Ages 18-22

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 Developmental Services (DDS)
  • Apply for DDS Services
  • DDS Transition Fact Sheets
  • Adult Autism Resource Guide
  • DDS Family Support Centers
    
• Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
  • Independent Living Center’s
    • NILP
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Supported Living Programs
  • Benefits Counseling (Project IMPACT)
    

• Department of Mental Health (DMH)
• YouForward
  
• Department of Public Health (DPH)
  • Health Transitions
    
• MassHealth​ (Medicaid)
  • Premium Assistance
  • Personal Care Management (PCM)
  • Adult Foster/Family Care (AFC)
    ​

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

• Supported Decision Making
• Alternatives to Guardianship
• Conservatorship
• Guardianship
  

Legal Support

• Disability Law Center
• Lawrence Court Service Center
  

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

• Section 8
• Housing Authorities
• Autism Housing Pathways
  

Social Security
Social Security Tool – Exceptional Lives

• Social Security Office
• Apply for SSI Online
  

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

For additional support contact Andrea Morris, Director of Family Supports, at amorris@thearcofghn.org or at 978-373-0552 ext. 211.

Para apoyo bilingüe contacte a Rowan DeAza at rdeaza@thearcofghn.org or 978-373-0552 ext. 216.

Current Hours:
Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm, appointments preferred.
Extended hours are offered by appointment only.