• Transition planning for high school courses, employment programs, post-secondary education, and independent living skills training.
• Self Advocacy skills and understanding how to request accommodations for work or post-secondary education.
• Referrals to community agencies that work with students as they transition from youth to adulthood.

A Transition Coordinator assists students and families in learning about planning for after high school and resources available as students transition out of high school.

My name is Wendy Christianson and I am in my third year as Transition Coordinator for the Stevens Point School District. 

I started my career at Midstate Independent Living Consultants (now Choices) working with individuals with disabilities on employment and benefits counseling. After that, I started my career in K-12 education by working in the Wausau School District as a Vocational Training Specialist taking students out to work sites and connecting them to post-secondary education opportunities. We made a personal move to West DePere and I taught at the high school in a transition focused role for juniors and seniors where we focused on career planning activities and daily living skills. I then transitioned into post-secondary education and provided accommodations at the technical college level for 13 years prior to starting in the Stevens Point School District. I feel my varied experiences help me to better understand adult services and the laws and processes guiding them, which allows me to help students and families understand the change in laws and services after high K-12 education. 

Office Phone: 715-345-5400 ext. 70846 (voicemail)

Email: wchristi@pointschools.net

Cell phone - 715-600-1504 (text)

Open to meet in-person, virtually, or via phone to discuss transition!

Please follow our Transition Facebook page for additional events and information.

Stevens Point School District Transition Services

What is Transition Planning? Transition Planning is the process of helping students with IEP’s and their families think about their life after high school to help identify long-range goals designing their high school experience.

What is the PTP (Postsecondary Transition Plan)? The PTP is the part of the IEP that focuses on transition. This planning starts the year a student turns 14. The PTP guides the team in documenting the post high school goals as it relates to post-secondary education/training, employment, and independent living.

 A Family’s Guide to the Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP)

o   Link Available on Transition Website

o   Handout attached

What is a Transition Coordinator? A Transition Coordinator can assist students and families in planning for after high school and provide information on community agencies that assist with pre-employment transition services and the transition to adult services.

Transition Coordinator Contact Information:

• Wendy Christianson
• Office Phone: 715-345-5400 ext. 70846 (voicemail)
• Email: wchristi@pointschools.net
• Text: - 715-600-1504

Beyond 18 Programming

Beyond 18 programming is available for students to support the transition from school to outside agencies and postsecondary options that will support the student as they plan for life after high school. Planning is based on each student's unique disability-related needs to meet postsecondary IEP goals. Beyond 18 is an IEP team decision, individualized, and built by the student's IEP and Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP). It should mirror a day similar to a student who has left high school and focuses on skills and activities that prepare students for postsecondary transition goals

Transition Programming Beyond Age 18 Resource

Talking Transition Newsletters: December 2025

Talking Transition Newsletter: September 2025

Talking Transition Newsletter: May 2025

Talking Transition Newsletter: March 2025

Talking Transition Newsletter: December 2024

Talking Transition Newsletter: October 2024

Talking Transition Newsletter: May 2024

• Review checklist annually starting at age 14
• Student should attend every IEP meeting
• At each IEP discuss when the student will graduate and discuss course options aligned to student’s postsecondary goals
• Review and update post-secondary transition plan (PTP) and consider what the student may do after high school.

Age 14/15 

• As part of the student’s annual IEP, create a post-secondary transition plan (PTP) based on the student’s strengths, interests, preferences and needs. Consider what the student may do after high school and develop appropriate and measurable goals including transition services, classes and outside agencies as needed.
• Begin researching post-secondary pathways: colleges, post-secondary education programs, job training, project search, adult day services, recreational programming, etc. 

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Age 15/16

• Begin exploring options for post-secondary pathways: colleges, post-secondary education programs, job training, project search, adult day services, recreational programming, etc. 
• Learn about the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and, if needed, complete the application process for DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) for an eligibility determination. 
• SPASH’s DVR representative is Kassey Anderson, 715-216-8210 (scheduled for bi-weekly days scheduled at SPASH)
• If appropriate based on student need, begin researching guardianship & alternatives to guardianship. 

Supported Decision Making Toolkit                            Wisconsin Guardianship Support Center

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Age 16/17

• Narrow down post-secondary pathway: colleges, post-secondary education programs, job training, project search, adult day services, recreational programming, etc. 
• Consider student’s interest and ability as it relates to obtaining a driver's license or Wisconsin ID at the DMV or learning to ride the city bus with the help of travel training
• Begin discussing Moving to Adult Healthcare with current medical professionals. Discuss with all doctors, dentists, therapists and specialists whether they will continue seeing your student. Some will maintain patients to 18, some to 21, 25 or through adulthood. Children’s Resource Center North
• Consult with Portage County Health & Human Services: Adult Protective Services on questions on Supported Decision Making & Guardianship: 715-345-5350 ext. 2
• Research Social Security benefits that best meet the student’s needs.
• Research and begin understanding of Financial and Benefit Support (Long Term Funding)

Wisconsin Long-Term Care and Support

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Age 17/18

• Apply for post-secondary pathway: colleges, post-secondary education programs, job training, project search, adult day services, recreational programming, etc. 
• Finalize transition to Adult Healthcare Providers: 
• Discuss with all doctors, dentists, therapists and specialists whether they will continue seeing your student. Some will maintain patients to 18, some to 21, 25 or through adulthood. Children’s Resource Center North

At 17 and 6 months

• Prior to 18th birthday, finalize with County Adult Protective Services or an attorney regarding guardianship or alternatives to guardianship.
• Review your plan for Social Security
• Contact a Disability Benefit Specialist at the Aging & Disability Resource Center for assistance in understanding benefits and application process
• Portage County: 715-346-1401 to schedule an appointment
• Determine eligibility for Financial and Benefit Support (Long Term Funding): 
• Contact ADRC (Aging & Disability Resource Center) to set up appointment for functional long-term care screen
  • Portage County Information & Assistance Specialist: 715-346-1401.
  • Families may need to wait until Medicaid funding is established before becoming eligible for long-term funding.

Transition Resources & Important Dates

Children’s Long Term Care Support Program Children's long-term support waiver programs can offer children home and community based-supports and services to live their best lives based on individually identified outcomes and needs.

Eligibility: Be younger than 18, Medicaid eligible, have a developmental disability (examples: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability). A functional screen will determine eligibility.

Possible supports: respite care, daily living skills training, transportation, physical aids, mentoring, and social skill building.

To being the eligibility process and complete a referral for your child in Portage County call: 715-345-5350 and choose Option 5. A Portage County Special Needs Programs Eligibility Determination Worker will contact you within 10 days of the completed referral to schedule a home visit and your child’s eligibility determination will be completed within 45 days of the completed referral.

Adult Long Term Supports Adult Long-Term Care is any service or support that an individual may need because of a disability or chronic illness that limits your ability to do the things that are part of your daily routine. This includes things such as bathing, getting dressed, making meals, going to work, and paying bills.

Eligibility: The adult applicant must have a long-term condition that impairs functioning to a high enough degree and falls into at least one of the following target groups: Frail Elderly, Intellectually/Developmentally Disabled, or Physically Disabled. A functional screen will determine eligibility. The applicant must also be eligible for some form of full-benefit Medicaid.

Possible Supports: respite care, daily living skills training, transportation, day services, physical aids, mentoring, management and coordination with community integration services.

The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is the starting point for determining eligibility for Adult Long-Term Care Support. When the student turns 17 1/2 years old, contact the ADRC to set up a functional screen to determine eligibility with an Information and Assistance Specialist at 715-346-1401. If the individual is found eligible for Adult Long-Term Care Supports, the ADRC Information & Assistance Specialist will provide information on Family Care Programs, a managed care program, or IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) a self-directed program.
 

DVR-Vocational and Transition Services DVR works to obtain, maintain, and improve employment for people with disabilities. DVR supports Pre-Employment Transition Services for students that have a disability diagnosis. In collaboration with the school district, DVR can provide, or arrange to provide: vocational counseling, job exploration counseling, counseling on post-secondary education, workplace readiness skills, benefits counseling, etc. Students can apply two years prior to high school graduation. The District Transition Coordinator can provide the appropriate referral forms to interested students and families and set up the initial meeting.

Kassey Anderson, SPASH DVR Liaison, kassey.anderson@dwd.wisconsin.gov or 715-216-8210 call/text. DVR 101 Video,  About DVR - Top 10, Transition Services

Once students are determined eligible for DVR services, they would choose a Job Developer to help provide the pre-employment transition services through the support of DVR. Available Job Development Service Providers in Portage County are: The Connection Co, IBA Resources, Opportunity Development Center (ODC), and Aurora Vocational Services.

Supplemental Social Security Income Social security is paid to qualified individuals who are blind or have severe disabilities and have limited income and resources. Those who qualify for SSI automatically receive Medicaid in Wisconsin. Medicaid is necessary to pay for other services including, long term supports.

• How to apply:
  • If a student has Social Security as a child, you will be contacted by Social Security about the process to obtain SS as an adult.
  • If the student does not currently receive Social Security, applications can be completed once the child turns 18. Schedule an appointment with a local Social Security office to file an application. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or contact local office (contact information below) or Apply Online for Disability Benefits 
  • Disability Benefits Specialists can assist with help filling out applications for benefits, programs, and services.
  • For transition aged youth, applying for adult benefits through Social Security cannot start until age 18, however, benefit specialists are available to talk with in regards to your questions prior and to set up an appointment to help with the application after the child turns age 18.

Supported Decision Making/Guardianship When children turn 18, they become their own legal guardians and parents no longer have a legal right to make or help support decisions made by the individual. If an individual would need additional assistance once they turn 18, please see below for options available:

• Supported Decision Making is an alternative to guardianship through which individuals get help from trusted family members, friends, and professionals to help them understand the situations and the choices they face, so they can make their own decisions enabling individuals to ask for support where and when they need it. Supported Decision- Making agreements can be used for many kinds of decisions including medical, financial, housing, and other life matters. Powers of attorney, representative payees and simple release of information forms can also help families provide the needed supports and safeguards without going to court and imposing guardianship restrictions. Supported Decision Making Toolkit
• Guardianship is a legal process and relationship created through a court process. This relationship is formed between the “proposed ward,” who is the subject of the guardianship, and the “proposed guardian,” who is the legal decision-maker for the ward, after the ward is determined by a court to be “incompetent”. The relationship is created by the court when the “petitioner”, the person who files the guardianship, proves the required elements showing that the ward is incompetent and needs a guardian. Wisconsin Guardianship Support Center

The Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) is a hands-on program that provides the opportunity for career exploration while teaching students work skills and appropriate work behaviors in a simulated work setting. 

The PAES lab is located in the Life Skills Center outside of SPASH. Typically, students attend the PAES lab daily for one period per day for one school year. Participation in the program is determined by the IEP team during Post-Secondary Transition (PTP) Planning. 

PAES is a research based, functional skills curriculum with an embedded formative assessment of career potential and employability skills. PAES helps to identify: functional skill levels, career interests, aptitude for community base employment, and work behavior strengths and barriers to success.

Project Life is a comprehensive course that focuses on Safety Skills, Self-Determination Skills, Independence, Social & Communication Skills, Financial Skills, Technology Skills, Physical & Emotional Well-Being, and Micro-Enterprise Fundamentals for Life at Work, Life at Home, and Life in the Community. This course includes a work-based learning component in addition to the comprehensive curriculum. Students/Interns will be provided with different types of work tasks to gain transferable skills that can be used in a variety of work settings, at home, and in the community. Students/interns will have the opportunity to complete jobs and tasks in the school building or out in the community, based on their interest and skill level. This class is for 2 class periods. This course is available for high school juniors and seniors and is determined by IEP team decision as part of the post-secondary transition planning process.

The Job Experience Training (JET) Program gives students the opportunity to gain work experience during high school, while earning high school graduation credits and earning a paycheck. Students learn and develop soft skills needed for successful employment and practice appropriate work behaviors while on their job site. Participating in JET also helps students explore various career interests in a variety of work environments.

How does JET work?

The JET program is a collaboration between the school district, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), a job development agency, and a community employer. JET provides the opportunity for a paid short-term work experience through DVR for students to try various employment opportunities and work on developing 21^st Century Skills in personal work habits and attitudes. Some JET students may already have a paid position and are using JET to work towards the Employability Skills Certificate (see additional information below).

JET is an IEP team decision. If enrolled, the student will have JET scheduled into their school day (usually, but not always, 6^th or 7^th period). If JET is scheduled in their day, the student will leave SPASH to go to his/her scheduled work time at the internship site. Students will also have responsibilities on Schoology related to JET. They will need to complete assigned coursework in interest exploration and skill development tasks in 21^st Century Skills.

Students in the JET program are expected to work a minimum of 5 hours per week (per class period enrolled in JET). Many of the students will work during their scheduled JET hours in school. Other students may work at nights or on the weekends.

Students may not always have work during their scheduled JET time. If they are not scheduled to work, they have three options: 1) leave SPASH for the day, 2) work in Lower Commons until the end of the day, or 3) Connect with the Transition Coordinator for questions or help with assigned work in the course.

What is the Wisconsin Employability Skills Certificate?

The Wisconsin Employability Skills Certificate recognizes a student’s mastery of employability skills valued by employers in a variety of worksite settings while helping students explore career interests. The program allows students to document their employability skills, employers to assess the skills they are looking for in quality employees, and educators to customize instruction to help students acquire skills that today’s workplace required. The student needs to complete a minimum of 90 hours at a paid work site in a career of interest and receive ratings to meet a required score in various employability skills areas such as personal work habits and attitudes, Communication, Collaboration, etc. The assessment can be found at DPI under Employability Skills.

If students are at work experience site of career interest and have completed 90 hours of work, the student is eligible to try for the Employability Skills Certificate. The Transition Coordinator will work with the job developer and employer to complete the needed assessment. If the student receives the ratings to qualify for the certificate, the earned certificate will be issued by the State of Wisconsin and becomes a part of the student’s portfolio.

Beyond 18 Programming

What is Beyond 18? Beyond 18 programming supports students as they transition from school to outside agencies and postsecondary options. It is an IEP team decision, individualized for the student, and built upon their Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP).

The Foundation of Programming

Programming is designed to mirror life after high school. It rests on the following pillars:

• 🎯 Individualized: Planning is based on the student's unique disability-related needs and postsecondary goals.
• 🌍 Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Teams evaluate where same-age peers are learning, working, and living to ensure the student is in inclusive environments.
• 🏙️ Community-Focused: The focus is on postsecondary education, employment, and community belonging.
• 🤝 Braided Support: Services include outside agencies and braided funding to support the transition as school supports fade.

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⚖️ What It Is vs. What It Is Not

The IEP team designs the services and the length of time needed to reach goals.

 

💬 Discussion Guide: Planning for the Future

Use these conversation starters to help the team plan for the transition from school-based services to community access.

• The Goals: What are the student's goals after high school? 
• The Environment: Where will the student be living, working, and recreating alongside their same-age peers? 
• The Daily Routine: What does a "meaningful day" look like to the student? 
• The Logistics: How will the student access transportation to their job, education, or community activities?

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Beyond 18 for every student with an IEP?

A: No. In most cases, students with IEPs will graduate at the end of their senior year, just like their peers without disabilities. Beyond 18 is for students who have not met graduation requirements or whose IEP team determines they have continued goals related to postsecondary transition.

Q: Will my student still go to the high school classroom every day?

A: No. Beyond 18 is not a continuation of a traditional school day with full days in a classroom. Instead, it is community-based and designed to mirror the daily life of a student who has left high school.

Q: Where does the learning happen? 

A: The focus is on the "Least Restrictive Environment" (LRE). The team looks at where the student's same-age peers are learning, working, and living, and designs programming to support success in those specific community environments.

Q: How is the program funded?

A: It is not supported exclusively by school funding. Beyond 18 uses "braided funding," which combines school support with outside agency support and community services.

Q: Why are my child's special education minutes reduced in Beyond 18? 

A: In K-12 education, "Supplementary Aids and Services" are often provided specifically to help students access academic curriculum in a classroom setting. Since Beyond 18 is not an academic program, these specific classroom-based minutes are often reduced. The focus shifts from academic accommodation to the functional supports needed for independence in the community and gradual release to community supports.

Q: How long does the Beyond 18 program last? 

A: There is no set time for all students. The IEP team decides the length of time needed based on how long it will take the student to reach their specific goals or meet graduation requirements. The student’s team will meet more frequently to review the student’s plan and review progress. If the school data shows that the student has met their IEP goal(s), or is no longer making adequate progress towards the goals, the IEP team will discuss exiting special education services. 

Q: If my child is not yet connected with outside agencies, can they be exited from programming before turning 21?

A: The school district is responsible for preparing the student for the transition (skills, training, education, connecting with agencies) and ensuring FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education). They are not responsible for ensuring that outside agencies (like DVR, long-term care, or housing) actually deliver their services, nor can they be held responsible if a family has not completed needed transition steps. The Transition Coordinator is available to assist families in connecting with outside resources.

Transition Programming Beyond Age 18 (Guidance by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and Transition Improvement Grant)

 

BEYOND 18 Programming Options:

STRIVE (Social Transition Independence Vocational Education)

• STRIVE is located in the Life Skills Apartment outside of SPASH
• STRIVE is a program for students with IEP's age 18-21 that have continued goals related to their postsecondary transition plan (PTP). 
• Participation in STRIVE is determined by the IEP team and designed to help students successfully work towards their goals as it relates to employment, postsecondary education, community involvement, and independent living skills in the home and community.
• Students may come to STRIVE at a varied schedule depending on their goals and needs.  .

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre - ETS) curriculum at STRIVE:

• Meal Planning and preparation
• Comparison shopping
• Cleaning and maintaining a home 
• Laundry and clothes maintenance
• Grooming and hygiene
• Safety & First Aid
• Budgeting and Money management
• Restaurant ordering and social skills
• Community based recreation/leisure activities
• Community based physical fitness
• Self-Advocacy and social skills
• Human Growth and development
• Drug and Alcohol Awareness
• Community based volunteering
• On the job training and skills development

Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is an international employment training program for students and young adults with disabilities. It consists of:

• 8-12 students accepted for their final year of Beyond 18 Programming
• This comprehensive year-long program features an immersive 3-week orientation, three intensive 10-week internships, two dedicated transition weeks, a formal commencement ceremony, and ongoing post-placement support.

• Curriculum focused on employability skill development

• 60 to 90 minutes per day of classroom training with the instructor 
• 4.5 to 5 hours per day at their internship site

The goal for students finishing the program is to secure competitive integrated employment of at least 16 hours per week. 

Partners include: host site, educational partners, vocational service provider, vocational rehabilitation agency and long-term service provider.

Project SEARCH is a competitive program requiring interested students to submit an application and participate in an assessment day in February of the preceding school year.

For more information about the Project SEARCH Stevens Point site please contact:

Dorothy O’Connor, Project SEARCH Instructor, 715 347 3950, doconnor@pointschools.net

Danielle Nystrom, Assistant Direction, ODC, 715-996-1705, dnystrom@odcinc.com

Kassey Anderson, DVR Counselor, 715-216-8210, kassey.anderson@dwd.wi.gov

Adult Long-Term Care is any service or support that an individual may need because of a disability or chronic illness that limits your ability to do the things that are part of your daily routine. This includes things such as bathing, getting dressed, making meals, going to work, and paying bills.

Eligibility for Adult Long-Term Care

The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is the  starting point for determining eligibility for Adult Long-Term Care Support. When the student turns  17 1/2 years old,  contact the ADRC to set up a functional screen to determine eligibility with an Information and Assistance Specialist at 715-346-1401.

The Information and Assistance Specialist will use a functional screen to learn about the diagnosis, activities of daily living, additional supports, health related services, memory and cognition, behavioral health, and risk. The child will also need to meet financial eligibility to qualify for Medicaid.

If the child is enrolled in Children's Long-Term Care Services (CLTS) or Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), a release of information can be signed by the family and the CLTS or CCS service facilitator can make the referral when the child turns 17 1/2.

If a child is found eligible for Adult Long Term Care Supports, the ADRC Information & Assistance Specialist will provide information on Family Care Programs, a managed care program, or IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) a self-directed program.

Family Care (Managed Care Program) Options for Portage County

Inclusa

Lakeland Care

IRIS (Self-Direct Program) Options for Portage County

TMG  The Management Group

MILC - Midstate Independent Living Choices

Connections - Lutheran Social Services

Advocates 4U

The Department of Health Services provides a scorecard for both Family Care and IRIS provides.

Go to: Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Scroll to the bottom and click on Portage County under Step 1. You can then look at the scorecard for both Family Care and IRIS providers in Portage County.

Children's long-term support programs can offer children a range of supports and services to live their best lives in their homes and communities. 

Qualification for Children's Long-Term Care Supports:

• Be younger than age 22
• Be eligible for Wisconsin Medicaid
• Live at home, in foster care, or in another approved setting
• Need a level of care that most people receive at a hospital, nursing home, or residential setting for people with development disabilities
• Able to get safe, required care at home or in the community

Eligibility for the program will be determined by a functional screen. Questions asked during the functional screen are related to: diagnosis, needs, abilities, challenges in daily living. The screener may reach out for additional information from: school staff and health care providers, including therapists. 

How Families Can Prepare for the Functional Screen:

• Work hard to keep the initial appointments, rescheduling can set the process back
• Be honest about how hard it can be
• Once the child is enrolled in the program, the functional screen will be repeated annually

If child is denied and the family disagrees with the results

• Ask the screener for an appointment to review the functional screen to discuss results
• Appeal the results (must be done within 45 days of notification)
• If things change, schedule a re-screen at a future time

If the child is approved, a Support and Service Coordinator will be assigned and an Individual Service Plan (ISP) will be developed. 

Possible services: Respite care, daily living skills training, transportation, day services, physical aids, housing related home modifications, mentoring, management and coordination with community integration services. 

Some families may have a parental payment, but that is determined by family size, income level, and how much services in the individual services plan cost. There won't be a parental payment if the family is part of: Supplemental Security Income SSI - Related Medicaid, BadgerCare Plus, Foodshare, Wisconsin Works (W-2), and Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)

You may invite Support and Service Coordinator's to a student's IEP meeting, especially when postsecondary transition planning is being discussed.

To begin the eligibility process in Portage County call: 715-345-5350 and choose Option 5. Portage County Waiver Staff should contact you with 10 days to schedule a home visit and your determination should be make within 45 days after the home visit.

A child may qualify for both CLTS and Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) dependent on the diagnosis and and needs as determined through the screening process.

What is Comprehensive Community Services (CCS)?

CCS is a voluntary community based program for children and adults diagnosed with a mental health and/or substance us condition. CCS offers psychological, social, and substance use rehabilitation services. These services are supportive activities assist consumers with learning the skills necessary to achieve their highest level of independent functioning, stability, and independence to facilitate recover. 

CCS eligibility

Children and adults who are Portage County Residents, eligible for Medicaid and are determined to need psychosocial rehabilitation services for a mental health or substance use diagnosis. 

Application Process

Contact Portage County Health & Human Services at 715-345-5350 option 5 for children or option 2 for adults. Human and Human Services will determine individual eligibility through a screening process.

Is there a cost of CCS?

CCS is a Medicaid program. Participants must be eligible for Medical Assistance, Badgercare, or other Medicaid programs.

If a children or adult is eligible for CCS, they will be assigned a service facilitator and mental health professional. A Recovery Team is then formed that includes the consumer, service facilitator, mental health professional, service providers, and any other individual the consumer wishes to include.

An Assessment is completed to determine the individual's strengths, needs, and desired outcome. After that, a Service Plan is developed that is based on the assessment process.

A child may qualify for both CCS and Children's Long Term Care Services (CLTS) dependent on the diagnosis and needs as determined through the screening process.

Adult Day Services are programs, often supported by Adult Long Term Care Support, for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities that provide supervision, assistance, social programs, and activities during the day.

Day Services in Portage County:

4U Adult Day Care Service

ODC Day Services

Cahoots Adult Day Service

CCLS: Creative Community Living Services, Inc.  

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

DVR works to obtain, maintain, and improve employment for people with disabilities. DVR supports Pre-Employment Transition Services for students that have a disability diagnosis. In collaboration with the school district, DVR can provide, or arrange to provide: vocational counseling, job exploration counseling, counseling on post-secondary education, workplace readiness skills, benefits counseling, etc. Students can apply two years prior to graduation. The Transition Coordinator can provide the appropriate referral forms to interested students and families. If students are not currently enrolled and are graduating in May, they can apply for adult services through the DVR webpage. For additional questions on DVR services, please reach out to Kassey Anderson, SPASH DVR Liaison at kassey.anderson@dwd.wisconsin.gov or 715-216-8210 call/text. You can also work with the Transition Coordinator for appropriate referral forms and to set up an initial meeting.

DVR Job Developers for Portage County

Once students are determined eligible for DVR services, they would chose a Job Developer to help provide the pre-employment transition services through the support of DVR. Available Job Development Service Providers are:

• The Connection Co
• IBA Resources
• GOALS
• Opportunity Development Center (ODC)
• Aurora Vocational Services

Prior to choosing a job developing, you are welcome to connect with the agencies to help determine the best fit for your child. Here are some questions to ask a possible job developer:

• What services do you provide through DVR?
• How long have you been a job developer?
• How many people are you working with right now?
• How you worked with others who have a similar disability?
• Tell me about other people you have helped find the kind of work I want to do.
• How would you help me find a job?
• How quickly can we get started?
• Where and how often would we meet?

Forward Services

Forward Services uses WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funds to support young adults who need help finding a job, getting a GED, or enrolling in some type of post-secondary education. Eligibility criteria for in-school youth: 16-24 years old, low income, and a barrier to employment such as pregnant, parenting, offender status, homeless, high school drop-out, low basic skills, and/or disability.

Services provided by Forward Services Career Planners: Career interests and aptitude testing, career exploration including job shadowing, job search assistance including applications, resumes and interview preparation, paid incentives, help connecting to post-secondary education and short-term training, and paid work experience opportunities.

The Career Planner for Portage County is: Kristie Sentkowski, 1100 Center Point Dr. #203 Stevens Point. P: 715-900-2060 E: ksentkowski@fsc-corp.org W: Forward Service Corporation

To Apply: 

Complete Application or contact Wendy Christianson, Transition Coordinator, to set up an appointment to connect with Kristie. Wendy can be reached at: wchristi@pointschools.net, 715-600-1504 (call/text) or her office in the SPASH library (2228E).

FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET)

The FSET program is a no-cost program that helps FoodShare members build their jobs skills and find jobs.

Eligibility

• Receiving Food Share Assistance
• Age 16 or older

How do I sign up for the FSET Program?

Get a referral from a county worker, talk to the Stevens Point School District Transition Coordinator, or Fill out the FSET intake Form

Possible services: developing employment goal, increasing job skills/education, developing a resume, job leads, transportation costs, work-related costs, education costs, child care.

For additional information on FSET, contact Macie Wienke, FSET Case Manager - Portage County. 1317 College Court, Stevens Point. Phone: 715-544-0767 or email: macie.wienke@woodcountywi.gov or to to Northcentral FSET Program

Job Corps

A free, residential career training and education program for low-income adults ages 16 through 24. Students can learn skills and resources to be successful in a career while earning a high school diploma or equivalent in one of 10 different industries. Can offer residential living depending on location. There are over 120 campuses across the United States. 

Interested applicants would start by filling out an interest form online. 

Additional information and resources

Economic Support Services

• Provides access to and eligibility for public assistance program such as BadgercCare Plus, Medicaid - Elderly, Blind, and Disabled, Family Care, Family Planning services, FoodShare, FoodShare Employment and Training Program (FSET), Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy, and Caretaker Supplement
• Eligibility is determined by family size, income, assets, and other household information. To find out if you are eligible to go "Am I Eligible" on Access Wisconsin Website

Disability Benefit Specialist

Disability Benefit Specialists provide services to people with disabilities ages 18-59. There is no charge for disability benefit specialist services. The Disability Benefits Specialist services are available through your local Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC). 

For transition aged youth, applying for adult benefits through Social Security can not start until age 18, however, benefit specialists are available to talk with in regards to your questions prior and to set up an appointment to help with the application after the child turns age 18.

• Information on public and private benefits and programs
• Help fill out applications for benefits, programs, and services
• Provide assistance in obtaining or retaining benefits and service

Portage County Contact:

Nicole Wierzba, ADRC of Portage County

1519 Water Street, Stevens Point

Phone: 715-346-1401

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)

Can help pay for heating and electricity bills if you meet income requirements. 

Apply online: If approved for WHEAP assistance, the WHEAP agency will refer you the weatherization agency for further assistance.

Morgan's Caring Connections

Long-term financial planning presentations and resources
 

In Wisconsin, a person becomes a legal adult at 18. If an individual may need assistance with making decisions that come with being an adult, students and families can explore guardianship and support decision making agreements.

Guardianship

Wisconsin law requires lesser restrictive alternatives to be considered before pursuing an adult guardianship and that a court may appoint a guardian only if it finds by clear and convincing evident that the individual's needs for assistance in decision making or communication is unable to be met effectively and less restrictively through other means such as training, education, support services, health care, assisted devices, or a supported decision making agreement.

At age 17 1/2 if a child has Children's Long term Services (CLTS) or Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), the service coordinator may make a referral to Portage County Adult Protective Services to discuss Guardianship or less restrictive options. If a student is not with CLTS or CCS, they can start with the Aging & Disability Resource Center for the adult functional screen for long term care services and a referral can be made to Adult Protective Services. 

Additional information on Guardianship:

Wisconsin Guardianship Support Center

Portage County Health & Human Services: Adult Protective Services: 715-345-5350 ex. 2

Supported Decision Making

Supported Decision Making is an alternative to guardianship through which individuals get help from trusted family members, friends, and professionals to help them understand the situations and the choices they face, so they can make their own decisions enabling individuals to ask for support where and when they need it. Supported Decision- Making agreements can be used for many kinds of decisions including medical, financial, housing, and other life matters. Powers of attorney, representative payees and simple release of information forms can also help families provide the needed supports and safeguards without going to court and imposing guardianship restrictions.

WISCONSIN STATE LAW

Wisconsin state law formally recognizes Supported Decision- Making agreements as legal arrangements that allow persons to retain their right to make their own decisions, while also
choosing trusted people (called Supporters) to help them gather and understand information, compare options, and communicate their decisions to others.
1 Wis. Stats. Ch 52. (2017 Wisconsin Act 345)

Where can I find the agreement form?

Supported Decision Making Agreement Form

What other resources are available for me to learn more about Supported Decision Making?

Wisconsin BPDD Supported Decision Making (includes a toolkit)

 

Stevens Point Housing Authority

Offers rent based income and is approximately 30% of adjusted income at Hi-Rise Manor, Madison View Apartments, and Scattered-Site Family Apartments. More information and application application online.

All programs do have waiting lists, so sign up as soon as possible! 

Contact information: 715-341-3444 or info@spha-wi.org

Housing Authority of Portage County

Owns and operates federally subsidized housing complexes for elderly and disabled households of Portage County. All properties are for independent living and are not assisted living or nursing home facilities. 

Contact 715-346-1392 with questions. 

Housing Authority of Portage County

PATHS Program

PATHS serves young adults ages 17-21 who have intersected with child welfare and are currently unhoused or at risk of being unhoused. Youth can receive the following services: Mentorship, Case Management, Advocacy, Housing Assistance, Connection to Local Rental Properties, Support Services, and Referrals to Community Programs.

Call or text housing resource line for more information: 715-218-2887

Referral Form

Door2Dreams

Non-Profit corporation run by parents, professionals, and self-advocates helping adults with Intellectual and Development Disabilities working to expand independent housing options and build community engagement.

Additional Information

Adult Family Homes (AFH)

AFH's are where one to four people with disabilities live. An agency or individual provides supports and services. There is support from staff, but they may not be available at all hours. They ensure individual needs are met. Individuals can private pay for room and board or long-term care programs can help fund supports and services.

Consumer Guide: Finding and Choosing an Adult Family Home

Community-based residential facilities (CBRF)

CBRF's are homes where five or more people who have disabilities live. Support and services are available from staff 24 hours a day. Individuals can private pay for room and board or long-term care programs can pay for supports and services.

Consumer Guide: Finding and Choosing a Community-Based Residential Facility

Down Syndrome Association - Central Wisconsin Chapter (DSAW - Central WI)

The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin's mission is to provide support to Wisconsin families and individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities through awareness, education, information, programs, services, and the exchange of ideas and experiences. DSAW - Central Wisconsin connects families with local resources through educational programming, support, groups, and fun family events.

DSAW-Central Wisconsin

Midstate Independent Living Choices (MILC)

MILC provides opportunities, services, and advocacy to help people living with disabilities gain skills, confidence, and build community. 

Independent Living Services provided are: Advocacy, Skills Training, Peer Support, Transition, Information and Referral and Assistive Technology. Additional services provided through MILC: Personal Assistant Services, Mental Health Services, IRIS Consultants, and Business Solutions (Creating more accessible spaces and building an inclusive workplace).

Contact MILC to learn more: 3262 Church Street, Stevens Point. 715-344-4210

MILC

Opportunity Development Center (ODC)

ODC provides life enrichment programing for Youth & Adults in an effort to improve physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Services provided are related to daily living skills/community supportive living, housing counseling, and assistive technology. They also host the Better Together -Friendships program that helps to create friendships by matching adults with disabilities to volunteers from the community and Community Connections which helps to explore a person's strengths, interests, and goals to find places in the community where they feel welcome, valued and with a sense of belonging. 

ODC Life Enrichment

YMCA 

Adapted Groups & Social Events

Safe and fun environment for all individuals to play sports and attend social events. Opportunities for adapted recreation participants to socialize and have a good time, including dances, field trips, and designated social times.

YMCA Adapted Recreation & Social Groups

Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin

Central Chapter: Parent support group meetings and social activities. For additional information reach out to: autismsocietycs@gmail.com

Central Wisconsin Autism Support on Facebook

Courageous Parent Network

A Non-profit organization that orients and empowers parents and others caring for children with series medical conditions, by providing resources and tools that reflect the experience and perspective of other families and clinicians.

Additional Information and Resources

Children's Resource Center - North

The Northern Regional Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) is a resource for families with children (0-22) who have any type of disability or need help finding a diagnosis. 

Additional Information and Resources

Connecting Families

A network of peer support in the state of Wisconsin for families of children and youth with special health care needs. 

Additional information and Resources

Epilepsy Foundation - Wisconsin 

Support group for individuals with epilepsy and their families.

Additional information and Resources

Family Voices

The role of Family Voices of Wisconsin is to educate and promote the inclusion of these principles in the design, implementation, and delivery of support and services throughout Wisconsin.

Additional Information and Resources

Medical Home Resources for Families and Caregivers

Resources for families and caregivers in the Health Care Transition as a child transitions to adulthood to help youth learn to manage their own health care as independently as possible.

Additional Information and Resources

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Advocacy, education, support, and public awareness for people who lives are affected by mental illness. Support Groups for families or individuals led by trained facilitators.

Additional Information and Resources

Parent-to-Parent of Wisconsin

Parent-to-Parent of Wisconsin pairs parents in need of guidance with trained Support Parents who have walked a similar path. Support Parents can be a source of strength, direction, and empowerment.

Find support or provide support to another parent additional information

Wisconsin FACETS

Free one-to-one special education support to families of children with disabilities. They work to empower families to feel confident navigating their child's special education journey.

Additional Information and Resources

Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI)

WSPDI works to provide supports and strategies resulting in strong home - school partnerships.

Additional Information and Resources

Wisconsin Family Connections Center

Providing services and support to individuals, families, and caregivers with past or present involvement with foster care, adoption, reunification, kinship, and guardianship

Ongoing Support Groups

For students that are planning to attend post-secondary education here are a few tips to help the transition from high school to college:

• There are differences in services between high school and college. High School laws provide a free and appropriate public education while colleges follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide equal access to programs and services.
• It is the responsibility of the student to request accommodations through the Disability Services Office at their college/university.
• Students must provide documentation of their disability to the disability services office at the college to be eligible to receive disability accommodations. Make sure to review documentation guidelines for the college of interest.
• Students will be part of an intake meeting for disability staff to learn more about the disability, functional limitations, and what type of accommodations were used in the past.

Important note on documentation:

• Make sure to keep a copy of the student's last high school IEP & 3 year re-evaluation. Adult assessments for learning disabilities can be a very expensive process and would be a responsibility of the adult student to obtain.
• All seniors with an IEP should have had the option to sign a document to have their IEP & last 3 year re-evaluation kept on file through the school district for 5 years. If you are unsure if your student did this, have the student reach out to the Transition Coordinator to make sure the appropriate form was signed.

Connecting to Disability Services Offices

Midstate Technical College Disability Services

Northcentral Technical College

UW-Stevens Point

Wisconsin Technical College System: Polices & Procedures for Disability-Related Accommodations

If a student needs help connecting to a disability services office at a post-secondary institution, please reach out to the Transition Coordinator for assistance.

For more information on college accommodations, please watch: Transitioning to College Video

Central Transportation

The following services are provided by Central Transportation in Portage County:

• Stevens Point City Bus
  • Buses are wheelchair accessible 
  • Buses run from 6:45 am - 6:10 pm or 6:40 pm (route dependent)
  • Anyone age 17 or younger rides for free
  • Free Travel Training to learn how to use the bus
    • Free program that wants to learn how to use the bus system
    • Travel Trainer will help you learn your routes 
    • Passio Go! App
    • City Bus Routes & Schedules, Fares, and Trip Planner
• Paratransit
  • Specific Eligibility requirements:
    • A person who cannot navigate  the transit system without assistance
    • A person who, because of a disability, cannot travel to or from the bus stop due to, for example, distance, terrain, weather, safety, or other obstacles that impede them due to their disability
    • Application
• Portage County Services
  • Individuals with disabilities may qualify for the below programs
  • Application
    • Volunteer Driver Program
      • Provides rides that start or end in Portage County for medical, nutrition, or other essential business. The ride is free. Donations are welcome.
    • Taxi Services
      • Provides rides that start and end in Stevens Point or Plover for medical, nutrition, or other essential business. The cost is $3.50 for a one-way trip.
    • Grocery Shopping Program
      • Provides bus service to grocery stores throughout Portage County. The ride is free. Donations are welcome.

Plover

If a ride begins in Plover, there is a subsidized cab, Running Inc. It is $1.oo each way for a person with a disability. The ride must originate in Plover. Running Inc. Contact: Lenae Jaworski - 608-637-2599 Ext. 6

Other Transportation Options:

Courtesy Cab: 715-342-8863 Accessible options available

MTM provides rides for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services in Wisconsin for Wisconsin Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus covered health care appointments. To schedule a ride to routine services, call MTM at 866-907-1493 at least two business days before you appointment. You can also schedule your rides online.

Pre-Driving Assessments

ERI (Employment Resources, Inc) Pre-Driving Assessment

Main Office | 4604 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, WI 53716

Web eri-wi.org | Fax (608) 246-3445

ERI's Pre-Driving Assessment Provides people with disabilities feedback about their abilities related to driving. This is for individuals with disabilities age 15+ who are interested in learning about their abilities and the skills needed to drive a car.

• There is a short waiting list for assessments.
• The assessment takes about 2.5 - 3 hours at their office in Madison.
• The cost of the assessment is $650. They work with a variety of funding services. They must have authorizations and fiscal agent details in order to provide services. Some of the funding sources we work with include but not limited to:

  1. Private pay

  2. Comprehensive Community Services (CCS)

  3. Long Term Care (IRIS, Family Care)

  4. Children Long Term Support (CLTS)

  5. Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development/Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

Pre-Driving Assessment Overview:

Our pre-driving assessment takes 2.5 - 3 hours at our office on the east side of Madison. We work with individuals with a range of different driving experiences including no experience at all. It is not necessary to have taken a driver's education course to complete this assessment. During the assessment, I will ask if a break or two is needed. The appointment includes working through some lessons and videos on the simulator following an assessment of physical and cognitive functions that go into operating a car. The assessment measures things such as reaction times, concentration, memory, etc. This produces data that can be used to see if an individual is within the "expected" ranges. 

After the assessment, we will put together a report that will be sent within a few weeks after the assessment.  We aren’t occupational therapists or driver's education instructors, so the appointment does not involve any specific driving training or recommendations about someone’s readiness to drive. We provide a written report of the data a few weeks after the appointment, which will serve as a tool to determine if proceeding to the next steps in driving is the best course of action. 

UW-Health: Drivers Assessment

The UW Health Driver Assessment Program can help you see if you have the skills necessary to come a new driver. 

Who should get a drivers assessment?
New and existing drivers who have:

• A condition such as stroke, head injury, brain tumor, spinal cord injury, amputation, etc
• Ongoing conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, etc
• Physical or cognitive challenge from aging as well as those caused by learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism, etc.
• The assessments tests: strength, coordination, reaction speed, visual perception, visual scanning, memory, and attention.

Results are given to the referring clinician to assist in the final decision about your ability to drive.

How to schedule an Appointment:
A referral is required for this program. Please speak with the student's clinician about getting an Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Referral. Once you have a referral, please call UW-Health at 608-263-8412 to schedule an appointment. 

Fees for the Driver Assessment Program are billed as an occupational therapy service and are reimbursed by most health insurance providers. Please check with your insurance provider regarding specific coverage.

Driver's Education Information

• Teen Drivers: How to apply
• Grant Program: Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may apply to have their classroom and behind-the-wheel driver training for a Class D (Regular) driver license paid through the Driver Education Grant Program. Students with grants can enroll in any driver education program offered by an authorized driver education provider. The tuition will be paid directly to the driver training school
  • Due to the popularity of the program, the program has reached their capacity of applications.
  • Sign up to be added to an email list to be notified if/when applications will again be accepted
  • Drivers Education Schools in Portage County
    • Life on The Road
• Teens and Driving
  • Children's Wisconsin Teens Driving Resources

CAP Services

Challenge Academy: a way for high school students behind on credits to finish high school on time, get in shape mentally and physically, and learn the life skills needed to reach their full potential.

Planning for Life as an Adult: Transition for Youth Guide (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

United Way 211: Resources & Referrals in Portage County

Wisconsin Wayfinder: Essential Children's Resources