How does the ADRC help Youth in Transition?
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Jackson County helps assist with the transition process starting at the age of 17 years and 6 months. The ADRC is an entry point for information and assistance on issues affecting students and adults with disabilities regardless of income.
Services Provided at the ADRC include but are not limited to:
- Disability benefits counseling
- Applying for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and Medicaid
- Advocacy if you receive a denial of benefits
- Information on working and keeping benefits
- Eligibility determination for publicly funded long term care programs
- Family Care
- IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct)
- Support Options
- Supported Decision Making
- Powers of Attorney
- Guardianship
ADRC services can be provided in person, via telephone or through a home visit.
To schedule an appointment please contact the ADRC of Jackson County at 715.284.4301 or 844.493.4245
County Community on Transition (CCoT)
CCoT is a regional committee that meets regularly to identify issues, barriers, supports and solutions to assisting students with disabilities make a successful transition based on student post-secondary goals related to training or education, employment and independent living. The key to the CCoT success is sharing the work, establishing effective communication and new relationships to better work together.
Suggested CCoT members can include, but are not limited to:
- School Districts
- Children’s Long-Term Care Support
- Adult Long-Term Care Organizations
- Family Members
- Guardians
- Local Businesses
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Aging and Disability Resource Centers
- Youth
- Higher Education – Community College and/or University representatives
For more information or to join the Jackson County CCoT Team, please reach out to [email protected]
CCoT Newsletter
2 Pages- Click on the document to show the navigation bar to move between pages.
JC-CCoT Vol 2 issue 3 CCoT Job OlympicsOctober 2024:
- 2nd & 4th Fridays 11am-1pm- Harm Reduction Response Red Mini Van, (BRF Fire Station) South Water Street Parking lot Black River Falls
- Do you need any of these supplies?
- Syringe kits; Nasal NARCAN; IM Naloxone; Fentanyl and Zylazine test strips; Sexual health and hygiene items
- Look for the red van!
- Do you need any of these supplies?
- October 29-30th, 2024 Capacity Building: Embracing Collective Partnerships: Collaborate, Innovate, Elevate, Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells *Save the date- more information to come
- Who should attend: Educators, service systems, organizations, community members, families, students, all interested in transition planning and/or on a CCoT team
- 2-day event; can attend 1 or both days
- Hosted by: TIG- Transition Improvement Grant and WI CCoT
November 2024:
- 2nd & 4th Fridays 11am-1pm- Harm Reduction Response Red Mini Van, South Water Street Parking lot Black River Falls
- Do you need any of these supplies?
- Syringe kits; Nasal NARCAN; IM Naloxone; Fentanyl and Zylazine test strips; Sexual health and hygiene items
- Look for the red van!
- Do you need any of these supplies?
- November 7th 8:30-10am Winning with Wisconsin Workforce Breakfast, Ho-Chunk Hotel and Casino- Black River Falls
- Event brings together professionals from industries to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Wisconsin’s Workforce. Use this event to connect wtih like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights to help you success in today’s competitive job market.
- Register for complimentary breakfast at www.Western-Q4.eventbrite.com
- Hosted by Workforce Development
- November 7th 6:30-8:00pm Special Needs Planning- Your child is 18- The disability transition, Black River Beach or Central Library Basement (La Crosse)
- Do you have a child or loved one with a qualified disability that is approaching age 18? What are the steps that need to be taken to ensure that they are receiving help and benefits they are entitled to? How does Guardianship work? What’s a Rep Payee? Does my child really need to pay rent? In this workshop, we will discuss the transition process and give you a checklist and reasonable set of resources to get you on the right path.
- RSVP: [email protected]; 608-790-1354
- November 13th 11-2pm Disability Association’s Fall Festival, Interfaith Volunteers (1451 Tyler St, BRF)
- Games, crafts, prizes and entertainment provided! Lunch catered by L&M Cafe
- RSVP to Interfaith by calling 715-284-7058
- November 14 & 21st, 11:30-1pm, Navigating Special Education Resources, Zoom
- Free workshop to gain information and knowledge about special education, as well as explore resources and specific tools and strategies to use when working with school staff and to advocate for your child’s needs.
- Topics: Session 1- Acronyms/Terms; Birth-3; Pre-School; Communication. Session 2- Evaluation reports; IEP’s Transition (PTP); General information.
- November 14-15, Special Education Conference, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells
- More info HERE
- Hosted by EdEvents
- November 20, 4-5:30 Bullying & Non-Discrimination Policies & Practices, Zoom
- Register HERE
- Hosted by WSPEI and Family Engagement Community of Practice & Learning
December 2024:
- December 3rd 5:30-6:30 Thinking About Supported Decision Making, Zoom
- This online session explains what families need to know about
decision-making supports and other legal tools for adults in Wisconsin, including guardianship, Powers of Attorney for Healthcare and Finance and Supported Decision Making Agreements. - Register HERE
- Hosted by Family Voices of Wisconsin
- This online session explains what families need to know about
- December 18, 4-5:30 Grandparents Supporting Children, Zoom
- Register HERE
- Hosted by WSPEI and Family Engagement Community of Practice & Learning
Completing high school is a big milestone for most students, this is especially true for students with disabilities. It is an exciting yet scary transition for students as they transition from high school to the adult world. Planning for life after high school starts early. In Wisconsin, students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) create a Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP) with the IEP team when they turn 14. The plan helps guide students to reach their goals. Check out the WI Transition App which can help make sure your voice is heard when you create your transition plan.
Individualized Education Plans (IEP) begin at age 14, and all students who have IEPs are required to have their plans reviewed yearly. Required goals of the IEP are employment, post-secondary education. A third area that is important, but not required, is independent living.
More information can be found on the IEP Check List to help parents and students prepare for all steps in the transition process.
WI FACETS:
The mission of this organization is to provide and broaden opportunities to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities, and their families. The information emphasizes support for underserved families in the community.
- Helps parents build partnerships with those who provide services to their children.
- Connects families to community resources.
- Educates parents on their rights and how to use those rights to become involved in their child’s education.
- Empowers parents and young adults so they may advocate effectively for their own needs.
- Provides information and resources to educators and other professionals who support children with disabilities.
You can find more resources online at: Resources For Special Education & Disabilities Wisconsin | WI FACETS and digital and printable publications at: IEP Publications & Other Resources Wisconsin | WI FACETS
For additional information on youth transition services, please call the ADRC: 715-284-3978.
Financial Planning
Managing finances can be difficult and overwhelming for many youth transitioning into adulthood. There are different ways transitioning youth can receive support and feel safe when it comes to managing their finances. Below is a list of resources to utilize for support with their financial matters. These resources are arranged from the least restrictive to the most restrictive for an individual.
Voluntary Banking Restrictions
Individuals can receive support through their bank by giving a trusted adult access to their bank accounts. Some of these options include joint bank accounts, naming an agent on your account, dual signature checking accounts, setting up direct deposit, or setting up automatic withdrawals. Talk with a representative from your bank for more information.
Power of Attorney for Finances
This is a document that an individual completes and signs naming an agent to handle their financial affairs in the event that they are not able to. The individual determines what the agent has authority over and how they would want the agent to handle their finances. The document is active upon signing, unless you state specifically in the document when an individual would want it activated. To find a copy of the Power of Attorney for Finances and Property click here.
Representative Payee
If you receive Social Security benefits and need help managing your finances, the Social Security Administration can appoint a trusted individual or a professional agency to serve as your representative payee. A Representative Payee collects the individuals benefits on their behalf and ensures all their bills are paid.
For more information, please visit Social Security Administration
Guardian of Estate
A Guardian of Estate is the most restrictive for an individual and is appointed by the court to manage a person’s financial affairs. A Guardian of Estate is appointed when an individual does not have to mental capacity to make decisions regarding his or her finances and less restrictive options would not meet the individual’s needs.
For more information, please see Guardian of Estate Brochure
Special Needs Asset Planning
ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Accounts
A Guardian of Estate is the most restrictive for an individual and is appointed by the court to manage a person’s financial affairs. A Guardian of Estate is appointed when an individual does not have to mental capacity to make decisions regarding his or her finances and less restrictive options would not meet the individual’s needs.
For more information go to Quantum Planners website