To create consistent, improved outcomes for youth across the State of Minnesota, we need everyone on board. Spread the word and encourage those in your organization to align their work to Minnesota’s Youth in Transition Framework.
Use the resources below to promote and talk about the Framework with your leaders, staff, peers, partners and more.
Key messages and graphics
Use the key messages and Framework graphic below when talking about and developing communications about the Framework:
Key messages about the Framework:
Minnesota’s Youth In Transition Framework defines quality transition planning, empowering professionals across the state to work together toward the same outcomes for youth. The Framework guides professionals with a vision of how their work can impact and improve the lives of youth and their families.
The Framework defines the improved youth outcomes all transition professionals in Minnesota are working toward:
Youth use self-determination and leadership skills to envision and advocate for their best life.
Youth successfully manage in(ter)dependent adult life within their community.
Youth find competitive, integrated work they enjoy.
Youth access postsecondary education and training options and obtain industry-recognized credentials.
The Framework was developed because:
Broad inconsistencies in programs and services created inequities for youth and families.
Transition professionals and community partners did not know what was expected of them.
Families did not know what they could expect from transition planning.
Transition planning was not coordinated across agencies, which led to inefficient and frustrating experiences for youth and families.
The Framework was developed by E1MN and transition leaders statewide.
E1MN is Minnesota’s state agency partnership to advance Employment First outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities. The E1MN partnership is led by the State of Minnesota Departments of Education (MDE), Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and Human Services (DHS).
Minnesota’s Youth in Transition Framework and Youth in Transition Toolkit are a part of E1MN’s work to embed collaboration across the system, identify consistent processes and best practices for working with students, and develop tools and resources to help transition professionals across the state support youth and their families.
All transition professionals are asked to align their work to the Framework and strengthen their partnerships and delivery of high-quality transition programs and services.
Such transition professionals include those in schools, Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)/State Services for the Blind (SSB), county agencies/tribal nations, and service providers who work on programs and services such as:
Special education, IEPs, and 504 plans and accommodations
Waiver case management and coordinated services and supports plans
Vocational Rehabilitation, Pre-ETS and employment plans
And more
The Framework is comprised of three key elements that create the foundation for effective transition planning and programming.
Guiding principles are the beliefs that guide decisions at the system, agency and professional level. The Framework's six guiding principles serve as the foundation for what we do and how we do it.
Learning expectations define the topics all youth in transition in Minnesota should explore as a part of consistent high-quality transition planning. Exploration of topics in the Framework's four learning expectation categories helps students to develop the knowledge, skills and supports they need to prepare for and live the life they want in adulthood.
Shared practices are collective ways of working using the same practices, processes and tools.The goal of the Framework’s three shared practices is to create consistent, person-centered experiences for youth and families while optimizing the role of everyone on the youth’s transition planning team.
By defining quality transition planning, the Framework’s highest goal is improved youth outcomes.
In addition, the Framework will help create:
Consistent and equitable transition planning for youth and families
Clear expectations and more streamlined planning experiences
Clarity and efficiency for transition professionals
A stronger and more agile system for all
The Youth in Transition Toolkit, available at disabilityhubmn.org/yit-toolkit, supports transition professionals with statewide access to up-to-date resources and tools to align their work to the Framework and implement it with colleagues, youth and families.
Get basic information about plans, policies, services and roles
Find resources for their own professional development
Engage families as partners in their youth’s transition success
Find information, ideas and practical, hands-on tools to support youth
And more!
The Framework graphic depicts the improved youth outcomes and the Framework’s three key elements. Use it in communications you develop about the Framework. For printed materials, the file linked below can be used up to 5" in size at high resolution.
Overview presentation The overview presentation linked below is a great resource to introduce and orient transition professionals to the Framework. Use and adapt its contents as needed. The notes area of the file provides additional information you can use in your presentation.
Informational PDF This 2-page informational piece provides an overview of the Framework, its key elements and the improved youth outcomes transition professionals are all working toward. As a PDF it can be easily distributed via email, hyperlink, or as a printed handout.
Video Actor, playwright and disability advocate Kevin Kling introduces Minnesota’s Youth in Transition Framework in this 6 minute video. Share it with your staff and colleagues:
