Youth Transition
Below is a partial listing of youth transition resources by topic. To search all available resources click the link below.
RIPIN’s services include special education and supports, specialized services for children and young adults with disabilities, healthcare and health insurance and health education training, support and resources.
Rhode Island Department of Education – Transition Services
RIDE is the state agency that oversees the elementary and secondary education system from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. Visit this website to get basic information on transition in Special Education and related resources.
Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) – Youth Transition Services
OSCIL is one of two Independent Living Centers in Rhode Island. OSCIL, located in Warwick, provides information and referral, advocacy, assessment services and a range of other services designed to support independent living. OSCIL helps to provide the necessary independent living skills and real life experience for self-directed youth ages 14-24 with disabilities to help them enter the post high school world successfully.
National Parent Center on Transition and Employment (PACER)
PACER’s site provides information on person-centered planning and resources on creating a successful plan.
Think College provides resources and tools for students, families and professionals. This website shares what is currently available in college programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, provides resources and strategies and informs about trainings and events. The information is for transition-aged students, as well as adults attending or planning for college.
Adolescent health Transition Program
This program of the Rhode Island Department of Health site provides families with publications and more to assist adolescents with disabilities transition and successfully transfer to the adult systems of health care, education, employment and insurance.
Oral Health Program https://health.ri.gov/programs/detail.php?pgm_id=23
This program of the Rhode Island Department of Health site provides information on oral health programs for children in Rhode Island.
RI Medical Home Portal
A resource for professionals and families who care for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN).
Got Transition
Got Transition®, the national resource center on health care transition (HCT) aims to help youth and young adults move from pediatric to adult health care.
Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) Person Centered Tools
This site includes tools for having conversations with individuals and families about a vision for a good life and how to achieve it. Youth and their families can use the tools to capture what is important to them, plan for transition, set a vision, or think about how to solve any problem in their life.
Person-Centered Planning: PATH, MAPS and Circles of Support
The Inclusion Press website has information on two of the most common person-centered planning tools, MAPS and PATH and offers more detailed guidebooks for purchase.
ICI Community Life Engagement Toolkit
This toolkit helps service providers develop and improve high quality supports for community life engagement (CLE). In the toolkit, you will find guideposts for success, a self-assessment tool, real-world examples of service providers making CLE happen, and other helpful resources and tools.
RI Commission for Human Rights
The Commission on Human Rights enforces Rhode Island anti-discrimination laws in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and delivery of services. The website has information on Rhode Island anti-discrimination laws, the Commission’s hearing process, and how to file a complaint.
Disability Rights Rhode Island
DRRI is the Official Protection and Advocacy System for Rhode Island. DRRI provides free legal assistance to persons with disabilities. Services include individual representation to protect rights or to secure benefits and services; self-help information; educational programs; and administrative and legislative advocacy. The agency administers eight federally funded advocacy programs, each of which has its own eligibility criteria.
Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS)
The ORS Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program is the public state and federally funded program that assists individuals with disabilities to choose, prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. Employment being the successful outcome of services provided through the public vocational rehabilitation program. It is expected that individuals with disabilities who apply for services are interested in becoming employed and understand that this is the focus of the VR program.
Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) – Division of Developmental Disabilities
The Division of Developmental Disabilities is responsible for planning, funding and overseeing a community system of services and supports for adults with developmental disabilities. Below are some specific resources on their website related to funding.
- Community First State
- Licensed Provider List
- Transitioning to Adult Services
- RI Settlement Agreement and Consent Decree
- Self-Directed Supports
Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) and Transition
Transition services are activities and supports that help students learn about their interests and strengths. These services help students build the skills they need for work and adult life. Schools, families, community members and agencies all work together to provide these supports. Students set goals, make a plan to reach them and take part in activities that help them get ready for life after high school.
Overview of ORS Pre-employment Transition Services
Pre-Employment Transition Services are meant to help students with disabilities get ready for life after high school. These services help students:
- Move smoothly from school to postsecondary education, training or an employment outcome.
- Increase opportunities to learn and practice job skills through real work experiences in the community.
- Explore education and training options after high school so they can earn job-related certificates and find meaningful work.
This program focuses on serving young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who can benefit from personalized support during an in-depth academic year of career development and internship experience.
ABLE National Resource Center
The ABLE National Resource Center provides independent information about federal and state-related ABLE programs and activities, including guidance on tax-advantaged ABLE savings accounts.
RI's Able
Achieving Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts help individuals save while preserving their SSI and Medicaid. RI’s ABLE website provides Information on setting up an ABLE account.
Work Incentives Benefits Counseling