The University of Montana Rural Institute has been a leader in the area of transition planning for youth with disabilities since 1995. Activities have included:
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Provision of education and training to schools, families, students and agencies;
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Development of innovative strategies and transition models;
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Demonstration, outreach and technical assistance, both on-site and long distance;
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Promotion of systems changes to support effective transition for youth from school to adult life; and
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Information dissemination.
Since 2000, we’ve focused several of our projects on customized community employment for youth with significant disabilities. We have developed and implemented unique models of transition planning that continue to evolve as we learn more from the youth and families with whom we work.
Our transition activities are unique in that they promote:
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Customized Employment strategies for youth with disabilities;
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The use of Social Security work incentives for students;
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Transition planning for middle school students;
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Collaborative funding across agencies to create individually-driven employment supports;
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Self-employment as vocational experience or as a post-school outcome; and
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Self-determination for youth as we empower them to identify strengths, skills, and needs for transition planning.
Visit our link to “Articles and Products”
for information and tools you can
use in your own programs.
Looking for Nominations for Emerging Leaders
We are looking for examples of Montanans age 34 or younger who have a developmental disability to expand the vision of what is possible for youth and young adults with developmental disabilities to learn, live, work and play in their communities. In collaboration with Youth Advisory Board members, project staff creates monthly Transition Listserv announcements and an annual publication to highlight and share innovative examples and stories of young adults with developmental disabilities being active, participating members of their communities. Information is shared about how the supports necessary to help them realize these possibilities were identified and funded or provided.
More information on nominating Emerging Leaders....
Projects
Mission: In October 2012, the Rural Institute Transition and Employment Projects started work under a one-year contract with Children's Special Health Services (CSHS) at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Through the contract, project staff are increasing the capacity of CSHS to support children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) to transition successfully into adulthood. Activities include recruiting foster care and CYSHCN representatives for the Rural Institute Consumer Advisory Council; developing and providing four webinar trainings on topics related to the transition needs of CYSHCN; expanding the Montana Transition Listserv to include CYSHCN partners (hospitals, specialty and regional clinics); disseminating health care transition-related information via the Montana Transition Listserv, the Transition and Employment Projects website, and other websites; and developing and disseminating a health care coverage guide for families and youth.
Transition and Employment Consultation and Technical Assistance
We are available to provide consultation, training and/or technical assistance for your target audience (parents, youth, school staff, provider agency staff) at your site or through long distance technology, either short-term or ongoing.
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If you need information from this website in a different format, please contact
Ellen Condon at 406-243-4134
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