Blog

In most states, 22-year-olds begin to age out of the programs designed to support students throughout their educational journey. However, many states, regions, and communities have organizations and agencies that can help support young adults in the transition from high school to postsecondary education, workforce programs, and/or independent living. To help navigate the available resources, we’ve compiled a list of organizations below in the Philadelphia region that specialize in transition services for adults with disabilities.

• Phila On the Job: This resource connects students in transition to Philadelphia-based companies with an inclusive initiative and employment for people with disabilities, among other transition resources. Learn more.
• Drexel Autism Institute: The Drexel University Autism Institute laid out transition pathways to assist students in transition in finding education and job opportunities after graduation. Learn more.
• The School District of Philadelphia: If you are looking to prepare for your career after high school, this resource can help! Whether you are looking to go to college or start working right away, the School District of Philadelphia can support you. Learn more. The school district also wrote a secondary transition learning guide. This is an all-encompassing resource to assist graduates with making decisions about their post-high school life. Learn more.
• Liberty Resources: Liberty Resources is a Philadelphia-based organization that provides advocacy, information and referral, peer support, skills training, and transition services, among many other services. Learn more.
• SPIN: This non-profit organization offers community-based support for people with autism. This includes advocacy, employment, and even residential services. Learn more.
• Bridges From School to Work: Bridges matches young adults with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) to employers after teaching them necessary skills in the workforce. Learn more.
• CHOP Career Path Program: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers a program to prepare young adults for their post-high school life. The program includes a vocational readiness assessment, interview and resume preparation, skills training, and many more. Learn more.
• Philadelphia Autism Project: This organization created a toolkit for each stage of life for people with autism. For the stage pertaining to secondary transition (ages 18-26), the toolkit includes resources for college, health care, residential living, and more. Learn more.
• Mental Health Partnerships: For those that live in the Philadelphia region, Mental Health Partnerships has a wide network of opportunities, resources, and services at your disposal. Learn more.
• DBHIDS: The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services (DBHIDS) offers support and services for those in Philadelphia so everyone will have choices in their lives, meaningful relationships, and participation in their community as valued citizens. Learn more.
• Community Integrated Services: Community Integrated Services works with each jobseeker individually to set them up for employment success. Learn more.

For Educators and Administrators Interested in Bolstering their Transition Services

• The Arc of Philadelphia: Becoming a member of the Arc of Philadelphia will allow any educator to make an impact. Get involved with the community you are passionate about, enroll in programs, and become a leader today! Learn more.
• PaTTAN: The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) constructed a six-step process to assist educators in addressing secondary transition. Learn more.

   

Want to be notified of new articles and resources from Green Tree Schools? Click here to submit your email and opt into our newsletter.