What's Next?
Transitioning from high school to the "real world" can be overwhelming. Let us help! Our classes and programs through Marathon County Special Education are designed to equip your child with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed and be happy in their workplace and community.
One Step at a Time
The first step to preparing for adulthood is to contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center (A.D.R.C.) to determine if the disability is significant enough to qualify for services. An Information and Assistance Specialist at the A.D.R.C. will complete a Functional Screen to determine eligibility for long-term care. The A.D.R.C. can also assist with resources and referrals for independent living, education/training, and applications for Social Security Benefits through a Disability Benefit Specialist. The Resource Center for options, counseling, and support services begins at age 17 1/2 regardless of aging out or graduation (certification of completion).
Other Resources
Midstate Independent Living Choices "Working for people with disabilities towards empowerment to make informed choices." M.I.L.C. offers a variety of services to support youth and their parents in the process of transitioning from school to adult life. Services include Independent Living Skills Training, Youth Self Advocacy Training, Assistive Technology/Adaptive Equipment Work Incentive Benefits, Counseling Peer Support, and I.E.P. Advocacy Information, Referral, and Community Education. For more information, call 715-344-4210 or 1-800-382-8484, email milc@milc-inc.org, or visit the Midstate Independent Living Choices website.
Y.I.P.P.E.: Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment is a group of youth and their parents who meet five times a year. They will hear from speakers and participate in hands-on activities in parallel programs centered around transition. While some topics may overlap, parents can enjoy their sessions while their youth learn similar information in a youth-friendly format. YiPPE: Youth In Partnership with Parents for Empowerment Website
Circles of Life is Wisconsin's annual conference for parents and family members who have children with disabilities and professionals who support them. Within this event is a Gathering of Youth, so your son or daughter attends the conference with you and has their programming simultaneously. This event is held in Stevens Point every other year, so it's a great local resource! Circles of Life Conference Website
Regional Centers for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (C.Y.S.H.C.N.) Wisconsin has five Regional Centers that support families with children and youth with special healthcare needs, including training on transitioning from pediatric to adult care, healthcare decision-making, accessing benefits, and Medical Home. A toll-free line offers information, referrals, and access to a resource library. The Northern Regional Center can be contacted at phone # 715-261-1906 or 1-866-640-4106. The C.Y.S.H.C.N. also has scholarships available for parents (open to any parent with a student with an I.E.P. or 504) to help pay to attend any conference, training, or meeting in the state. These scholarships help pay registration fees, hotel costs, or even mileage. Please email specialneedsinfo@co.marathon.wi.us or visit the Northern Regional Center Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Website for additional information.
Transition Improvement Grant (T.I.G.) Our mission is to provide professional development to educators, youth, families, and transition partners to ensure every child graduates college and is career-ready. Transition Improvement Grant Website