Coming Together and Moving Forward: Supporting Integrated, Community-Based Transition in Kansas

2021

The goal of this one-year project is to develop a plan for community integration, through the creation of a sustainable community-based transition pilot for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). Objectives are: (1) Establish and convene partnerships to develop a high-quality, workable plan for community integration for youth and adults with ID/DD that is actionable, practical, and realistic; (2) Conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of transition services in Kansas; (3) Develop and pilot test transition planning training materials focused on youth and adults with ID/DD, and other stakeholders; (4) Develop, implement, and evaluate a community-based pilot project to enhance self-determined transition planning and coordination of services in an underserved rural area of Kansas; and (5) Develop a comprehensive, scalable, and sustainable plan for the community-based transition pilot project. The anticipated outcome is a workable, comprehensive, and sustainable plan for a pilot project focused on enhancing transitions to community living and competitive and integrated employment for youth and adults with ID/DD. Expected products are: (1) Resources and materials reporting gaps and potential solutions identified in the comprehensive review and analysis, (2) Resources and materials reporting stakeholder experiences with transition services, (3) Trainings on best practices to support coordinated transition services in rural settings, and (4) A peer-reviewed journal article on the initial effectiveness of our trainings and processes.

Performing Research or Evaluation, Continuing Education/Community Training

Employment-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities

Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote

Single-County

N/A