Youth & Transition

Download the ADRC Transition Guide 2023.

How do you prepare for life as an adult? What will you do after high school? How will you spend your day? Where do you want to live? What kind of work will you do? How will you manage your money? How will you manage your health? Who will help you make decisions? These questions are part of the transition planning process.  

Transition planning starts early. In Wisconsin, students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) will create a postsecondary transition plan (PTP) with their IEP team at school when they turn 14. The transition plan includes goals for when the student leaves high school such as employment, independent living, and postsecondary education. Check out the WiTransition App. It can help you make sure your voice is heard when you create your transition plan.

The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is one of your transition partners outside of school. We provide information about adult services, resources, and programs. Our assistance is confidential and free, regardless of income. General information can be obtained at any age. Other services can be provided as early as 17 years and 6 months. Contact us to request a meeting with an options counselor who specializes in working with youth in transition. Services for transition-age youth include but are not limited to:

• Information and referral to local resources
  • Home care
  • Transportation
  • Independent living
  • Respite care
  • Employment support
• Eligibility determination for publicly funded long-term care programs
  • Family Care
  • IRIS
• Disability benefits counseling
  • Applying for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and Medicaid
  • Dealing with a denial of benefits
  • Working and keeping benefits 
• Information and assistance with decision support options
  • Supported decision making agreements
  • Powers of attorney
  • Guardianship

Download the Wisconsin Transition Resource Guide  to learn how you can prepare for becoming an adult. 

For more information about Social Security benefits, click here to navigate to the Social Security Administration youth resources website.

For more information about Family Care, click here.

For more information about IRIS, click here.

For more information about services for job seekers available through the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, click here.

For more information about decision support options:

• Guardianship Support Center
• Supported Decision Making Toolkit