1. Youth with Disabilities Transitioning from High School A presentation of the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York – Queens (CIDNY-Queens) This program is funded in part by the New York Community Trust CIDNY-Queens : Youth with Disabilities Transitioning1

2. CIDNY programs for young people with disabilities If you are not sure what is next after high school, that’s normal. If you know what you want, but don’t know how to get there, that’s normal, too. Whether you are a few years from making these decisions or you graduate soon, CIDNY can help you understand your choices. And we can help you find the resources you need. CIDNY-Queens : Youth with Disabilities Transitioning2

3. Three youth programs Paso a Paso – a bi-lingual program for young people with disabilities and their families who want to learn more about choices after high school STEP UP Transition Program – for young people with disabilities who are a few years from graduation and want to make their transition work STEP UP Job Club – for young people with disabilities who want to build their skills to find work CIDNY-Queens : Youth with Disabilities Transitioning3

4. What you can learn from Paso a Paso Monthly workshops will help you learn: Your options after high school The law and your rights How to get and keep the benefits you need How to advocate for yourself Skills for living independently CIDNY-Queens : Youth with Disabilities Transitioning4

5. What you can learn from CIDNY’s STEP UP transition program With STEP UP, you can learn: the difference between an IEP and a Regent’s diploma how to set goals for your transition plan how to make sure you get the benefits and services you need your rights as a student with a disability how to connect to services after high school CIDNY-Queens : Youth with Disabilities Transitioning5

6. What you can learn from STEP UP’s job club Find out how your interests and talents can turn into work Set your goals for a job Learn about the law and your rights Find out how to get good job references How to answer difficult questions at an interview Learn about when and how to disclose your disability Learn what an employer expects of you and what you can expect from an employer and more CIDNY-Queens : Youth with Disabilities Transitioning6

7. More about CIDNY services All of CIDNY services are free Benefits counselors are bi-lingual You will have access to all CIDNY services and programs CIDNY’s Consumer Action Network (CAN) is made up of people with disabilities who come together to advocate for justice and equality. Each of us brings our experience, our strengths and our energy to monthly meetings where we plan activities, learn about disability issues, and practice advocacy skills. CIDNY-Queens : Youth with Disabilities Transitioning7

8. Learn about other resources and how to get them CIDNY can help you learn about: The state agency that helps get jobs for people with disabilities who can and want to work (ACCES-VR). The Client Assistance Program (CAP), that gives you information and help with vocational rehabilitation (ACCES- VR), employment and assistive technology. Other resources after graduation CIDNY-Queens : Youth with Disabilities Transitioning8

9. Monthly workshops Some of the monthly workshops are: Making your transition goals work Moving from school to work Getting and keeping the benefits you need Laws that protect people with disabilities in – education – housing – benefits and – employment CIDNY-Queens : Youth with Disabilities Transitioning9

10. Tell us about you! We would like to know: What you think life will be like after graduation What would you like to know about getting more education What would you like to know about your rights What you would like help with CIDNY-Queens : Youth with Disabilities Transitioning10

11. For more information CIDNY – Queens 137-02A Northern Blvd Flushing, NY 11354 (646) 442-1520 (Tel), (866) 948-1064 (VP), (718) 886-0427 (TTY) www.cidny.org CIDNY-Queens : Youth with Disabilities Transitioning11