YES! Youth Empowering Students

A Guide to Transitioning out of High School

(Student Guide)

A project of the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities

Welcome to our “YES!” Program. YES stands for “Youth Empowering Students” and we provide a guide to transitioning out of high school!

The goal of this program is to provide information to students, parents and teachers of the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community on Advocacy, Post-Secondary Education, Employment Options, Leadership, Informed Choice and Self-Determination.

Often when heading out of the world of high school, we are told that we cannot do something, we cannot go somewhere, we cannot buy something, we cannot become something, etc. That’s not true! The goal of this course is to understand your choices and know that when others tell you “No”, we say “YES!”.

Course Schedule:Day 1 – Start Building Your Path

Day 2 – Advocacy

Day 3 – Post-Secondary Education/Employment Options

Day 4 – Leadership

Day 5 – Informed Choice/Self-Determination

Course Testing: There will be a pre-test, post-test and follow-up survey administered during this course.

Day 1: Start Building Your Path:What do you plan on doing after high school?

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To fully understand what you’d like to do after high-school, you must first understand:

Your basic individual needs,

The laws in place to protect your rights,

And what you can do for yourself now!

Laws Surrounding People with a Disability:There are several laws written specifically to protect people with a disability.

The ADA or American’s with Disabilities Act is a law that makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities at work, in school and in public places like restaurants or businesses. It does not cover private places like someone’s home. It’s the law that provides such things as accessible buttons to open doors automatically, wheelchair ramps and other reasonable accommodations.

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation; this law ensures that free and appropriate public education is available.

Olmstead versus L.C. is not a law but a ruling. The ruling requires states to get rid of unnecessary segregation of people with disabilities and to ensure they receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.

W.I.O.A. or the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act helps people wanting jobs get employment, education, training, and support services to succeed at work.

Basic Individual Needs Include: The need to be heard and understood The need to belong and contribute as well as taking responsibility

for your own actions and decisions The need to feel stable and in control The need to be successful and reach one’s potential The need to be able to identify and then explain your strengths

and weaknesses so you can advocate for yourself and what you need.

This also includes having all the information to make an informed choice!

What can I do for myself now? Start building a plan for your future goals.

(Refer to your ‘Where do I go from here?’ worksheet)

Get involved in your IEP (Individualized Education Plan) to make sure you get the services you need to be successful in school. This plan is reviewed and updated annually and you should participate in these meetings. Talk with your school counselors, teachers and parents and let them know what YOU want.

At 14, you can begin adding information to your IEP about your transition plan. Beginning this process early, will help make life after

high school much easier. This will make sure you have the tools you need to transition smoothly out into the world when you graduate.

High School Diplomas – If you graduate with an adjusted diploma there may be barriers to getting financial aid, attending certain schools or getting financial aid, attending certain schools or getting certain jobs. For more information on diplomas talk with your IEP team.

Nevada PEP can assist in providing information, services, and training regarding your IEP while in school.

Contact Nevada PEP at:www.nvpep.org800-216-5188

Start applying for services you may need after high school at least 1 year prior to graduation! (Vocational Rehab, Job Training Programs, Pathway to Independence, etc.) Waitlists can be long and if you wait, you risk the possibility of having an interruption in your services.

The sooner you start planning for your future, the easier your path will be.

Day 2: AdvocacyThe Act of speaking on the behalf of or in support of another person, place or thing. This can mean people speaking or acting on their own behalf to improve their quality of life, or correct something that is wrong.

Self-Advocacy

What is Self-Advocacy? This is advocating for yourself! It means deciding what is best for you and taking charge of getting

it Standing up for your rights as a person Teaching others about your rights and responsibilities.

Why is Self-Advocacy important? It helps us to develop good communication skills, Teaches us to make decisions and choices that affect our lives so

that we can be more independent Helps us to develop confidence about our abilities.

When will I use Self-Advocacy? You should be using it NOW and for the rest of your life! But you may also use it:

When you need additional accommodations; When you don’t have access to things you need; When you are having a disability-related difficulty and need some

extra assistance. How can I practice being a self-advocate?

Understand what your disability is and how it affects you Understand your rights and responsibilities under A.D.A., I.D.E.A.,

Olmstead and W.I.O.A. Use the information to achieve your goals and advocate for

yourself.

Understanding Self-Awareness and Self-AdvocacyIn this section, we will discuss advocating for your needs in high school and after high school. We will also discuss what changes between them.

High School After High School

- Follows the Special Education Model - School personnel “find you” and help

decide eligibility for services/supports

- Follows the Accommodations Model - You must request help; no one will come

find you.

- Where do you receive services? - Special Education classroom, aids,

resource room, state disability services, etc.

- Where do you receive services? - Office of Disability Services and/or

Disability Resource Centers in College; state services through Vocational Rehabilitation and/or state disability

services such as ADSD, etc.

- Documentation - Coordinated by school psychologist or

appointed staff.- School develops IEP from documentation

and test results.- Paid for by the school district/school.

- You must provide “proof” of your disability (I.e. HS records, medical or mental health records, etc.)

- Colleges can set their own guidelines for documentation (I.e. how old, adult assessments, etc.)

- High schools are not required to do a comprehensive evaluation before graduation

- After HS, you are responsible for pay for new evaluations.

- Special Education Law- The Individuals with Disabilities Education

Act (IDEA) provides the mandate and funding to schools for in-school special education services as well as transportation/buses to school, physical/occupational/speech therapy, assistive technology and tutoring.

- Services must be stated as needed in the IEP to be received.

- Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act - Colleges are required only to offer accommodations & support services; not services of a personal nature.

- Tutoring is not required under the ADA. Some colleges offer tutoring through disability services and some colleges have tutoring centers for all students.

- Foreign Language waivers & other course substitutions are not automatic.

- If you want to get a job, Vocational Rehabilitation services can take effect.

Are there organizations/clubs you can join?YES! There are several different clubs you can join to promote advocacy and leadership. Life after high school can be a confusing and intimidating place. One way you can find a place to help you continue your advocacy efforts is by joining a club in your area or on campus.

What is an Advocacy Club? A club or group consisting of peer mentors who help each other advocate for themselves and/or others.

Advocacy Clubs in Nevada

Aktion Club of Nevada People First of Nevada A-Team

There are also a lot of other community clubs you can join that will help you become leaders in your community.

Other Community Clubs Include: Kiwanis Club Lions Club Toastmasters

Life Stages Tool GuidePlease refer to the ‘tool guide’ provided with your student materials for this section.

Day 3: Post-Secondary Education and Employment OptionsIn this section, we will discuss post-secondary education and employment options and continuing the discussion on what you’ll be doing after high school.

Post-Secondary EducationPost-Secondary Education is defined as education beyond high school.

This can include:

College Degrees Vocational or Trade Schools Professional Certificates Non-Degree Certificate Programs

College Degrees are earned at a college or university, either in campus or online.

Associate Degrees are 2-year degrees meant to transition onto a Bachelor’s Degree or aimed at directly entering the work force. For

example: a registered nurse (RN), dental hygienist, physical therapist, X-Ray tech, etc.

Bachelor’s Degree are 4-year degrees typically in Arts or Science (Bachelor of Arts, B.A./Bachelor of Science, B.S.), usually allows for direct entry into the work force. For example: engineering, journalism, foreign language, marketing, etc.

Graduate Degrees are advanced degrees in your chosen field. Usually close to the subject of the Bachelor’s Degree. For example: a nurse who’d like to help with anesthesia, would go back to school to earn their Master’s and become certified Anesthesia Nurse.

Professional Degrees/Certificates are advanced degrees requiring extensive knowledge in your chosen field, typically requires 8 years of school and several years of follow up training directly in your field of study. For example: a Doctor or Lawyer.

Vocational/Trade Schools or Career Colleges Post-Secondary Educational Institutions are private trade or career

schools and community colleges that may offer vocational programs in a variety of career fields.

These schools are designed to provide vocational education or technical skills required to perform the tasks of a certain job. For example: mechanics, beauticians/cosmetologists, HVAC, plumbing, construction, etc.

Some reasons to choose a vocational/trade/career college:

You’ll be able to take classes directly related to skills needed in that profession.

These schools usually require less time than a traditional degree. Many career training schools help graduates find jobs through job

placement programs.

Non-Degree Certificate ProgramsPath to Independence (P2I) out of the University of Nevada Reno (UNR)

This is an inclusive, two-year, non-degree certificate program offering a college experience to students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

This program has students taking UNR college classes with typical peers, while providing classroom support.

Students who participate in the P2I program can receive tutoring from a peer tutoring program.

This program provides for job skill training while also allowing the setting to grow social and professional relationships within your community.

To contact Path to Independence:Contact Mary Bryant |775-682-9057 | mhbryant@unr.edu or Riley Fitzgerald |775-682-9074 | rfitzgerald@unr.edu

Post-Secondary Education – How do I pay for college? Several payment options exist for students to attend college:

FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid (fafsa.ed.gov) is a grant available for students who meet certain income and diploma requirements.

Scholarships can be available for students who qualify for them. Scholarships usually have specific requirements.

ABLE Accounts = Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, allows the creation of tax-favored savings accounts for people with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The ABLE Act allows people with disabilities and their families to set up a special savings account for disability-related expenses, allowing up to $100,000 in savings. Call 1-888-609-8916 for more information or visit https://savewithable.com/nv/home.html .

Student Loans

Money out of pocket (Family money, money from employment, payment plans, etc.)

What if I don’t want to go to college? That’s ok! If the route you’d like to take doesn’t require extra schooling, you may not need to attend post-secondary education.

What if I’m not quite ready to traditional employment? There are several options available to help an individual become “job ready”.

Work-Based Learning Experiences:

These experiences help you gives you training while getting support to help you succeed in the work place.

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) provides a program called Working Progress that is a week-long program geared towards learning the process of getting and keeping a job. From the interview, to transportation to/from work and maintaining your work schedule, as well as career exploration.

Vocational Rehab provides a customized employment program that is geared towards learning the process of employment, getting any training or assistive technology you may need and providing job coaching along the way.

Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living (NNCIL) provides several trainings in areas such as life skills, mobility and assistive technology trainings.

The supports available may overlap between providers but can include job training, assistive technology, job coaching, etc.

Entry Level Employment OpportunitiesMany jobs require little to no prior training before entering the position. These are called entry level jobs. Most of these jobs provide on the job training and allow you to start building your job skills while working in your position. For example: Customer Services, Fast Food/Restaurants, Retail, Housekeeping, Administrative Assistant/Office Work, Data Entry, Personal Care Attendant/Caretaker, Childcare Assistant, etc.

Day 4: LeadershipLeadership is defined as leading a group of people or an organization.

Qualities of a ‘Good Leader’ include: Trustworthy and Respectful

Enthusiastic

Confident

Calm

Keeps the ideas of the group in mind

Motivated

Always learning how to be a better leader

Good leaders possess good speaking and leadership skills, as well as the ability to effectively communicate. But what does that mean?

This means keeping the following in mind when you’re communicating with others:

Your body language Self-Expression Assertiveness

Listening Negotiating Compromise

GuardianshipBecoming a self-determined leader also comes into play when you turn 18. In the United States, a child becomes an adult on their 18th birthday. At 18, in most cases, you become your own guardian. For some, a guardianship or power of attorney might be necessary or beneficial for the success of the individual. Some may know the word Guardian as conservator, they are the same things. The guardianships are approved and overseen by a court.

What it means to be your own guardian:

When you are your own guardian, you will be responsible to care for all of your finances, medical appointments, any services you may receive and all of your basic life needs.

What is an adult guardianship?

Guardianship is a legal proceeding in which a petitioner (usually a family member or friend) asks the court to find that a person is unable to manage their own affairs effectively because of a disability. The court then appoints someone to act for that person and make decisions affecting their person, estate, or both.

Why would a person need a guardian?

A person may need a guardian if they are unable to make everyday decisions due to the effects of a disease, or other disabling condition. For example: a person may become too mentally confused or forgetful to care for themselves or to make arrangements to meet their physical needs; such as shopping and preparing proper meals. In this case, a guardian of the person may have to be appointed to arrange for appropriate care.

A “special guardianship” may be obtained if the adult can make some, but not all decisions necessary for their own care.

There are four different types of guardianship in Nevada. Anyone asking the court to be named a person’s guardian must specify what type of guardianship is sought.

Guardian of the Person, or

Guardian of the Estate

Guardian of the Person and Estate (Total Guardianship)

Temporary Guardianship

Power of Attorney

Generally, a Guardian of the Person makes decisions on medical care, housing, food, clothing, and other subjects that affect the person’s activities of daily living.

A Guardian of the Estate makes decisions on a person’s money, income, property of any kind, stocks and bonds, and other financial matters only.

Becoming a Guardian of the Estate does not give the guardian the absolute power to control the person’s assets and finances. They will still need to gain the court’s approval before spending any of the money or selling any property.

A temporary guardianship might be used in a case where a person is believed to be able to care for their own affairs at a later time. The length of the guardianship is defined by the courts.

A Power of Attorney (POA) is used when someone might be able to care for some of their affairs but not all. A POA can be changed to accommodate for a person’s specific needs.

The decision to have a guardianship, power of attorney or otherwise, is a personal one. You should discuss your options with a trusted adult.

For more information contact Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center (NDALC):

Northern Office 1875 Plumas Street, Suite 1 Reno, NV 89509 Phone: 1-800-992-5712 reno@ndalc.org

Day 5: Informed Choice and Self-DeterminationThese two concepts together make up the definition of making choices and decisions based on your own preferences and interests using all the information available.

Self-DeterminationA self-determining person is a making their own informed choices but can mean much more than that. Self-Determination also includes:

The freedom to plan a real life.

Support Building a life in your community.

Responsibility to give back to your community.

Knowing what you want and how to get it.

Choosing and setting goals, then working to reach them.

Advocating on your own behalf and are involved in solving problems/making decision about your life.

There are key ideas and values that are used by many, but what self-determination really means to you, is up to you.

It is one thing to determine what you want for yourself, but to see results, there needs to be a system that supports your self-

determination.

Self-determination involves many attitudes and abilities including self-awareness, assertiveness, creativity, pride, problem solving and self-advocacy skills.

A “system” is the government structure of how people receive services and supports.

A self-determined system had you as the EXPERT – you are directing your life and it starts with INFORMED CHOICE!

Informed ChoiceInformed Choice can be about everyday things like what to eat or wear; or big things like where to live or go to school.

These decisions can include what kinds of services or supports someone wants or needs, and where or how to get them.

Personal choices should always be respected and supported by others involved in that person’s life.

Remember that when they say “No”, YOU say “Y.E.S.”!