Pages 5-9 of the School-to-Work Transition Guide are an excellent reference tool as they define many common terms used that related to the post-secondary transition process

https://ictw.illinois.edu/resources/school-to-work-transition-guide

https://www.isbe.net/SPEDReqNotConForms/nc_proc_sfgrds_34-57j.pdf

BEACON

Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation 

BEACON is a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking services for behavioral health needs. It’s common for young people to struggle with behavioral and/or mental health challenges. Please know you are not alone, and neither is your child. We are here to help. If you would like to learn more about the Transformation Initiative, please visit https://www.dhs.state.il.us/?item=161800

Area CTE Information Letter (2 pages)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z8yXxEwh-Rzh7aPKbcEpFUoL0DYE9bBao1Lb2KAZErI/edit?usp=sharing

(Document created by Abby Clark, Kaskaskia Special Education District 801 for use by member districts and families)

Regional Office of Education CTE Staff

David Rademacher, Director

Diane Keortge, Special Populations Coordinator

General Acronyms Used by IDHS

https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=65839

Developmental Disabilities Providers Acronyms

https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=68922

Link to document defining/explaining common terms related to CILA homes: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F2MD8bzdaEn0QTsQrofvAdDYWg3O7hcozbt173WoGQI/edit?usp=sharing

IL ABLE “Achieving a Better Life Experience” Accounts give people with disabilities and their families greater financial independence while preserving benefits. A high-quality, low-cost IL ABLE savings and investment Account can be opened by an Eligible Individual, or Authorized Individual, at any time, no matter what state they live in.

Since the passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in 2014, policies and practices impacting transition from school to work have evolved and affected the services provided to students with disabilities who have extensive support needs and traditionally underserved populations. To address these changes, the Illinois Center for Transition and Work provides support to special educators, related services personnel, and administrators by providing state-wide training and technical assistance focused on preparing students with extensive support needs for the transition from high school to employment with the goal of improving employment outcomes.

This website and the resources it contains were developed pursuant to and funded 100% through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education. The website is maintained and updated by the Illinois Center for Transition and Work.

Link to the School-to-Work Transition Guide:

https://ictw.illinois.edu/resources/school-to-work-transition-guide

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 allowed Social Security to fund a program called Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA). WIPA staff provide information about work and benefits to people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because of a disability.

WIPA programs serve people who are already working, or who are about to start work. They help beneficiaries by providing information about the availability of work supports. WIPAs also provide accurate and individualized information about the effect of work on benefits and health insurance. They verify a person’s benefits to make sure they give information about the right programs. They provide in-depth counseling about benefits and discuss the effect of work on those benefits. This information is designed to help people reach their goals.

https://choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp

Services Offered

Benefits, including but not limited to: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Disability, Family, Survivor and Retirement benefits

The Arc of Illinois advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and community organizations to ensure that people with disabilities can live, work, learn, and play in communities across the state.

The Arc offers resources and information, supports families in their individual advocacy efforts and trains and educates people with disabilities, families and professionals among other things. 

The Illinois SLD Support Project is a federally funded grant project through the Illinois State Board of Education in partnership with Eastern Illinois University and Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education that provides professional learning opportunities to educators and school personnel who support students with specific learning disabilities in Illinois. 

Link to the Updated Dyslexia Guide: 

https://sldsupports.org/dyslexia-guides

Care Coordination Services-Pathways to Success

Pathways to Success (Care Coordination Services) is a program for Medicaid enrolled children under the age of 21 in Illinois who have complex behavioral health needs and could benefit from additional support. The program provides access to an evidence-informed model of intensive care coordination and additional home and community-based services. The goals of the program are to: Improve family functioning and reduce caregiver stress, increase family and youth involvement in services, provide more stable living situations for children and youth, including fewer out-of-home treatment episodes, increase use of evidence-based practices, including expanded access to services provided in home and community settings, improve school attendance and performance, reduce contacts with law enforcement and child welfare. 

Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services (CCBYS).  Our CCBYS program aims to divert youth from the juvenile justice and the child welfare systems. OHU staff work closely with local schools and community agencies to maximize resources available to at-risk youth. The program provides 24-hour crisis responses to homeless, runaway, and “locked out” youth who are between the ages of 11-17. Short-term outreach-based counseling is available to families in the community where youth are at risk of out-of-home placement. 

988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24 hour)

If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis you may call or text 988, the 24-hour Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You will be connected to the closest possible crisis center in your area. Dial 2 for Spanish. Go to the 988 Hot Line Illinois website for more information.

SAFE2HELP

In the absence of a trusted adult, Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. This program is not intended to suspend, expel, or punish students. Rather, the goal is to get students to "Seek Help Before." Safe2Help Illinois has developed a Mental Health Toolkit aimed at changing the culture in Illinois schools while also providing the resources to help parents and educators reinforce the components of this program.

• 24/7

• Call 844-4-SAFEIL (723345)

• Text SAFE2 (72332)

• Safe2helpil.com

• Download the Safe2Help App at either Google or Apple

Illinois Warm Line

If you or one of your family members has mental health and/or substance use challenges and would like to receive support by phone, call the Illinois Warm Line at 866-359-7953. Wellness Support Specialists are professionals who have experienced mental health and/or substance use recovery in their own lives. They are trained in recovery support, mentoring, and advocacy and are ready to listen and support you. The Warm Line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support as you recover or help a family member to recover.

• Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. except holidays

Illinois Helpline for Opioids & Other Substances

If you or someone you know is suffering from an opioid use disorder or other substance use disorders, call the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances at 1-833-2FINDHELP (833-234-6343) to speak with a trained professional for support and advice or to be directed to customized resources or visit their Illinois Helpline website.

National Sexual Assault Hotline
(800) 656-4673

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (options for deaf and hard of hearing)
For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988

(800) 662-4357

** Follow the website link to the organization of choice. Many have options for live, online chats with professionals. 

Services Offered

Peer Advocacy - Skills Training - System Advocacy - Individual Advocacy - Information Referral - Transition - Volunteer Program - Agency Networking - Support Groups - Interpreter Referral - Personal Assistance Program - Pharmaceutical Procurement - Adaptive Equipment Selection - Disability Awareness Training - Community Reintegration From Nursing Homes - Youth Transition & Parent Training Program - The Americans With Disabilities Act Training - Americans With Disabilities Act Technical Assistance - ITAC Selection Center - Free TTYS - Free Amplified Phone 

The United Way offers various programs in the region to address issues such as food insecurity, literacy development and healthcare needs. 

Credit to the University of Illinois Extension Office for the following link:

https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/unit_23_food_pantry_list.pdf

Central Illinois Food Locator 

https://www.centralilfoodbank.org/food-locator/#googtrans(en|en)

When you're facing financial challenges, you need answers. To help Illinois residents and families meet their basic food needs, the University of Illinois Extension Office has created the Find Food IL map that shows you places in your community offering free food or meals, including school and summer meal sites. This community food map also lists stores, retailers, and markets that accept SNAP/LINK or WIC coupons. Plus, it shows the DHS or WIC offices near you where you can sign up to receive benefits. 

1. Go to EAT.MOVE.SAVE.

2. Enter your zip code.

3. Click on the blue map icon to see all the locations in your area.

4. Narrow your search by using the resource type button. 

Be sure you call ahead to verify the hours of operation.

SAFE

Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies

SAFE's mission is to provide education to the community, advocacy for individuals and families, and empowerment to heal from sexual violence and other traumatic experiences. 

Serving Bond, Clay, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Jefferson, Marion, Washington, Wayne, and White Counties in Southern Illinois