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.
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 TransitionTransition Timeline (Arc of Mass)
- Transition Timeline (Arc of Mass)
Educational Advocacy:
How to get Special Education Services Tool – Exceptional Lives
- Federation of Children with Special Needs (FCSN)Special Needs Advocacy Network (SPaN)
- Special Needs Advocacy Network (SPaN)
State Agencies:
Executive Office of Human & Health Services (EOHHS)
- Department of Mental Health (DMH)
- YouForward
- Department of Public Health (DPH)
- MassHealth (Medicaid)
Additional Resources:
MassOptions – Free resource that links you to services that help you or a loved one live independently
Supported Decision Making, Alternatives & Guardianship
Guardianship Tool – Exceptional Lives
Legal Support
Future Planning
- Center for Future Planning
- Health Insurance Support
Health Insurance Tool – Exceptional Lives- Massachusetts Health Connector
- The Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health
- Premium Assistance
Housing
Social Security
Social Security Tool – Exceptional Lives
Transportation
- Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
- Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA)
- MassMobility
- MA Driving Resources
- DriveWise & DriveAdvise (Driver’s License)
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.
