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Through the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley. Individuals can enjoy leisure and recreational activities with their peers.

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What We do - Autism Society Mahoning Valley

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Our staff works collaboratively with families, health professionals, public agencies, the media, public and private schools, and the general public to provide support and provide reliable and accurate information about autism and its related issues. We can assist with understanding school choices, therapy providers, county services and more.

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Below are links for each County's Board of Developmental Disabilities. Before services can begin, families should reach out to their local board to determine eligibility. After determining eligibility, an SSA will be assigned. The SSA will then help you move forward with receiving the needed services.

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Services, Support & Resources | Community Services | MCBDD (mahoningdd.org) This link will also lead you to the steps that will be taken to receive services.

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Developmental Disabilities | Programs & Services | MCBDD

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The Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services that maximize quality of life through collaboration & connection to the community.

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Boundless offers supportive living options. These include having staff visit either daily or weekly depending on their needs. Supports given can be for hygiene, housekeeping, money management, cooking, and more. This gives individuals the opportunity to live independently with whatever supports they need. By reaching out to a service coordinator at the local board of DD, the process of applying for supportive living can begin.

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Boundless supported Living helps people with I/DD and behavioral health challenges, who live in their own homes or apartments, lead independent lives.

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Administered by the Ohio Housing Finance agency, the Ohio 811 project is aimed at helping low-income households that have at least one adult with a disability live in an integrated setting with needed supports. In order to access these services, individuals must begin with their county board of developmental disabilities.

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Welcome to the Ohio 811 PRA Program

The Ohio 811 Program administered by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) allows extremely low-income households comprised of one or more adults with a disability to live in an integrated setting through rental subsidy and access to supportive services.

Our partners at the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) and the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) recruit and train Referral Agents to identify and refer candidates who need housing. An individual must be connected to a referral agent to be placed on the waiting list.

ODM referral agents include HOME Choice transition coordinators, Home and Community Based Services waiver case managers, MyCare case managers, or Managed Care staff with housing or transition responsibilities.

DODD referral agents include county boards of developmental disabilities, and OhioMHAS referral agents include county boards of ADAMH. Many county boards serve as referral agents, however participation is voluntary.

The Ohio Housing Locator maintains a listing of affordable rental housing properties throughout the state. The Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) offers a Resource Guide to organizations with housing and homelessness resources. OHFA also provides links to HUD eviction guidance and legal resources on our Housing Assistance Information page. You may also contact the Metropolitan Housing Authority for your county regarding Section 8 rental assistance or other affordable housing programs that may be available.

The Ohio 811 Project Rental Assistance Program is not associated with Call 811. If you're inquiring about safe digging or related issues, please visit the Call 811 website.

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Ohio 811 Project Rental Assistance Program

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The 811 Program's project-based rental assistance can be used to designate up to 25 percent of total project units as 811 units.

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Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council 

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Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council 

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This website is full of information about resource in Ohio for independent living. The Ohio SILC believes that all individuals with disabilities should be able to choose where and how they want to live, where they want to work, and have the same rights as all other Ohioans.

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Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council

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Home - Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council

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The OSILC is a 19 member council that is a majority of individuals with significant disabilities that represents the entire state of Ohio. The OSILC develops, monitors, and evaluates the State Plan for Independent Living. The OSILC also provides technical assistance to the CILs, as well as assistance in developing a statewide network of CILs.

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The Ohio SILC put together a brochure. This brochure shares the most important parts of their website.

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This organization services a wider range of local counties. These counties include Cuyahoga, Lake, Geagua, Ashtabula, Wayne, Summit, Portage, Trumbull, Stark, Mahoning, Columbiana, Lucas, Harden, Mercer, Clark, Seneca, Williams, Fulton, and Putnam. When you click the link, you will come across a video that automatically plays explaining to you what SIL is all about. They offer individual and community services. They also offer a peer support group. According to the video, they continue to look to partner with organizations that believe the same as SIL.

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Services for Independent Living (SIL) is a non-profit, non-residential center for independent living in Northeast Ohio. SIL provides an array of individual and community services designed to help and empower individuals of all ages and all disabilities lead healthy,productive lives and participate in community life as they choose.

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Western Reserve Independent Living Center 

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Western Reserve Independent Living Center 

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The Western Reserve Independent Living Center services our local counties (Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull). Services offered include independent living skills lessons, advocacy services (self-advocacy, community advocacy, and systems advocacy), peer supports, transition services, and pre-employment services to students with IEPs.

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Teach independent living skills, find services, advocate for your rights, education on disability accommodations, reintegration back into the community after living in an institutional setting, pre-employment youth transition classes, peer support, and recreational activities.

When Warren City Schools are closed due to emergency weather, our office will be closed as well to consumers and walk-ins. We will be working from home and will get back to you as soon as we are able so please leave a message

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Teach independent living skills, find services, advocate for your rights, education on disability accommodations, reintegration back into the community after living in an institutional setting, pre-employment youth transition classes, peer support, and recreational activities. When Warren City Schools are closed due to emergency weather, our office will be closed as well to consumers and walk-ins.

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Individuals can learn and build needed skills from job search skills up to career skills. Writing resume information is available too. Click on the Job Seekers Tab to get information.

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Find a job, learn career skills, meet the requirements of your government benefits, and more on OhioMeansJobs.com

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This link leads directly to Accessibility Services at Eastern Gateway Community College. Information about accommodations, medical extensions, and useful links is available. There is also information for employees with disabilities. Local high schools can also get ahold of EGCC to have a representative come in and talk to students. Not only with they share about the programs offered (Health, Business, Education, etc.), but about what Accessibility Services can help future students with.

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Eastern Gateway Community College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are responsible for notifying the Office of Student Accessibility Services regarding any disabilities for which they may need special services. Students with documented disabilities are eligible for accommodations. Students with documented medical emergencies are eligible for medical extensions.

Accommodations may include extended time allowances for testing and required projects, interpreters, approved assistance equipment, and/or access to lecture notes and materials such as PowerPoints. Effective and reasonable accommodation in the classroom does not include fundamental alteration of the curriculum, classroom standards, or length of class time. Accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis by the College.

Medical extensions can allow the student who has experienced a documented, medical emergency up to six weeks beyond the end of the term to complete coursework. Medical extensions require current documentation such as discharge paperwork that includes dates of care (with or without hospitalization), reason, and recovery period.

Students should plan to meet with the Director of Student Accessibility Services. The director will assist students in resolving immediate issues, provide assistance with academic concerns, and attempt to answer student questions. Pertinent documentation from a medical professional, psychiatrist, or psychologist must be submitted to the director and kept on file. Students who are interested should contact the director at access@egcc.edu.

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Accessibility Services - Eastern Gateway Community College

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Eastern Gateway Community College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are responsible for notifying the Office of Student Accessibility Services regarding any disabilities for which they may need special services. Students with documented disabilities are eligible for accommodations. Students with documented medical emergencies are eligible for medical extensions.

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Youngstown State University TOPS (Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings) Fact Sheet 

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Youngstown State University TOPS (Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings) Fact Sheet 

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This is a program fact sheet about YSU's TOPS program. It contains a program description, fees, and services.
Contact Person: Erika Campolito
Phone: (330) 941-2437
Email: emcampolito@ysu.edu

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Think College: Searched for Transition Programs in Colleges 

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Think College: Searched for Transition Programs in Colleges 

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On the Think College website, you can search for what you are looking for in a college. When you click this link, you will see colleges from around the country that offer transition opportunity programs. Many of these programs partner with local Vocational Rehabilitation services to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism.

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Search by state for colleges and universities offering opportunities to students with intellectual disability

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Autism Speaks: Postsecondary Educational Opportunities Guide

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Autism Speaks: Postsecondary Educational Opportunities Guide

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On this website, you will need to enter your email address to receive the guide to Postsecondary Education. This guide includes information about what steps to take for after high school. There are articles from professionals in the field to help you with this difficult transition time.

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back

Postsecondary Educational Opportunities Guide

Deciding what to do after high school can be a difficult process. This guide will help you and your family explore the various options available to you.

The guide provides a closer look at four-year universities, community colleges, vocational/technical school, life skills programs and more. The information will help you find the program that is right for you.
The Postsecondary Educational Opportunities Guide is broken up into the following sections:

Introduction

Preparing for Postsecondary Education

Types of Postsecondary Education Programs

Obtaining Services and Asking for Accommodations

Life on Campus

Learning to Live Independently: A Personal Perspective

Peer-to-Peer Advice

Advice for Parents

Alternative Learning for People With Autism: A Personal Perspective

A Retrospective on Postsecondary Educational Opportunities

Resources

For additional information about the transition process, check out the Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit.

Complete the form below to access the Tool Kit
By submitting this form you will receive periodic communications from Autism Speaks. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Our Autism Response Team (ART) is specially trained to connect people with autism, their families, and caretakers to information, tools, and resources.
Get in Touch with ART

Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

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Postsecondary Educational Opportunities Guide | Autism Speaks

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back Deciding what to do after high school can be a difficult process. This guide will help you and your family explore the various options available to you. The guide provides a closer look at four-year universities, community colleges, vocational/technical school, life skills programs and more.

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Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (ODD) 

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Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (ODD) 

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ODD is included in the job opportunities tab, however this link includes information for students 14 and older. Services that are offered through ODD for students included Pre-Employment Transition Services. Schools can partner with ODD to offer the Pre-ETS courses at the school.

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Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) offers a range of services to help students with disabilities 14+ prepare for post-secondary education and employment. OOD works together with students, families, schools/colleges, and community partners to provide services that promote successful transitions to careers and adult life.

Services for Students 14+

Services may include:

Job Exploration of a Variety of Workplace Settings

Paid Work Experiences with Job Coaches

Soft Skills for Work and Independence

Self-Advocacy (request and accept support)

Counseling on Educational and Training Options

Connection to Ongoing Support Option

New Video!
OOD Services for Students with Disabilities

OOD can help students with disabilities ages 14+ get an early start exploring careers. The agency serves individuals with physical, intellectual, sensory, and mental health disabilities.

If you need a copy of the video for downloading/uploading, please email the Office of Communications ( OODOfficeofCommunication@OOD.Ohio.Gov), and a team member will use a shared folder on OneDrive to provide to you.

Pre-Employment Transition Services

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are intended to help students with disabilities, as early as age 14, who could benefit from an early start in exploring career interests. The five services include Job Exploration Counseling; Work-Based Learning; Counseling on Post-Secondary Opportunities; Workplace Readiness Training; and Instruction in Self-Advocacy. These services are brief and delivered by approved Pre-ETS Providers.

Don't delay - connect students today!

Click on video image to get an inside look at Pre-ETS

Teachers play an essential role in identifying students who will benefit from transition services. OOD counselors are ready for your student referrals, can meet virtually, and can link students to virtual services for an early start in exploring career interests.

How Do I Get Started with Pre-Employment Transition Services?

Pre-ETS are available for students who have an open VR case or who are potentially eligible for services.

If a student with a disability wants to open a VR case, they can download an application for VR services by clicking this Link to Application for VR Services. For these students and any student with a disability who has an open VR case, referral for Pre-ETS services may be made through their assigned VR counselor or coordinator. In either situation do not complete the Request for Pre-ETS form.

If a student with a disability does not want to open a VR case at this time, they are considered potentially eligible and may participate in Pre-ETS. School staff must complete and send the Request for Pre-ETS Form along with documentation of the student's disability to OOD by fax 614-985-8435 or by e-mail ood.preemploymentrequestfax@ood.ohio.gov.

To learn more about Pre-ETS services, please review the below resources:
Pre-Employment Transition Services Fact Sheet Pre-Employment Transition Services Flyer
Pre-ETS Flyer (Spanish) Conectando a los estudiantes con los servicios de transición pre-empleo
Pre-ETS Subcategories and Traditional Transition Services How to find a Pre-Employment Transition Service Provider
Making Student Referrals (Transition)

OOD helps students with disabilities successfully transition from school to work. Transition teams work together to develop activities and experiences designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to reach their postsecondary goals.

OOD's goal for successful transition includes planning for, finding and keeping a job prior to exit from high school.

After employment counselors conduct follow-up activities to make sure employment is sustainable.

The following documents provide information about OOD Transition services, eligibility for services, multi-agency transition planning, and guidance on timing of referrals for students with disabilities:

* Transition-Specific Services
* Transition Guidance
* Connecting Students with Work

Completing an Application is as Easy as 1, 2, 3
1. Identify a student
A student's SSN and parent/guardian signature will be needed to open a case.

2. Download an application for services
Download and complete an application, or talk with an OOD liaison to assist with the application process. To learn who is assigned to your school or area, call 800-282-4536.

3. Send application with records securely to the designated email or fax assigned to your county (see map below). Speed up the eligibility process by attaching one or more of the most recently signed:
School records (e.g., ETR, IEP, 504)
County board records (e.g., C/OEDI, ISP, C/FED)
Other medical records and or evaluations (e.g., psychological evaluation, audiogram)

While OOD can take an application at any time, coordination of transition services is most effective when applications are received as early as possible in the school year.

You may obtain all the OOD related documents (i.e policy, procedures, forms, and fact sheets) under number series 80-VR-11-12.

Transition Specific Services

Transition-specific services provided by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) are designed to help students with disabilities (herein referred to as "students") successfully transition from school to work. While other services are available, based on vocational need, the following describes services intended to help students build skills necessary to move from dependent to independent work activities leading to competitive integrated employment.

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Developmental Activities

What is it?

These services are intended to help with basic skill development. Students may benefit from Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) including: Job Exploration Counseling; Work-Based Learning Experiences; Counseling on Postsecondary; Workplace Readiness Training; and Instruction in Self Advocacy. Other basic skill development activities may include:

utilizing the K-12 backpack on www.ohiomeansjobs.com;

utilizing the "Employment First Job Seekers Guide" on www.ohioemploymentfirst.org;

interviewing or job shadowing family or friends;

Volunteering;

extra-curricular activities; and

exploring activities available through school (e.g. job training, shadowing)

Who is it for?

These activities are for students who need to gain a general understanding about employment and/or needs help identifying their career interests.

Summer Youth - Work Experience

Summer Youth Work Experiences provide students (ages 14-21) with a disability the opportunity to explore careers and gain on-the-job training. Learn more from OOD's Vocational Rehabilitation staff. Watch a video.

What is it?

This service is intended to help the students obtain competitive work skills and prepare for work by participating in community work experiences.

Who is it for?

This service is for students who have: basic work skills; an understanding about the world of work; and a desire to advance their skills to prepare for competitive integrated employment.

How long is the service?

20 hours/week for five (5) weeks. This includes an educational component.

Is the student paid?

Yes, the student will earn at least the minimum wage paid by the employer.

What is the expected outcome of this service?

Upon completion of this service, a student should be able to:

identify several vocational areas of interest;

understand the job seeking process;

demonstrate ability to meet employer expectations with regards to timeliness, hygiene, etc.;

perform work with increasing independence (e.g. staying on task, retaining instructions); and

demonstrate appropriate work behaviors (e.g. accept constructive criticism, respect others and their property).

Who provides the service?

An OOD-approved provider. VR Staff or VR Contractors provide information about the work site options offered by each provider.

Non-Permanent Job Development

What is it?

This service is intended to help students obtain non-permanent work, such as a seasonal or after-school job, which will provide work experience and build work history while still in high school. Job coaching can be provided if needed.

Who is it for?

This service is intended for students who have basic work skills but may still have a need for additional job training prior to getting a permanent job.

How long is the service?

Non-permanent job development may initially occur for up to six (6) months.

Is the student paid?

Yes, the student will earn at least minimum wage paid by the employer.

Transition Guidance

Purpose

The following is guidance for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), education and other community-based agencies about the delivery and coordination of transition services, provided through OOD, for students with disabilities (herein referred to as "students"), including:

the roles of OOD VR Staff and VR Contractors in the transition planning process;

eligibility for OOD transition services and how schools and other community-based agencies can help with this process; and

timing of referral to OOD for transition services.

Why is Early Engagement in Transition Services so Important?

As students are entering high school, career development activities (e.g. Pre-Employment Transition Services) take on added meaning. This is a natural time for students to begin making more educational choices related to their future career goals. VR Staff and VR Contractors can play an integral role in the planning and evaluation process these students and families are engaged in as they begin high school.

Research ¹ shows that early engagement of students in transition to work activities leads to better outcomes. If he/she:

had a job at the time of their exit from school they are 5.1 times more likely to remain employed; and

had 2 or more authentic, paid work experiences and/or received assistance from 3 to 6 community-based agencies (e.g. OOD) while in school they are more likely to become employed and/or continue his/her education (e.g. college).

¹ National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT)
Team Planning

It takes an agency neutral, person-centered, outcome-focused approach to coordinate the many resources a student may have available to them for a successful transition from school to work or post-school activities. VR Staff or VR Contractors can be a valuable member of a student's person-centered planning team (i.e. transition team) to ensure coordination of services, identification of a vocational goal through a Backward Planning process and alignment of the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Individual Service Plan (ISP), if applicable.

OOD is committed to helping students use the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) K-12 Tools, including the Backpack, which can assist in a student's career development. The student owns this information, and can share access to the Backpack contents with other agencies.

Expertise of OOD VR Staff or VR Contractors

VR Staff or VR Contractors bring vocational expertise to a person-centered planning team that includes the student, parents and/or legal guardians, the school, and other community-based agencies from which the student is eligible for services. VR Staff and VR Contractors work with students and their team to ensure coordination of services, identify employment goals, obtain work incentives counseling if necessary, and provide information about current labor market trends, in-demand jobs and other career-focused information.

Who is eligible for OOD Transition Services?

Transition services through OOD are for students with disabilities, ages 14-21, who have a physical, cognitive and/or mental impairment that causes a barrier to getting or keeping a job. Students must also demonstrate a need for VR services and be able to benefit from VR services in terms of an employment outcome.

Application and Eligibility for OOD Transition Services

In order to expedite eligibility determination, schools and other partners are encouraged to provide any information regarding the student's functional limitations and existing documentation they may have about a student's disability at the time of referral for services (e.g. ETR, IEP, FED form, OEDI, COEDI, other related medical and psychological reports). OOD's agency goal is to make an eligibility determination within 30 days. It should not take longer than 60 days if existing information is readily available.

Any assistance the school may be able to provide to help coordinate the first meeting (i.e. initial interview), which must include the student and if applicable, his/her parent or legal guardian, is greatly appreciated and helps to ensure timely eligibility determination.

When Should a Student Apply for OOD Transition Services?

Students can apply for services starting at age 14. Students who apply to OOD may be in different stages in terms of their career development, therefore, the timing for referral to OOD should be made on a case by case basis, considering vocational need. The following guidelines may be helpful in determining potential entry points, depending on an individual student's circumstances.

Potential Entry Points for Referral to OOD Transition Services

Prior to when home schools begin the assessment process to determine if Career Tech is an appropriate option. Ideally OOD would start working with students at or before this time, so information can be shared between agencies.

OOD can help the student and teachers explore different options, further assess and define those Career Tech interests. OOD may be able to supplement some career exploration to guide decisions about what training area they wish to enter.

Career development, exploration, and guidance may be needed before a student exits high school to help develop a clear direction in the choice of a major.

Working with students prior to graduation allows time for them to explore postsecondary options and obtain work experience needed to increase their employability.

OOD may be able to contribute to college or other postsecondary training when it is necessary to obtain an agreed upon employment outcome after graduation from high school. The specific goal on the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is not an "educational goal", it is a specific employment outcome (e.g. Accountant). Therefore, any training purchased must be directly tied to that agreed upon vocational goal and minimum qualifications required for that job goal.

Many students are seeking a job that they can advance in without postsecondary training. Ideally, OOD would begin working with these students as early as age 14 to allow time for any developmental activities (e.g. vocational guidance and counseling, job shadowing, interviewing, volunteering).

OOD can help each student explore in-demand jobs and connect with real, community-based work experiences when they are of legal age for employment.

Transition specific services can help students move from basic developmental activities to those requiring more skills and increased independence. Data-driven decisions ensure deliberate movement based on vocational need and mastery of benchmarks at each level of services. Services may include:

Pre-Employment Transition Services;

Summer Youth - Work Experience;

Non-Permanent Job Development;

Job Coaching for a non-permanent (summer or after school) job while the student is still in high school; and

Job Development and Job Coaching for permanent employment.

This population of students might benefit from engagement in career technical education or work experience to prevent dropping out of high school. VR services can be individualized based on their needs.

VR Staff and VR Contractors are available for consultation to discuss and plan for when to best access VR services so that provision of services can coincide with their projected exit date from high school.

Students do not have to attend any specific school district to apply for OOD services. Also, youth do not need to be enrolled in school to receive OOD services.

Form 80-VR-11-12.A Transition Guidance

Ohio Transition Support Partnership

About

The Ohio Transition Support Partnership (OTSP) is designed to help students with disabilities, beginning at age 14, gain the skills they need to prepare for in-demand careers.

OTSP, a partnership between OOD and the Ohio Department of Education, connects students with vocational rehabilitation counselors who provide individualized transition services:

Career exploration

Work-based learning experiences

Counseling on post-secondary education

Paid work experiences

Job coaching & retention

As an active participant of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings, the vocational rehabilitation counselor helps with earlier career preparation and coordination with the school and others agencies supporting the student.

More Information

For more information, please contact Julie Hance, Supported Employment and Transition Supervisor, at Julie.Hance@ood.ohio.gov or 614-562-5345.

Youth Leadership Forum

OOD contracts with the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (OSILC). Together with the local Centers for Independent Living (CILs), each summer they offer regional in-person Youth Leadership Forums (YLFs) and one statewide virtual YLF for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities interested in leadership and advocacy.

YLF accepts applications each spring for both OOD eligible and potentially eligible students with disabilities. For more information, please visit http://www.ohiosilc.org/youth-leadership-forum/ or contact Christina Carpenter at ccarpenter@ohiosilc.org or at 614-809-1513.
YLF Postcard
YLF Postcard (Word)

YLF Postcard (BRF)

YLF Postcard (Spanish) Foro de liderazgo de jòvenes de Ohio

YLF Testimonials:

Click the image below to watch student delegates reflecting on the Virtual YLF.

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Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) offers a range of services to help students with disabilities 14+ prepare for post-secondary education and employment. OOD works together with students, families, schools/colleges, and community partners to provide services that promote successful transitions to careers and adult life.

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Autism Speaks put together a tool kit to help with the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Information categories include self-advocacy, independent living skills, transition planning, legal matters, and more.

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Ohio Disability Rights: Transition Planning 

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Ohio Disability Rights: Transition Planning 

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This website includes information about what transition planning is, when it should occur, and what to do if there is no transition planning happening.

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Disability Rights Ohio - Special Education: Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities

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In Ohio, schools must begin transition planning when the student turns 14. (Prior to July 1, 2005, transition planning at age 14 was also required by federal law, which now requires it at age 16. This requirement was deleted from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) when it was re-authorized in late 2004.

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Mahoning County Career and Technical Center 

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Mahoning County Career and Technical Center 

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After high school, students can continue on to MCCTC to further their training for the job field. Programs offered include EMT, Phlebotomy, STNA, Medical Office Assistant, and MSSC.
You can also reach out for option 23 information.

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As a premier educational center, the mission of Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is to create lifelong learners through dynamic, relevant curriculum that encompasses advanced technology, rigorous academics, college credit options, industry credentials and strategic partnerships.

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Mahoning County Career and Technical Center 

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Mahoning County Career and Technical Center 

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The link provided gives information about special education services provided through MCCTC for students. This is a good opportunity for students to get training in a field of their choosing. Students can begin attending MCCTC their junior year of high school.

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Inclusive Education at MCCTC

For the 2022-23 school year, MCCTC and Valley STEM provide special education services to more than 200 students around the Mahoning Valley. This is the result of the meaningful partnerships that have been developed with the residential districts of Mahoning County and their respective directors of student services. These amazing directors attend all IEP and ETR meetings while their students are at MCCTC and Valley STEM, and we pride ourselves on excellent teaming for the individual growth of these incredible students. Over 90% of the students served at MCCTC and Valley STEM receive the entirety of their education in a fully included setting. Our case managers focus heavily on self-advocacy and independence as we strive to transition our students toward readiness for post-secondary success.

In addition to fully including students with disabilities in our 22 state-tested career and technical programs, we also serve students in a Career-based Intervention program, a special enrollment program for students with intensive needs, and through our partnership with the Mahoning County Educational Service Center's Transition to Work Program which is housed in our facility.

Meet Our Team

MCCTC Special Education Teachers

Tom Smith
tom.smith@mahoningctc.com
330-729-4000 EXT 1851

Paris Krug
paris.krug@mahoningctc.com
330-729-4000 Ext 1856

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Special Education at MCCTC & Valley STEM - MCCTC

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For the 2022-23 school year, MCCTC and Valley STEM provide special education services to more than 200 students around the Mahoning Valley. This is the result of the meaningful partnerships that have been developed with the residential districts of Mahoning County and their respective directors of student services.

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ODE information about Secondary Transition and Workforce 

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ODE information about Secondary Transition and Workforce 

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Federal and State Requirement

Teachers play an essential role in identifying students, ages 14-21, who will benefit from transition services. Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities vocational rehabilitation counselors are ready for your student referrals, can meet virtually, and can link students to virtual services for an early start in exploring career interests. Learn more at the OOD website.

In Ohio, students with disabilities ages 14 or younger, if appropriate, formally enter into the secondary transition planning process. A truly successful transition process is the result of comprehensive planning that is driven by the student's preferences, interests, needs, and strengths. This comprehensive planning moves students toward successful future outcomes in competitive, integrated employment, education, and independent living.

The Institute for Educational Leadership's policy brief "Preparing Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities for Work: What School Leaders Need to Know About the New Legal Landscape" is intended to inform school leaders about their responsibilities under recent case law to prepare youth with disabilities for work and careers. Information within this brief supports the efforts made by state, regional, and local agencies across Ohio to promote competitive integrated employment for all students, including those with the most significant disabilities.

Compliance

Programs and Initiatives

Resources

At the OCALI Lifespan Transitions Center

ASD Strategies in Action: ASD Strategies in Action is a free, online training for parents and professionals to support adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum as they transition from high school to adulthood.

What Works for Work: These free resources have been organized into 12 online sessions. Each session includes a PowerPoint that provides users with information about an evidence-based practice or a planning process. Additional resources are offered, along with notes and activities, as well tips on how to facilitate the presentation of these resources.

OCALI's Take 5: Learn about essential topics for transition and adulthood and engage in new ideas through Take 5 webcasts. Each short video in the Take 5 series will review a topic, concept or idea about transition and adult life planning, service and support for those assisting youth and adults with disabilities. Take 5 also provides five take-away resources for each of the webcasts to help extend learning and support implementation of new knowledge or sharing of valuable ideas.

Age Appropriate Transition Assessment (AATA) Planning Guide: This guide introduces the planning process for transition assessment. It is important to intentionally plan for transition assessment to reduce duplication, build on a student's progress, and identify individualized assessment to build a student profile in relationship to those skills needed for their adult life goals.

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Secondary Transition and Workforce Development for Students with Disabilities

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Teachers play an essential role in identifying students, ages 14-21, who will benefit from transition services. Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities vocational rehabilitation counselors are ready for your student referrals, can meet virtually, and can link students to virtual services for an early start in exploring career interests.

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Informational Powerpoint about YSU Tops Program

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Informational Powerpoint about YSU Tops Program

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The mission of YSU's TOPS program is to help improve the future of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. The goal is for more independence, community involvement, and success in employment.

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Opportunities for Ohioians with Disabilities (ODD) 

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Opportunities for Ohioians with Disabilities (ODD) 

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ODD offers individuals with disabilities resources, training, and support for employment. ODD works with individuals as young as 14 to begin developing work skills such as self-advocacy, job exploration, skills, and job coaches. Click on Information for Individuals.

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Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the state agency that empowers Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. This empowerment is accomplished through our Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR), Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) and Division of Disability Determination (DDD). Our Division of Employer and Innovation Services (EIS) also plays an important role by establishing and maintaining partnerships with employers.
Learn More About OOD

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Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

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Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the state agency that empowers Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. This empowerment is accomplished through our Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR), Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) and Division of Disability Determination (DDD).

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The attached link gives you the information on receiving an SSA.

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Should you find that you are planning on moving outside of Ohio, you can still find independent living centers around the United State. The ILRU directory has an interactive map of the United States. If you are looking for a specific state, you can click on that state and the service centers will populate.

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Submit information on a new center for independent living or personnel, address or phone number listing changes in your center by using the link above and completing the online form.

Definition of a Center for Independent Living from Section 702 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended:

CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING ‑ The term "center for independent living" means a consumer‑controlled, community‑based, cross‑disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent living services.

A Center for Independent Living (CIL):

At a minimum, 51% of staff are persons with disabilities and 51% of Board of Directors are persons with significant disabilities. A CIL provides, at a minimum, the following core services:

1. Information & referral

2. Independent living skills training

3. Individual and systems advocacy

4. Peer counseling

5. Transition assistance from nursing homes and other institutions to community-based residences

6. Assisting individuals to avoid institutional placement

7. Transition of youth with significant disabilities after completion of secondary education to postsecondary life.

Alphabetic List of States and Territories

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ILRU Directory of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Associations

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Submit information on a new center for independent living or personnel, address or phone number listing changes in your center by using the link above and completing the online form.

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This link will take you to the requirements for eligibility.

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What do I need for Eligibility Determination?

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Students can begin exploring job opportunities, build a career profile, and play fun games to learn about careers. This is a great way to get 6-8th grade students to begin getting information about work. Ninth through twelfth grade students can continue to explore about careers, find information about apprenticeships, and more.