ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

“Connections: A Guide to Transition Planning” was developed and written by
Rae Roebuck and Judy Coultes-MacLeod of First Leadership Limited. Initial
funding for this project was provided to Toronto and York Region by the
Ministry of Community and Social Services through the Innovation Fund
2005/6. The May 2007 reprint (Central West version) has been supported by the
Central West Regional Office of the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

We would like to thank the joint Toronto and York Regions Transitions
Partnership Projects Steering Committee for their input and support in the initial
development of “Connections”. Special thanks goes to the co-chairs of the joint
Steering Committee – Sandy Keshen of Reena, John Flannery of Surrey Place
Centre, Karen Hirstwood and Kelly Casey of York Support Services Network.
Thanks to the Ministry of Community and Social Services and members of the
planning communities and the Boards of Education in the Central West Region
for their input on this version of “Connections”.

The development of “Connections” would not have been possible without the
valuable input from a number of organizations, parents, and individuals. We
would like to acknowledge the work of the British Columbia Ministry of
Children and Family Development the New Brunswick Association for
Community Living, the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Central Alberta
Community Board, the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living and
Bloorview Kids in Toronto.

Finally we would like to thank the parents of children with developmental dis-
abilities who have shared their experiences with us and allowed the inclusion of
their stories in “Connections.” Their time and insight was invaluable to us in
making this document helpful to the many other parents with children just
beginning the journey to adult life.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1: UNDERSTANDING TRANSITIONS

1. INTRODUCTION
   
   This Guide is for You and Your Child
   About the Information in this Guide
2. ABOUT TRANSITION PLANNING
   
   Best Practices in Transition Planning
   Person-Centred Planning
   Get an Early Start
   Manage the Process
3. THE STEPS IN TRANSITION PLANNING
   
   Step 1: Create a Vision and Build the Profile
   Step 2: Build the Team
   Step 3: Set Goals
   Step 4: Action Plan
   Step 5: Updating the Plan
4. TRANSITION PLANNING AT SCHOOL
   
   The School’s Role
   The Value of Work Experience
   Your Role in the School Transition Plan
5. TRANSITION IN THE COMMUNITY
   
   Access in Dufferin County
   Access in Halton Region
   Access in Peel Region
   Access in Waterloo Region
   Access in Wellington County
6. TRANSITION PLANNING AT HOME
   
   Focus on the Positive
   Build Self-reliance
   Get Connected
   Consider all Options
7. NOW YOU ARE READY TO START
   
   Create Your Family Vision
   Create Your Vision for Your Child
   Get Your Plan Going
   Timeline of Important Activities
8. SOME FINAL THOUGHTS
   
   

PART 2: TOOLS & RESOURCES

1. TOOLS
   
   Tool 1: Best Practices in Transition Planning
   Tool 2: Roles and Responsibilities of Transition Planning Team
   Tool 3: Tips for Dealing with Agencies and Professionals
   Tool 4: Timeline of Activities
   Tool 5: Creating My Vision
   Tool 6: Your Transition Team
   Tool 7: Your Child’s Profile
   Tool 8: Your Family Profile
   Tool 9: Setting Your Goals
   Tool 10: Transition Plan Template
   Tool 11: An Action Plan
   Tool 12: Sample Transition Plans
2. RESOURCES
   
   a. Transition Planning Resources
   • Person-Centred Planning Tools
   • Transition Planning Guides in Canada
   • Transition Planning Guides in the United States
   • Other Transition Planning Resources
   • Education Planning Documents
   b. Financial Resources
   • Ontario Disability Support Program
   • Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
   • Special Services at Home
   • Central West Region Passport Initiative
   • Tax Benefits, Credits, Deductions, & Rebate Information
   • Federal Budget Initiaives - 2007
   • Registered Education Plans
   c. Resources for Families
   • Dufferin County
   • Halton Region
   • Peel Region
   • Waterloo Region
   • Wellington County
   • Other Resources
   d. Post-Secondary
   e. Estate Planning