Over the next several months, families of students in grades 7-12+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism will have the opportunity to access valuable resources and guidance through a series currently underway called Transitioning to Adulthood.
This new initiative, hosted by the Upper Grand District School Board’s Post-Secondary Navigation team, is designed to equip parents and caregivers with the tools and knowledge needed to support their youth as they prepare for adulthood.
Details:
What: Transitioning to Adulthood: Support Services for Students in Grades 7-12+
Purpose: To provide families with key information on resources and supports available for youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities as they transition to adulthood.
Where: Virtual Teams Meet (with the exception of the Resource Fairs)
Running until May 2025, Transitioning to Adulthood provides information on critical topics such as service coordination, transition planning, employment readiness, independent living, and building lifelong community networks. Delivered primarily through virtual sessions, the series also includes two in-person events in the form of the district’s annual Resource Fairs for Dufferin and Wellington (April 29/May 1).
The following are the upcoming topics and dates:
Session 3: VIRTUAL (7-8pm) - Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) February 25, 2025 | Sarah Downie and Paeton Findley
Eligibility criteria and application process for DSO services.
How Passport funding can support youth with disabilities.
Tips for navigating the system and maximizing funding use.
Session 4: VIRTUAL (7-8pm) - Passport Services March 25, 2025 | Ashlyn Northfield
Key areas to consider: education, employment, independent living, and social integration.
Introduction to available community supports and services.
Session 5: IN-PERSON (6-8pm) - Community and Employment Supports: Resource Fairs April 29 / May 1, 2025
Community and Employment programs and agencies.
Connect with community support and peer networks.
Strategies for supporting your teen’s journey to independence.
Session 6: VIRTUAL (7-8pm) - Building a Community Network of Support May 27, 2025 | Grove Hubs, Fran MacDonald
Connecting with community support and peer networks.
Building social and life skills necessary for adulthood
Advocacy strategies and navigating challenges.
Maintaining a support system into adulthood.
All virtual sessions can be accessed through this Teams Meet link or by entering bit.ly/T2ASeriesUGDSB into your search engine.
No registration is required.
Questions or feedback can be directed to postsecondarynavigation@ugdsb.on.ca.