Updated October 12, 2020

Working in collaboration with the Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC), California Department of Rehabilitation, and other partners, Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute on Disability (TPI) has launched the comprehensive Transition CA website.

Designed to improve transition outcomes (such as employment and housing) for people with disabilities, Transition CA provides transition resources related to education, employment, and where appropriate, independent living skills. The new site includes training information, tools, documents, and resource contacts organized by both stakeholder and subject area.

Dr. Richard Rosenberg and Linda O'Neal in Thompson Policy Institute's conference room working on Transition CA resource webpage

Dr. Richard Rosenberg and Linda O’Neal, members of Thompson Policy Institute’s Transition Initiative leadership team, in TPI’s conference room working on Transition CA resource webpage

“TPI is proud to team up with state and local partners to offer this invaluable resource for individuals with disabilities as well as their families and service providers,” said TPI Director Meghan Cosier, Ph.D. “This is a key way our Transition Initiative, under the direction of Linda O’Neal and Dr. Richard Rosenberg, hopes to support these individuals in leading happy, healthy, and meaningful lives.”

Transition Services

Transition age youth are typically defined as individuals, ages 16 to 25, who are at risk of not successfully transitioning into independent adulthood due to the complexity of their needs. This population includes millions of young adults with a wide range of disabilities who have and will age out of traditional K-12 educational settings.

Transition services seek to promote and support a successful transition to employment, independent living, and quality life for individuals with disabilities. In particular, transition age youth need access to vocational training employment and postsecondary education that can lead to long-term careers. In addition to workforce development, many youth and adults benefit from coordinated support that includes health, wellness, and daily living skills.

As part of a larger Transition Initiative, the new Transition CA webpage offers transition planning and employment-related resources for individuals with disabilities, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and those with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders (IDD).

“The importance of transition planning, starting from birth, cannot be overstated. It is essential that families, service providers, and educators hold the highest of expectations for each individual’s achievement,” said Linda O’Neal. “Identifying, supporting, and promoting each individual’s innate abilities and talents is essential to short- and-long term success in education, independent living, and employment.”

Resource Pages

After nearly two years in development, TPI’s Transition CA website offers resources, tools, services, and career development educational options for youth and adults with a wide range of disabilities as well as those who assist them. Organized by topic area and type of stakeholder, Transition CA offers multiple access pathways.

Stakeholder Sections

  • Individuals with Disabilities: Materials related to various disability classifications, self-determination, and competitive integrated employment
  • Families: Information specific to parents & family members, including a variety of resources to assist with the transition planning and employment process
  • Service Providers: Materials relative to disability-related service provision
  • Educators: Resource materials and best practice documents from various educational agencies throughout California and the United States
  • Business Partners: Employment-related reference materials and disability resources specific to workplace diversity

Subject Areas

  • Postsecondary education and training
  • Workforce development training
  • Employment
  • Benefits planning and financial management
  • Community resources
  • Disability related legislation
  • Transition and employment related websites
  • Collaboration/steering committees
  • Health and fitness

The site also includes a Transition Training Calendar that lists of related events and trainings.

This website will be updated monthly basis and as new information is acquired.

DisAbility Summit Focus on Inclusion and Transition

In support of its mission, the TPI hosted its annual DisAbility Summit to showcase recent disability studies research and hear from key community partners. TPI’s 2020 DisAbility Summit was held in an entirely virtual format on October 9, 2020.

The theme of this year’s summit is “Inclusion and Transition: Each Enhancing the Other,” focusing on the state of inclusive education and initiatives that support youth as they transition into adulthood. The summit will include expert presentations, followed by a live question and answer period.

Visit the DisAbility Summit webpage to view a recording if you missed all or part of this inspirational event.

 

Thompson Policy Institute on Disability
Founded in 2015, Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute on Disability (TPI) strives to impact policy by reducing barriers that limit access to learning, living, and working for individuals with disabilities. TPI efforts involve a combination of original research, training, and advocacy work in the areas of inclusive education and services.

Visit TPI’s website for more information about its research and upcoming events.

 

Display Image at Top: Young man working at CHOC Children’s as participant in Project Search, a career training program for individuals with disabilities