ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Original "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 Services through the Innovation
Fund 2005/06. The May 2007 reprint (Central West version) has been
supported by the Central West Regional Office of the Ministry of
Community and Social Services.

Funding for the reprint 2010 edition was made available through the Labour
Market Strategy Initiative, which came about as a result of the Ministry of
Community and Social Services receiving Federal funds to support person-
directed planning. Material was reviewed and updated by representatives
from Wellington/Dufferin, Waterloo Halton and Peel communities.

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