State of Illinois
Department of Human Services
Transition Services for Youth with Disabilities
DRS collaborates with many partners throughout the state to offer a continuum of coordinated transition services designed to help students with disabilities become productive, self-sufficient adults. Many of these services are provided in cooperation with local high schools.
ELIGIBILITY
Individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities, ages 14 1/2 through 21, may be eligible for Transition Services.
STEP
DRS works in close cooperation with local schools to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (PTS) to students with disabilities in Illinois. As defined by federal law, PTS includes:
- Job Exploration Counseling;
- Work-Based Learning Experiences;
- Counseling on Post-Secondary Education;
- Workplace Readiness Training; and
- Instruction in Self-Advocacy.
In STEP work-based learning experiences include in-school and work site training options, including internships, with the goal of having an employer paid job in an integrated setting in the community.
INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION
DRS joins with partners at the state, regional, and local level to provide and coordinate services for students with disabilities that help them transition into adult life.
State Level
The Illinois Department of Human Services' Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS/DRS), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO), and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) are the CORE partners across the State and work together to provide transition services and develop work opportunities for students with disabilities.
Regional Level
DRS is responsible for coordinating and sustaining local Transition Planning Committees (TPCs) in Illinois. These TPCs identify existing resources and unmet needs, facilitate an ongoing exchange of information, and develop local customer training programs.
Local Level
DRS also funds collaborative employment services from adult Community Rehabilitation Programs and collaborates with Centers for Independent Living for the provision of legal rights consultation for individuals with disabilities and their families.
EDUCATION SERVICES
DRS operates three residential schools for children and youth with disabilities. All educational and social programs in these schools are designed to prepare students for successful living as independent, self-supporting citizens who are actively involved in their communities.
- The Illinois School for the Deaf (Jacksonville) provides comprehensive, accredited programming for children and youth who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, including a birth to three years of age; preschool; as well as elementary, junior high school and high school academic programs.
- The Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (Jacksonville) provides accredited educational and related services to children who are blind or visually impaired from birth to three years of age through preschool, elementary, and high school.
- The Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education - Roosevelt (Chicago) provides transition programs for young adults with severe physical disabilities.
The NEXT STEPS program provides training and support to parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, assisting them in planning, advocating, and identifying resources. NEXT STEPS trainers, volunteer teams, and workshops model the philosophy of collaboration among parents, self-advocates, and professionals.
The Illinois Department of Human Services' Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is the state's lead agency serving individuals with disabilities.
DRS works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities.
DRS is committed to provide services that ensure youth with disabilities have the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to successfully transition into the world of work.
IDHS/DRS' Transition Initiatives for Youth include:
Secondary Transitional Experience Program (STEP)
- Interagency Collaboration
- Education Services offered through three schools
NEXT STEPS
For more information:
DRS services for youth with disabilities, contact:
Illinois Department of Human Services
Division of Rehabilitation Services
P. O. Box 19429
Springfield, Illinois 62704
877-761-9780 (Voice)
866-264-2149 (TTY)
312-957-4881 (VP)
drs.illinois.gov/success
www.dhs.state.il.us
Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.
DHS 4664 (R-11-17) DRS Transition Services for Youth Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. 6,000 copies P.O.# 18-0587
