Know what to expect as youth prepare to transition into the workforce. The following resources will help you be prepared for participating in the youth transition process, including developing an Individual Employment Plan.
- Terminology and Acronyms
you should know. - Illinois Transition Website - Find transition links, resources and a calendar of events offered by the Transition Planning Committee (TPC). The TPC is a consortium of local members of schools, agencies, and not-for-profit organizations, parents of children with disabilities and people with disabilities that band together to improve the transition life-cycle from high school to a successful adult life.
- Illinois State Board of Education transition planning information:
- Indicator 13 - Tools and Resources for the High School (Secondary) Transition Plan Including:
- Comprehensive PowerPoint slide show on building a better IEP,
- District tools such as the Illinois Indicator 13 checklist,
- Information regarding district requirements for Indicator 13,
- Links to resources from the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center,
- Transition Practices Self-Assessment,
- Transition plan sample, and
- Tools and resources for FACTS data collection.
- Transition Outreach Training for Adult Living (TOTAL) Project: Training Videos and Resources
Illinois SSA Work Incentives Planning Assistance Project (WIPA) is designed to provide accurate information to transition aged youth beneficiaries. Information about work incentive programs and issues related to such programs can help them to make informed choices about working. Work incentives can facilitate their transition into the work force.
The Illinois Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) programs are responsible for providing technical and planning assistance to benefits recipients with disabilities as they move to a working status. A vital component of this responsibility is addressing the student Transition-to-Work population. Cash Benefits and associated medical insurance are valuable as students transition into adult life. Work incentives are designed to increase employment and earnings capacity over time. Early intervention and education about benefits and work incentives helps prevent future problems. Failure to educate on benefits is a "missed opportunity" and can cause harm.
Illinois Transition Website 
- Find transition links, resources and a calendar of events offered by the Transition Planning Committee (TPC). The TPC is a consortium of local members of schools, agencies, and not-for-profit organizations, parents of children with disabilities and people with disabilities that band together to improve the transition life-cycle from high school to a successful adult life.
Ticket to Work Program: What is the Ticket Program? A ticket is a voucher that lets you get employment, vocational rehabilitation and other support services from public and private providers if you receive Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you have received a ticket by mail, and need to determine eligibility, call MAXIMUS at (866) 968-7842 (Voice) and (866) 833-2967 (TTY).
Click here to use a map and find a WIPA location nearby. Click on the appropriate county or service area where you live to get more information on the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Program.
Learn about Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) services for youth.