Independent Living Program - Florida's Center for Child Welfare

All children – whether or notthey have a disability —have rights, needs, talentsand dreams. For students withdisabilities, the key to a smoothtransition to adulthood lies inrecognizing the possibilities uniqueto their gifts and goals. Transition,which usually takes place betweenthe ages of 14 and 22, can bemuch more successful if a studenthas access to all the supports andservices that permit him or her tolive as fully and independently aspossible.Under the Individuals withDisabilities Education Act (IDEA)and the Rehabilitation Act,students with disabilities have theright to substantial assistance inmaking the most of their transitionyears. However, they don’t alwaysget the services to which they’reentitled. That can be becausethe laws and regulations are notwell understood, or becauseproviders are short on money ortime, or because the student’stransition team lacks an energetic,knowledgeable and determinedleader.If you are a young person movingtoward adulthood — or the parent,teacher or friend of one — thishandbook is designed to help youunderstand what services areavailable and how to gain access tothem.What Is This Booklet For?If you are a youngperson movingtoward adulthood —or the caseworker,independent livingcoordinator, parent,surrogate parent,foster parent, teacheror friend of one —this handbook isdesigned to help you.3