Aging & Disability Resource Center of Racine County

When a child with a disability begins to transition into adulthood it can be an overwhelming process for that person and their family. At this juncture, planning starts and it is also a time when transition services within school may continue or discontinue based upon a person's future goals. Having insight into what may be available in the community can be very helpful.

Keep in mind if a person is already 18 they have the legal authority to make their own decisions, and as such, this person should be the one to consult about getting connected to services. They will need to give permission allowing parents or caregivers to assist them in this process and also be involved in these processes themselves. The ADRC is available to facilitate connections to services, and assist with transition needs. We can help with to answer "What now?" during this time.

Because the ADRC assists people with this transition process, we can begin these conversations about planning as early as age 17.5. Please consider contacting your local ADRC to plan for your future.

Resources for students with Disabilities - Please contact the ADRC (262-833-8777) or your school to request a copy of the current resource book. You can also check out the directories below which contain similar information and can also be requested in paper format.

CESA 1 (locations East of I 94)provides you with area traning opportunities and information.

WI Facets - Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Training, Education and Support has a variety of resources and information for parents and families of children and adults with disabilities.

WisconSibs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that connects siblings of people with disabilities with each other, and with resources to help them throughout their lifelong journey. In northeastern Wisconsin, it provides Sibshops® and camps for girls and boys, and future planning and social events for families. Statewide, its services include web content, consulting, coaching, future planning, and conference presentations. Nationally, it is the Wisconsin chapter of the Sibling Leadership Network .

The Transition Improvement Grant has designed a transition app to increase self-direction and self-advocacy for all Wisconsin youth in the transition planning process. We are excited for youth, schools, families, and agencies to begin using this application! See: http://www.witig.org/witransition-app.html This app is designed to help Wisconsin students and family members participate in the transition planning process. The questions in the app help students give input into the requirements of the state and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Ticket to Work program. Here's a nice website that reviews information about the program. It's a way for adults who are on SSI or SSDI to keep their benefits, work and possibly increase their income. http://www.chooseworkttw.net/about/index.html

National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices http://aadmd.org/NTG has developed a Family Support Network that includes resource information, an online support group, and a newsletter. See the most recent edition:

ADRC booklets for Adults with Intellectual (Developmental) or Physical Disabilities

The Racine Police Department in partnership with Racine County Aging & Disability Resource Center, and The Volunteer Center of Racine, has developed the “Autism/Alzheimer/Dementia Elopement Alert Form”.

Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference

The Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference works to empower people with disabilities in Wisconsin to have more control over their lives. More than 600 people each year participate in the conference to learn more about self-determination and SDS so they can live independently, be members of their communities, and use public funds efficiently. The conference participants include people with disabilities and their family members, direct care providers, and professionals from Wisconsin’s disability community.

2017 Self-Determination Conference

November 1-3, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Join us as we celebrate 10 years of the SD Conference!

Celebrating You…Mind, Body and Spirit

Registration will open July 1, 2017

See: http://wi-bpdd.org/index.php/wisconsin-self-determination-conference/