Partners Resource Network's Transition Booklet - Dude, Where's My Transition Plan ?

Dude, Where’s My Transition Plan?

We are happy to share our newest resource booklet, Dude, Where’s My Transition Plan?  with you!

Speaking directly to youth with disabilities, this booklet includes multiple transition planning worksheets, several checklists, and discussions of self-advocacy.

The booklet is available in English and Spanish:

Scholarships Available for Students with a Documented Learning Disability (LD) and/or ADHD

NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities) offers annual scholarships and awards that celebrate the work and achievements of those students and leaders working to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 with learning and attention issues:

Anne Ford Scholarship

The Anne Ford Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500/year over four years) granted to a graduating high school senior who will be enrolled in a full-time bachelor’s degree program in the fall. Students must have a documented learning disability (LD) and/or ADHD.  Applications for the 2021 scholarships are open.

Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship

The Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship awarded over two years ($2,500 each year) to a graduating high school senior who will enroll in a two-year community college, a vocational or technical training program, or a specialized program for students with LD and/or ADHD in the fall. Students must have a documented learning disability (LD) and/or ADHD. Applications for the 2021 scholarships are open.

Texas College Bridge Now Open to Grade 11 Students

With Texas College Bridge you can take college prep courses in math and English, completely online and free. The courses are tailored to you, covering only the skills you need. And if you need extra help or have a question, a teacher facilitator is a click away.

Texas College Bridge is self-paced. No strict schedule, no stress and on your own time. It also includes college and career resources like financial aid information, résumé help and tips for finding the right college for you.

Learn more about Texas College Bridge.

Should I Disclose My Disability?

Every job seeker with a disability is faced with the same decision: “Should I or shouldn’t I disclose my disability?” This decision may be framed differently depending upon whether you have a visible disability or a non-visible disability. Ultimately, the decision of whether to disclose is entirely up to you.

There is no one “right” time or place to disclose your disability. Select a confidential place in which to disclose, and allow enough time for the person to ask questions. Do not dwell on the limitations of your disability.

Visit the Office of Employment Policy of the Department of Labor to learn why, how and when to talk about the “D” word.

If you would like to learn more check the ODEP Disability Disclosure Workbook, Unit 3, Page 3-1.

GreatSchools’ Interactive College Prep Timeline

Here’s what to do month-by-month, year-by-year, to get your high school student prepped for and successfully through the college application process.

How to Work on Transition Skills from Home

Due to the COVID outbreak, this Fall’s return to school looks a lot different for Texas students. Many middle and high schools delayed their start for in-person classes and a lot of students opted to attend classes remotely. Some colleges started classes online-only, while others will offer a hybrid alternative. In any case, the question remains: how can you continue to work towards your transition goals while being at home and in your community with COVID-19 restrictions in place?

Watch the recording of our recent statewide webinar on transition called Let’s Talk Transition!  This webinar highlights key elements to support the transition process and activities, and what meaningful opportunities must be included in the transition plan.

What Can Self-Determination Help You Achieve?

Self-determination is about acting or causing things to happen in your life. Self-determination is about knowing your strengths and growth opportunities, and sometimes being self-determined might be asking others for ideas and supports.  You can build abilities associated with self-determination (like setting goals and solving problems) anywhere, including at school, home, and work as well as in the community.

Watch this short video What is Self-Determination? from Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities and use the inventory assessments to learn more about yourself and obtain more resources to reach self- determination.

Connecting Youth to Careers

This video follows Jessica from 9th grade through her senior year as she explores her strengths and interests, gains work experience and finds her career pathway. It covers self-awareness, career research and career planning activities. It also answers questions about what parents can do to help launch their teen on a successful career path.

What You Need to Know About Equal Employment, COVID-19, ADA, and Other Laws

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces workplace anti-discrimination laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act (which include reasonable accommodation and non-discrimination), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

Also check:

Youth Leadership Fact Sheets