This site houses information and resources related to community linkages and future planning.
Topics are listed alphabetically - please select the topic you are interested in, and you will be directed to more information.
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Questions? We're here to help! Scroll down to the bottom for TrueNorth staff contact information.
There are a variety of options for individuals to consider such as apprenticeships/pre-apprenticeships, community college classes, certificate programs, and programs for individuals to get a supported college experience.
Individuals may choose to participate in day programming after graduation from school services. Day programs provide individuals with disabilities an opportunity to participate and develop skills in the areas of vocation, independent living, community access, recreation/leisure, communication, and much more. There are a wide variety of programs offered throughout the North Shore.
Schools provide vocational services to students, and while the goal may be independence prior to graduation, students may require more support when they are no longer in the school system. There are a variety of agencies that support students with vocational goals.
Students with IEPs are eligible for public school educational services through the end of the school year they turn 22 years old. Students will have a Transition Plan as part of their IEP at age 14.5 to begin planning for life after school.
Many people with disabilities are eligible to receive some form of financial assistance. It is important to understand what options are available for financial assistance and how one can start planning for an individual's finances.
There are a variety of options for individual and family support for both home and community. This includes respite care funding, special recreation, transportation, Division of Human Services, private therapies, and more.
An outcome addressing Independent Living is required for every student's Transition Plan in their IEP. The following resources provide information regarding residential living, transportation, and various other considerations when thinking about Independent Living.
There are many legal elements to consider and plan for when planning for the future. These items should be carefully considered, as they are personal and dependent on specific individuals and families. For further detailed information on these topics, you may choose to seek legal counsel from an attorney who specializes in these areas.
There are many resources available for individuals to access to support their medical or health needs. Please contact your school or Program Nurse with any additional questions.
Behavioral & Mental Health Resources provide crisis intervention, prevention, and ongoing treatment for individuals and their families. Please reach out to your classroom's school psychologist or social worker for additional questions.
PUNS (Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services) is a statewide database that records information about individuals with developmental disabilities who are potentially in need of services. The state uses the data to select individuals for services as funding becomes available. Funding may be used for day programming, respite, residential living arrangements, adaptive equipment, and more.
Socialization and independence are two skills that are most enhanced by participation in recreational and leisure activities. There are available options for a variety of interests, and for students with all abilities and levels of support.
Please reach out to any one of our Transition staff listed below.
We would be happy to help you in any way.
Lynn Clarke
Director of Instruction EC-T
lclarke@truenorth804.org
(847) 831-5100 ext. 2128
Sheena Watterson
Transition Learning Coordinator
swatterson@truenorth804.org
(847) 831-5100 ext. 3130
Katie Trier
Transition Learning Coordinator
ktrier@truenorth804.org
(847) 831-5100 ext.
Stephen Donart
NSA Transition Counselor
sdonart@truenorth804.org
(847)831-0603 ext. 1005
Amy Engstrom
Transition Specialist
aengstrom@truenorth804.org
(847)831-5100 ext. 2196
Vicki Klein
Transition Specialist
vklein@truenorth804.org
(847) 831-5100 ext. 2448
Terri Michaels
DRS Transition Specialist
tmichaels@truenorth804.org
(847) 831-5100 ext. 2331
Sandy Morse
Vocational Coordinator
smorse@truenorth804.org
(847) 831-5100 ext. 2167
Pam Palmersheim
Vocational Coordinator
ppalmersheim@truenorth804.org
(847)831-5100 ext. 2132
Erica Paulsen
Transition Specialist
epaulsen@truenorth804.org
(224)-707-0114