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Youth in Transition Toolkit:

Youth in Transition Toolkit

  1. Minnesota’s Youth in Transition Framework
  2. Educate yourself
  3. Engage families
  4. Support youth
    1. My best life
    2. In(ter)dependent living
    3. Employment
    4. Postsecondary education and training
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Postsecondary education and training

Advocacy and supports

Other postsecondary education and training services and supports

Does the youth need extra services or supports to be successful in postsecondary education and training?

There are many ways for a person to get postsecondary education and training services and supports. The supports can include help exploring postsecondary education and training options, selecting the best program based on career goals, identifying accommodations and assistive technology needs and more. Informal supports can be provided by friends, family or community contacts. Formal supports may be available from the school or community programs, such as Vocational Rehabilitation Services or State Services for the Blind.

  • Awareness: Understand how to access informal and formal postsecondary education and training supports.
  • Exploration: Identify strengths, preferences, interests and needs related to informal and formal postsecondary education and training supports.
  • Preparation: Practice using informal postsecondary education and training supports. Apply for formal postsecondary education and training supports as needed.
  • Implementation: Successfully use informal and/or formal postsecondary education and training supports to complete a postsecondary education or training program as independently as possible.

Instruction in self-advocacy

Hear what young people have to say about services and supports

Watch this 7-minute video to learn how young people were supported to be successful during their journey to adulthood.

Services and Supports

 

Lightbulb LEARN

LEARN: Develop your knowledge

Learn how to support youth in exploring other postsecondary education and training services and supports.

Review Test Prep Insight's expert guide for students with disabilities to succeed in college — a resource-packed guide featuring everything students with disabilities need to know about college.

Resources DO

DO: Work with youth

Find resources to help youth explore other postsecondary education and training services and supports.

Help youth discuss with their peers what it's like to participate in postsecondary education or training. These introductions will provide a new perspective and help ease fears about the transition from high school to the postsecondary setting.

 

If accommodations are desired in postsecondary education or training, the youth will need to discuss their disability and educational needs with the disability services staff. Later they may need to discuss the implementation of accommodations with their instructors. To prepare for these conversations, it's helpful for youth to speak with high school teachers about their accommodations. This will help them learn when it's appropriate to discuss their educational needs, how much information to share and the purpose of sharing information.

Some youth are nervous about discussing the implementation of accommodations with postsecondary instructors. Help them realize these are normal conversations that are likely to be positive and helpful. If there are difficulties, a professional from the disability services office may offer support. Advocating is a reminder to others about the importance of providing an accessible environment for all students both now and in the future.

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