In 2023, Colorado was awarded a $14.1 million Disability Innovation Fund (DIF): Pathways to Partnerships grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration. This highly competitive federal grant is designed to spark new and better ways to support young people with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school.
The DIF grant gives Colorado the opportunity to try out fresh, innovative strategies that help students and their families navigate the often confusing world of transition services. The goal is to improve access, strengthen collaboration across agencies, and create real pathways to competitive integrated employment, higher education, and independent living.
Our project, Map My Path, is how we are putting this vision into action. By combining technology, training, and strong local partnerships, Map My Path will make it easier for students, families, schools, and service providers to work together and build a clearer, more connected road to adult success.
Bring services closer to students. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors will be placed directly in select school districts so students can start building skills and planning earlier.
Strengthen partnerships. Schools, Centers for Independent Living, VR, and community organizations will work together in new, more connected ways to better serve students and families. Cross-system training will be an additional benefit for partners.
Launch a statewide online platform. The Map My Path website and mobile app will be a one-stop hub for finding local resources, training, and progress tracking tools tailored to each student’s needs.
Equip families with knowledge. Parents and caregivers will gain access to training and resources so they can confidently support their young person’s future.
By the end of this five-year project, Map My Path aims to:
Help more Colorado youth with disabilities leave high school with a clear, personalized plan for their future.
Increase the number of students moving into competitive, integrated jobs after graduation, with an intentional focus on apprenticeships.
Ensure families feel supported, informed, and included in every step of the transition process.
Build lasting partnerships that close service gaps, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Establish the Map My Path platform as a trusted, go-to resource for navigating transition services and making informed choices.
We’ve built Map My Path to connect students, families, and partners across Colorado with the tools and support they need for a brighter future.
Select the buttons below to explore each part of the project.