Community Agency Handbook Nicole Secrist Education 619 August 5, 2015

Florence County ADRC Aging and Disability Resource Center Local Contact Barb Bauer-Director (715) Services Long Term Care Counseling Information and Assistance Transportation Respite Care Housing Options Volunteer Job Options Financial Assistance Medical Assistance Adaptive Equipment Health, Safety, Wellness Training This agency would be used by families and students with a wide range of disabilities, however it has extensive options available for students with cognitive disabilities or physical impairments. This agency has a large knowledge base and connections with several other agencies and services; if they cannot provide services themselves, they will point the student in the right direction.

DVR Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Local Contact Barbara Kimme (715) Services Career Guidance and Counseling Job Search and Placement Assistance Information and Referral Services Transition to work services for students with disabilities in high school Supported Employment services for persons with severe disabilities; includes time-limited on-the job supports Rehabilitation Technology Vocational and other Training Disability and Employment Assessment Transportation Occupational licenses, tools and other equipment Assistance in small-business plan development Interpreter services Rehabilitation teaching services Diagnosis and treatment Post-employment services Students with any type of disability would use this service. They will work very closely with high schools and families. The local DVR provides great transition services to all high schools in both Florence and Marinette Counties. There are several great local businesses who are partnered with the DVR.

Wisconsin Promise Local Contact Amy Haken Services Healthy Working Alliance Paid Integrated Work Experiences Money Management Parent Training Social Skills Training Resource Team Job Searching Services Job Training Self-Advocacy Drop Out Prevention Wisconsin Promise is intended to improve services for youth SSI (Social Security Supplemental Security Income) recipients and their families. The services help youth recipients achieve better outcomes, including graduating from high school ready for college and a career, completing postsecondary education and job training, and obtaining competitive employment in an integrated setting. As a result, these youth SSI recipients can achieve long-term reductions in reliance on SSI.

Bertrand Schmitz Autism Consulting Local Contact Mark Bertrand (920) Services ABA Therapy Modified to Meet Transition Needs Employment Social Skills Training Effective Communication Training Personal Care Training Assist in Job Searching Independent Living Skills Training Safety and Health Training Students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who receive ABA therapy from Bertrand Schmitz Autism Consulting would use them as a transition service.

Florence County Human Services Local Contact Jen Steber-Director (715) Services Provide Social Workers Foster Nurturing Climate with Community Strengthening Individuals and Families All disabled individuals in Florence County have the option to use the Florence County Human Services as a resource. They do a great job providing transition guidance as well as help with collaborating with needed supports within the community.

Trico Opportunities (906) Transitional Services Post Secondary Education Vocational Training Supported Employment Independent Living or Community Participation Work Adjustment Training Planning for College or Vocational School Assistive Technology Financial Aid Housing Choices Transportation Leisure Activities Improving Communication Trico provides prompt and individualized vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with : learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, emotional problems, mental illness, physical impairment, speech and language impairments, hearing loss, visual impairments, substance abuse. It is a great resource used by many in both Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin.

Northpointe Behavioral Health Clinic (906) Services Community Transition Planning Self Control Training Independent Living Training Personal Care Training Emotional Control Services Employment Transition Services Rehabilitation Community Collaboration Services Northpointe Behavioral Health Clinic strives to transition individual with mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, developmental disabilities, and cognitive disabilities. The transition services provided would be most effective for EBD students as many caseworkers specialize in emotional disorders.

DIISD Dickinson Iron Intermediate School District Local Contact Lisa Anderson-Special Education Supervisor (906) Services Personalized Transition Planning Vocational Training Building and Trades Welding Automotive Business DVR Advocate DIISD is an alternative school in Michigan's Upper Peninsula offering services to students with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities. DIISD would be very useful for a student transitioning to attend as it offers in house vocational and technical training.

Niles Hiltunen Memorial Fund Contact Grace Michaud (715) Services The Niles Hiltunen Memorial Fund provides financial assistance to any need local students may have. In the past, the Niles Hiltunen Memorial Fund as allowed local students to attend tech school as well as help provide in home life skills training. Niles Hiltunen was an autistic student with a seizure disorder who attended Florence Middle School until his passing in Ever since, the family raises money for this fund by hosting local charity events in which the money is then returned to local special needs students to allow them to have the best life possible.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Contact (608) Transition Services Planning Services for Life Outside of High School Helping Discover Interests and Talents Setting Goals and Creating a Vision Finding Opportunities to Gain Independence Teaching About Legal Changes Help Applying for Long Term Support Programs Support in Meeting Educational and Training Goals Job Seeking Support Sharing Information Regarding Medicaid Benefits Individuals with any disability going through the transition phase would seek the help of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services if they are in need of a Support and Service Coordinator. This is a person outside of school who coordinates a child's transition and sets them up for success in post high school life.

Parent 2 Parent Wisconsin Contact Parent 2 Parent is a support group for parents of students with special needs. This website allows parents to connect and discuss their children's disabilities and life experiences. This is beneficial for parents as it allows them to talk to someone who has already went through the same situation and knows firsthand the feelings and realties that come with having a special needs student. This website would be a big help to parents who may be nervous about their child's transition and need support from someone who understands.

NASET National Association of Special Education Teachers Contact The NASET site offers lots of advice, resources and tips for special education teachers who are planning post high school transitions. The site is swamped with effective links, quotes, and information specific to the teachers part in the transition. One unique part of this site, is that it contains parents thoughts and feelings toward post high school life for their children; this is critical for special educators to know. This is a great tool for teachers planning transitions.

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Contact (414) resource-directory/ Services The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin has a large social work staff who is very knowledgeable about transitioning into adulthood. These social workers are available to disabled youth who receive other services from the hospital. The social work staff there has even put together a large document for patients that contains all information of transition services they provide as well as other agencies. The social work team at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is a great transition resource.

Fox Valley Autism Treatment Program Contact (920) Services Modified ABA Therapy to Meet Transition Needs Life Skills Training Communication Training Transportation Social Skills Training Emotion Control Training The transition services provided by Fox Valley Autism Treatment Program would be ideal for students diagnosed with ASD who are currently receiving ABA services.

Lund Van Dyke Autism & Behavior Specialists Contact (844) Services ABA Therapy Social Skills Life Skills Communication Training Self Help Skill Training Job Hunting Support Adaptive Housing Support Transition services provided by Lund Van Dyke Autism and Behavior Specialists would be ideal for students who are diagnosed with ASD and are currently receiving services with the company. This company is beneficial as it is a wide range of community connections which provide several opportunities to plan post-high school jobs and volunteer positions.