Transition Planning into Adulthood
Transition services are based on the individual student’s needs, taking into account his/her strengths, preferences, and interests. These services help young adults to live, work, participate in the community, and go on to further education or training as independently as possible when they leave high school.
Massachusetts “Turning 14” Law
Beginning age 14 or sooner if determined appropriate by an individualized education program team, school age children with disabilities shall be entitled to transition services and measurable postsecondary goals, as provided under the federal Individual Disabilities with Education Act, 20 USC sec. 1400, et sec.
Federal “Turning 22” Law
Transition services are defined by federal law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA) as a “coordinated set of activities…designed to be within a results oriented process,…to facilitate the student’s movement from school to post-school activities.”
Massachusetts Resources:
MA Transition Planning Tool – Exceptional Lives
- MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Secondary Transition
- Transition Timeline (Arc of Mass)
Educational Advocacy:
How to get Special Education Services Tool – Exceptional Lives
State Agencies:
Executive Office of Human & Health Services (EOHHS)
- Department of Public Health (DPH)
- Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs
The goal of the Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs is to promote good health and quality of life for all children and youth with special health care needs and their families.
- Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs
- Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
- Department of Mental Health (DMH)
- MassHealth (Medicaid)
Health Insurance Tool – Exceptional Lives
Massachusetts Health Connector
Additional Resources:
Family TIES of Massachusetts provides information and referral services, emotional support, and training to parents of children and youth with special needs. Driven and staffed by parents of children with special needs, we offer a unique type of emotional and practical support to families with similar life experiences.
MassOptions
A Service of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services to find free resources and services to support your family and loved one.
Employment
Employment Tool – Exceptional Lives
Connect With Us:
To schedule a one hour, consult please fill out the Intake Form below:
The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport Family Support Center Referral
Formulario al Centro de Apoyo Familiar Del Arc de Greater Haverhill-Newburyport
For additional support contact:
- Andrea Morris, Director of Family Supports amorris@thearcofghn.org or 978-373-0552 x211
- Sreya Shepard, Family Support Center Manager, sshepard@thearcofghn.org or 978-373-0552 x241
- Rowan DeAza, Bilingual Family Support Navigator rdeaza@thearcofghn.org or 978-373-0552 x216
Current Family Support Hours:
Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm, appointments preferred.
Extended hours are offered by appointment only.
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We stand united with The Arc of Massachusetts and The Arc's national movement to enhance
the human and civil rights of all persons with disabilities.