Students

Transition Guides

Journey to Adulthood (PDF)  – a transition guide for young adults

Mapping Your Future – Guide to Life After High School – an interactive guide to help you prepare for higher education

Life After H.S. (PDF) – a collection of stories about eight young adults in Kentucky and their journeys

Transitioning from High School (YouTube) – this 3-minute video discusses options after high school and what your school is supposed to do to help you with your transition. The video was created in Texas, but the same information is true in Kentucky. For Kentucky-specific information, you may contact us at information@kypso.org

Employment

Employment Checklists – helpful information for children and youth with disabilities to start planning for employment

Community Work Transition Program (CWTP) – provides individualized vocational rehabilitation services to students with significant disabilities

Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) – helps people with disabilities prepare for, enter, engage in, or advance in competitive employment

The Truth About Working While Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in 2024 (PDF)  – an infographic highlighting how you can work and earn money while receiving SSI

Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Programs (PDF) – an infographic highlighting how WIPA programs can help people with disabilities understand how working can impact their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits

Education

What is the YOYO? (PDF) – a quick look at the what, who, when, and why of the Youth One Year Out (YOYO) former student interview 

KnowHow2Go KY – information on how to get ready and motivated for college

Kentucky Students’ Right to Know – this resource links college majors to the most in-demand jobs in the state along with typical education requirements, wages, and institutions offering these majors

ThinkCollege – a national technical assistance, research, and evaluation center dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving higher education options for students with intellectual disability

Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership (KSHEP) – a network of Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) across the state offering inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) programs. This 6-minute CTP video discusses what a CTP is and outlines key points for students.

Supported Decision-Making & Self Advocacy

My Choice Kentucky – can help you find information on Supported Decision-Making and connect you with people and organizations that may be able to help you and answer your questions.  Supported Decision-Making Resource Guide

Self-Advocacy Online – an educational networking tool that includes multi-media lessons on living self-determined, healthy, contributing lives

Kentucky Protection & Advocacy (P&A) – resources about transitioning to adulthood such as self-advocacy, disability disclosure, going to work and keeping benefits, and going to college or vocational school. Check out the Kentucky P&A document on The Benefits of Working While on Social Security which explains how working and benefits go together.

Pacer Center (Champions for Children with Disabilities) – information to help you develop self-advocacy skills and gain a better understanding of how you can increase your success in the classroom, at home, and in the community

General Resources

Human Development Institute (HDI) – HDI’s mission is to advance efforts that build inclusive communities, address inequities, and improve the lives of all people who experience disability across the lifespan. We achieve our mission through leadership and community partnerships across Kentucky and the Nation.

KY-SPIN – The Kentucky Special Parent Involvement Network (KY-SPIN) is a statewide non-profit organization linking families and individuals with disabilities to valuable resources that enable them to live productive, fulfilling lives. Check out the KY-SPIN YouTube Channel for helpful videos on navigating IEP meetings, advocacy, voting, and time management skills!