Transitioning Services

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act created a new core service for Centers of Independent Living called “transition” services. These services help people who want to move from places like nursing homes to their own homes in the community. They also support young people as they go from school to work.

Here’s what transitioning services include:

1.     Moving to the Community: Helping individuals with significant disabilities move from nursing homes or other institutions to live in their own homes or in the community, with the support they need.

2.     Preventing Institutionalization: Assisting individuals who might be at risk of moving into institutions, so they can stay in their communities instead.

3.     Support for Young Adults: Helping young people with significant disabilities who are finishing school or have already graduated to transition to life after school, including college or work.

These services aim to make sure people with disabilities can live independently and fully in their communities!

Here are examples of each type of transitioning service:

1. Moving to the Community

• Personal Support Plans: Creating individualized plans to help people transition from a nursing home to their own apartment, including finding accessible housing.
• Home Modifications: Assisting with necessary changes to a new home, like installing ramps or grab bars to make it safe and accessible.
• Transportation Assistance: Helping individuals find transportation options to get to work, school, or community events.

2. Preventing Institutionalization

• Crisis Intervention Services: Offering immediate support for individuals who are at risk of being placed in a nursing home due to a crisis at home.
• Assist in Finding In-Home Support Services: We help individuals find in-home support services they need to stay in their own homes. This may include:
• Waiver Services: Assisting individuals in applying for programs that provide funding for in-home assistance and support.
• Ron Yost Personal Assistance Services (RYPAS): Helping people access RYPAS to get personalized assistance with daily activities.
• Community Resource Connections: Connecting individuals to local services, like food banks or mental health support, to address needs that might otherwise lead to institutionalization.

3. Support for Young Adults

• Job Readiness Programs: Offering training and workshops to help young adults develop job skills and prepare for the workforce.
• College Support Services: Assisting students with disabilities in finding college programs that offer support, like tutoring or counseling.
• Life Skills Workshops: Providing classes on budgeting, cooking, and other skills necessary for living independently after school.

These examples show how transitioning services can help individuals move into their communities and lead more independent lives!

Please contact us at (304) 965-0376.