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Planning for Adult Life

Transition to Adult Health Care

Got Transition aims to improve transition from pediatric to adult health care through the use of new and innovative strategies for health professionals and youth and families.

Transition Coordinator Long Term Care Adult Decision Making Adult Benefits & Economic Support Employment Post-Secondary Education & Training Planning for Adult Life Transition Resources

  • 5 Steps to Prepare for Health Care Transition

  • A Family Toolkit: Pediatric-to-Adult Health Care Transition

  • Finding an Adult Doctor

  • Health Care Transition Timeline for Parents/Caregivers [En Español]

  • Health Care Transition Timeline for Youth and Young Adults [En Español]

  • Planning to Move from Pediatric to Adult Care? Here’s How They Can Differ

  • Preparing for the Transition from Pediatric to Adult Health Care: Parent Guide

  • Questions to Ask Your Child’s Doctor About Transitioning to Adult Health Care (for Parents and Caregivers) in partnership with Family Voices [En Español]

  • Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Transitioning to Adult Health Care (for Youth and Young Adults) in partnership with Family Voices [En Español]

  • Setting up the “Medical ID” Feature on Apple’s Health App and on Android Phones [En Español]

  • System Differences Between Pediatric and Adult Health Care

Healthcare Transition is the change from a PEDIATRIC model of care (parents and caregivers make most decisions) to an ADULT model of care (most adults make their own healthcare decisions). Decisions need to be made before the 18th birthday.

photo of nurse talking with a women

Step One: Start Talking Transition/ Age 12-14

  • Know the names of doctors and reasons for seeing them.

  • Allow time for the youth patient to meet with the physician alone.

  • Fill out a checklist to prepare for adult healthcare.

photo of two people holding hands

Step Two: Be in the know/ Age 15-17

  • Youth, families, and doctor need to know youth’s unique medical needs - communication style - disability diagnosis

  • Youth and family need to learn about privacy and consent before age 18.

photo of patient hugging his nurse

Step Three: Transition to adult care/ Age 18 & up

  • Ask current doctor to recommend doctors who care for adults.

  • Check on insurance coverage.

  • Be sure medical records are sent to adult doctor(s).

Self Determination & Advocacy

Young man sitting in a wheelchair, loading dishes into a dishwasher

Self-determination is the belief that all people have the right to control their own lives and make choices  for their futures. It is important for young people with disabilities to have opportunities to learn and practice these skills.

Self-Directed IEP Planning Form
Created to help inform students about the CCR IEP forms and process in a student-friendly way. Pre-planning for a student’s CCR IEP meeting and for the student to understand their CCR IEP.

WI Family Voices – Self Determination and Children with Disabilities (English/Spanish)

Self-Advocacy Suite
Students who are able to self-advocate for their rights, and abilities are more successful with their post school goals as they are able to ask for accommodations on jobs and in college settings.

WI Transition APP Increase Self-Direction and Self-Advocacy

Financial Matters

NOTE: Talk with a financial advisor that specializes in special needs planning about your family’s financial and estate planning needs.

Special Needs Answers – Helping families preserve assets and government benefits

Financial Planning Resources for Families

All Things Money - Financial Literacy

Talk with your IEP team about goals related to adult financial responsibilities: Paying bills, budgeting, managing a bank account, writing a check, managing cash or card transactions, etc.

Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing.

To achieve your money goals to live the life you want, you may need help. Talk with your IEP team or others supporting you with your transition.

NOTE: Talk to your banking institution about ways to support your young adult with dual signature bank accounts, authorized signatories, etc.

Let’s talk about supporting individuals to live full lives (English/Hmong/Spanish)
Helps individuals with disabilities and aging adults to make decisions about their lives. They choose the people they trust to help them gather and understand information, compare options, and communicate their decisions to others. It’s how most people make decisions.

Money Smarts – Taking Care of your Money
Developing good money habits in your teens will set a solid foundation for getting the things you want out of life. It all starts with taking charge of your money.

National Disability Institute’s Free Financial Well-being Tools
Downloadable tools to help individuals, families, financial institutions and community partners improve the financial well-being of people with disabilities. Learn more

Social Security Representative Payment Program
Provides benefit payment management for beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Learn more

Independent Living: Where am I going to live?

Thinking about where you want to live as an adult is an important part of transitioning to adulthood. Talk with your transition team about your plans.

Many programs can assist with housing costs. You can seek help with rent, mortgage payments, and utility assistance. Because programs and funding sources change rapidly, interested persons should check with their local city or county housing authority (if any), with the local Rural and Economic Development office, and with the local social services or human services department for current information.

DHS – Wisconsin Disabilities Housing

Racine County Housing Authority 

Overview of public programs that can offer assistance with renovating and weatherizing existing housing, filling energy needs and obtaining access to public housing and rent assistance.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income tenants. To apply, contact or visit the management office of each apartment building that interests you. Learn more about rental help, and tenant rights

Independent Living: Getting Around

Talk with your team about all the different ways to get around in your community and how your team can support you in exploring options.

Will you walk or ride a bike to get to your job or to go shopping? Will you learn how to use public transportation (take the bus)? Will you take a taxi? Will you ride share with family friends or neighbors? Will you learn how to drive?

Driving with a Disability – What Should I Know?

The Wisconsin DOT provides information on the following topics: how to obtain a license, vehicle modifications/special vehicle equipment, and accessible parking. Information, handbook, practice test app, parking permit.

Other Resources:

Residential Supported Living

  • Olive Branch Communities Residential and Day Programs is to provide safety and personalized care in a setting that truly feels like HOME so we strive to make each resident’s personal choices a reality while maximizing independence. Let Olive Branch Communities handle the day-to-day caregiving responsibilities so your “family time” can be filled with fun and laughter. Your loved one will enjoy a supported living arrangement where independence is encouraged. We have ranch-style homes available in quiet neighborhoods in Waterford and Burlington with local management. Contact: 262-342-0200 or visit https://www.myolivebranch.com

 

  • Communities of Crocus: Communities of Crocus provides supportive housing options with onsite support and services for adults 18+ with autism and similar intellectual and developmental disabilities in a community setting. Contact: Amy Hansel

 

 

Community Day Services 

Next Step Life Coach

  • Description: Assisting post-high school people who have different abilities. A Community-based day program.

  • Contact: Connie Lelivelt

  • Phone: 262-366-4061

  • Location: 241 N. Milwaukee St, Waterford, WI 53185

The Compassionate Corner

  • Description: Adult Day Service, where individuals with special needs come together to create a positive impact in each other’s lives by engaging in activities and community outings.

  • Contact: Emily

  • Email: emily@thecompassionatecorner.com

  • Location: 149 Madison Street, Burlington

  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Compassionate-Corner/61571537014468/

The Haase House

  • Description: Supports young adults to pursue their own chosen, community-integrated lifestyle by becoming more self-sufficient, independent and purposeful in their future in the community.

  • Contact: Mary Haase, Director

  • Phone: (262)-278-0443

  • Location: 312 Roberts Dr, Mukwonago, WI 53149

  • Website: thehaasehouse.org

TriSkills

  • Description: Dedicated to providing meaningful & enjoyable community-based day programming services for individuals of all ability levels

  • Location: Mukwonago, WI

  • Website: https://www.triskill.org/

Achievements by James

  • Description: Provides community-based opportunities for adults with disabilities to experience a meaningful life through an individualized approach.

  • Contact: Rebecca Bursek and Erika Kuiper-Harnum

  • Phone: 262-864-4143

  • Location: 1014 Vine Street, Union Grove, WI 53182

  • Website: https://achievementswi.com

Pathways Living and Learning Center

  • Description: Community day program. Pathways opportunities include: continued education, creation and sale of products, weekly day trips, daily living skills and more.

  • Contact: Marilyn Martin

  • Phone: 262-994-9200

  • Email: info@pathwaysllc.org

  • Location: 1100 Main St., Union Grove, WI 53182

  • Website: pathwaysproductswi.org

Staying Active

inclusive performance logo

Inclusive Performance is located at CrossFit Syndicate in Waterford, Wisconsin.  Our mission at Inclusive Performance is to empower athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities by providing a welcoming and inclusive fitness community. We are committed to fostering confidence, independence, strength, and overall well-being through our specialized adaptive fitness training and programming. Our goal is to create an environment where very athlete can thrive, overcome challenges, and achieve their fitness aspirations, while promoting a culture of support, respect, and inclusion. Together, we are redefining possibilities and celebrating the unique strengths within each of us, one workout at a time.

GYM & MAILING ADDRESS:

625 Trailview Court, Unit 12

Waterford, WI 53185

SCHEDULE A VISIT:

inclusiveperformance@gmail.com

262-949-4494

Join the Special Olympics for Western Racine County on Facebook 

(this page is not owned or ran by WUHS staff) 

Follow Tri My Best Triathlon in Kenosha County

(this page is not owned or ran by WUHS staff)

planning for adult life