impaired."
  • Transition Planning for Adolescents with Special Health Care Needs and Disabilities: Information for Families and Teens
    Internet: http://www.communityinclusion.org/transition/familyguide.html
    Description: "The booklet covers four major areas of adulthood: health, education, employment and recreation." Available online as a PDF file.
  • Disabled Student Services at Minnesota Public Colleges and Universities
    • MnSCU Disability Services - Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
      Internet: http://www.studentaffairs.mnscu.edu/studlifedisability.html
      Contact: Steve Frantz, System Director for Student Affairs, 651-296-0672 or steve.frantz@so.mnscu.edu
    • Disability Services at University of Minnesota - Crookston
      Internet: http://www.crk.umn.edu/people/services/DisabilServ/index.htm
      (218) 281-8587 Voice
    • Access Center at University of Minnesota - Duluth
      Internet: http://www.d.umn.edu/access/
      (218) 726-8727 Voice
      (218) 726-7380 TTY
      See also Staff Contact List and Special Facilities/Arrangements Disability Services at University of Minnesota - Morris
      Internet: http://www.mrs.umn.edu/services/dsoaac/dso/
      (320) 589-6178 Voice/TTY
    • Disability Services at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
      Internet: http://www.disserv.stu.umn.edu/
      (612) 626-1333 Voice/TTY
      Fax: (612) 626-9654
  • See also Websites on Disability Issues/Topics from the University of Minnesota - Crookston.

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Disability Rights


  • See also Disability Rights Laws on our Tools for Independence page.
  • IDEA/ADA in Plain Language
    Internet: http://www.nclid.unco.edu/ADA.htm
    Description: Annotated links to resources that explain legal rights, especially in educational settings, for people with disabilities.
  • Guide to Disability Rights Laws
    Internet: http://ericec.org/lawguide.html
    Description: Includes brief summaries and contacts for further information or to file a claim.
  • ADA Home Page
    Internet: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
    Description: "Information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)" from the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Support and Advocacy


  • See also
  • DBTeens
    Internet: http://www.tr.wou.edu/archives/dbteens.html
    Description: "A Private Deaf-Blind Discussion List for Teenagers and Young Adults. The purpose of this list is to share information, inquiries, ideas and opinions about deaf-blindness and other issues. This is a private list for teenagers and young adults."
    To subscribe: e-mail Randy Klumph, the list owner.
  • DeafBlind Pen Pals Directory - from Sense
    Internet: http://www.sense.org.uk/penpals/index.html
    Description: "If you're feeling isolated or just [want to get] to know someone, our penpals section will help. You can search for people and then contact them electronically for a chat."
  • Zigawhat
    Internet: http://www.nichcy.org/kids/index.htm
    Description: "a Web site for learning, connecting, growing, coping, and fun for young people with disabilities and their peers. Zigawhat is maintained by the folks at NICHCY.
  • Disability Central - @ctivTeen (Active Teen)
    Internet: http://www.disabilitycentral.org/activteen/
    Description: "a dynamic site managed by and for teens with disabilities. With start-up funding from the U.S. Department of Education we have created a cyber hang-out for teens with disabilities, their siblings and their friends." Note: This page seems to be no longer active. However, the main Disability Central site still includes a lot of useful information.
  • Minnesota Department of Human Rights
    E-mail: complaintinfo@therightsplace.net
    Internet:     http://www.therightsplace.org/
    Description: "a neutral state agency that investigates charges of illegal discrimination." Web site includes Information about your rights in employment, housing, and other settings, a very extensive listing of related resources, and an online version of a CD-ROM on disability rights issues.
  • Minnesota Disability Law Center - Client Assistance Project
    300 Kickernick Building
    430 First Avenue North
    Minneapolis, MN 55401-1780
    (612) 332-1441 Voice
    (612) 332-4668 TTY
    Toll Free: (800) 292-4150 (new client intake number)
    Internet: http://www.mnwfc.org/rehab/vr/cap.htm
    Description: free civil legal assistance to individuals with disabilities. Client Assistance Project advocates and mediates for people who have grievances about services from state agencies.
  • Continuing Care - Minnesota Department of Human Services: People with Disabilities
    Internet: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/contcare/main/default.htm
    Description: " A primary goal of Continuing Care is to promote independent living for people with disabilities by funding or providing a broad range of residential care and social services close to home communities instead of in institutionalized settings." For more information on services in your county, see County Human Services Agencies.
    • Chemical Health Division
    • Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities
    • HIV/AIDS Programs
    • Mental Health Division

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Communication and Technology


  • See also
  • Minnesota Interpreter Referral Web Site
    Internet: http://www.interpreterreferral.org
    Description: "information about sign language interpreters, how to use them and how to find them… created to help ensure that all Minnesotans are able to locate needed sign language interpreter services"
  • 101 Ways to Use Braille
    Internet: http://www.nfb.org/bm/bm99/bm990309.htm
    Description: Easy, low-tech ways to use braille in your daily life, even if you only know the basic braille alphabet.
  • Assistive Technology
    Internet: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/ECS/dhhs/technology.htm
    Description: Information about technology for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or have a speech or mobility impairment. Includes assistive listening devices, special telephone technology, relay service, and the telephone equipment distribution program. From the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
  • Assistive Equipment and Technology Fact Sheet
    Internet: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/ECS/dhhs/PDF/assttech.pdf
    Description: Definitions and examples of several types of technologies used by people who are deaf, deafblind, or hard-of-hearing. Includes alerting devices, telecommunication devices, assistive listening devices, and captioning. Available online in PDF format, or in other forms for people with disabilities by calling (651) 296-3980 Voice, or (651) 297-1506 TTY.
  • Tips for Effective Communication with a Disabled Person
    Internet: http://www.crk.umn.edu/people/services/DisabilServ/communication.htm
    Description: Clear advice about how to interact with a person who has a visual, hearing, mobility, or cognitive disability.

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Recreation


  • See also Self-Determination on our FAQ Page, and Consumer Advocacy Groups on our Tools for Independence page.
  • Recreation and Leisure Fact Sheet
    Internet: http://www.tr.wou.edu/dblink/rec-les.htm
    Description: "practical information on how to get people who are deaf-blind with cognitive disabilities involved with recreational activities. The focus is on recreational activities for pre-adolescent children through adult." Includes steps required to develop a recreational plan, examples of recreation activities with different people who are deaf-blind, extensive resource list. From DB-LINK.
  • Minnesota DeafBlind Technical Assistance Project
    4001 Stinson Blvd NE, Suite 210
    Minneapolis, MN 55421
    (612) 638-1525 Voice
    (612) 706-0808 TTY
    1-800-848-4905 Voice
    (612) 706-0811 Fax
    E-mail Sally Prouty:     mndb@skypoint.com
    Internet: http://www.dbproject.mn.org
    Services for Children and Youth: Advocacy/Support, Training of Families, Info and Referral, Training of Professionals, Serve deafblind children with additional disabilities. Children Linking Families program provides "family workshops, an annual family weekend, support groups and electronic networking of families throughout Minnesota."
    Notes: Also serves deafblind children/youth who have cognitive and/or physical disabilities; statewide services.

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Financial Assistance

  • Minnesota's Healthcare Programs
    Internet: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/ecs/Program/default.htm
    Description: Description of MA, GAMC and MinnesotaCare: services covered under each plan, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
    • Medical Assistance (MA) - Minnesota's Medicaid Program
      Internet: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/hlthcare/asstprog/mmap.htm
      Description: "a joint federally/state-funded [health care] program which provides necessary medical services for low-income families, children, pregnant women, and people who are elderly (65 or older) or have disabilities." Eligibility requirements, covered services, how to apply.
      • MA Waivers: Home Care/Home and Community Based Services (HC/HCBS) Waivers
    • General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC)
      Internet: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/hlthcare/asstprog/gamc.htm
      Description: "pays for medical care for some 23,300 low-income Minnesotans who don't qualify for Medicaid or other state or federal health care programs."
    • MinnesotaCare
      Internet: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/hlthcare/MNCare/default.htm
      Description: "a subsidized health care program for people who live in Minnesota and do not have access to health insurance. There are no health condition barriers, but applicants must meet income and program guidelines to qualify."
    • Minnesota Disability Health Options (MnDHO)
      Internet: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/HlthCare/MSHO-MNDHO/MNDHO.htm
      Description: "a program for people with physical disabilities who are eligible for Medical Assistance (MA). People who are eligible for both MA and Medicare may also enroll… Every enrollee is assigned a care coordinator who answers questions, helps with paperwork, and helps arrange services."
  • Economic and Community Supports
    Internet: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/ecs/Program/default.htm
    Description: "The Minnesota Department of Human Services supervises a variety of economic assistance programs… Most economic assistance (including welfare) programs are administered at local county agencies."
    • Child Support Enforcement Division
    • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division
    • Food Stamp Program
    • Food Stamp Employment and Training (FSET)
    • General Assistance
    • Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
    • Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP)
    • Minnesota Supplemental Aid
    • Refugee Assistance Program
    • Self-Employment Investment Development Program (SEID)
    • Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) Program
    • Telephone Assistance Program (TAP)
  • State Services for the Blind (SSB)
    Minnesota Department of Economic Security
    2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240
    St. Paul, MN 55114
    (651) 642-0500 Voice
    (651) 642-0506 TTY
    Toll-free in Minnesota: 1-800-652-9000 Voice/TTY
    Internet: http://www.mnssb.org/
    Regional Offices in MN: Bemidji, Brainerd, Duluth, Hibbing, Mankato, Marshall, Moorhead, Rochester, St. Cloud, St. Paul.
    Services for Adults and Children: Equipment, information and referral, library and transcription services, Radio Talking Book Network, self-care assistance for seniors, transition-age services, vocational training and referral.
  • Benefits CheckUp
    Internet: http://www.benefitscheckup.org/
    Description: "...helps thousands of people every day to find programs for seniors [and people of all ages with disabilities] that may pay for some of their costs of prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other essential items or services. Please fill out our simple questionnaire to find programs that can assist you or your loved ones.” Also available in Spanish for residents of Colorado.
  • Directory of Funding Resources for Assistive Technology in Minnesota
    Internet: http://www.admin.state.mn.us/assistivetechnology/fund2/fund_dir.htm
    Description: "information about Minnesota and national agencies and organizations that fund technology, in a format that lets you compare programs and tells you how to get in touch with people who can help." From Minnesota's STAR Program.
  • Post-Secondary Financial Aid
    Internet: http://ericec.org/faq/finance.html
    Description: advice and resources for people with disabilities seeking funding for college or vocational school.
  • HEATH Resource Center
    Internet: http://www.heath-resource-center.org
    Description: National Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities. Free publications about education, selecting a college, assistive technology, scholarships, and financial aid. Comprehensive and very informative.

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