Transition Services

Transition planning begins at the age of 14, or younger if determined by the IEP team. Post secondary goals are created through student focused career awareness and exploration activities. The transition process is based on individual needs, by planning surrounding the student's strengths, preferences, and interests. 

Whitehall-Coplay Special Education Community Transition Resources

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)

Brief Description: The goal of OVR is to assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment.

Application: Application Link

Website: Website Link 

Overview of policies and services: Support Employment 

Address & Phone Number: 45 N 4th St, Allentown, PA 18102  610-821-6441

Family Reference Guide to Transition 

Brief Description: The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a group of various stakeholders from across Pennsylvania who work collaboratively to ensure appropriate transition outcomes for Pennsylvania youth and young adults with disabilities.

English

Spanish 

College 

High schools vs. college differences: 

• Identifying Transition Gaps to Higher Education: Parent, High School Teacher, Professor, & Disability Services Perspectives

• Act Now Parent Booklet; differences between K-12 education system and higher education 

 

College Planning Timeline: Timeline 

National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: Navigator 

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC): offers affordable, quality education both online and in-person in various campuses throughout Lehigh County and Carbon County. 

• Academics & Career Pathways 

• Tuition and Financial Aid 

Lehigh Carbon Community College Success Engagement Education Determination (SEED) Program: The SEED program at Lehigh Carbon Community College provides comprehensive support for students with disabilities. SEED offers personalized, student-driven programs, and it encourages confidence and autonomy in students.

• SEED Information Packet 

• SEED Financial Information

• SEED Application 

Financial Aid Resources 

• Financial Aid Discussion Starters 

• Financing Higher Education for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities 

Scholarships:

• National Scholarship Portal

• Scholarships for individuals with disabilities

• Microsoft disAbility scholarships 

• Scholarships for individuals with learning disabilities  

Career and Technical Education

What is Career and Technical Education: Infographic 

Triangle Tech Bethlehem: hands-on PA technical school 

Website: Triangle Tech 

Address and phone number: 3184 Airport Road Bethlehem , PA 18017, (610) 266-2910

McCann School of Business and Technology:  The Mission of McCann School of Business & Technology is to Inspire and empower individuals through education and skill development.

To accomplish this mission, we utilize our core values as a blueprint to create an environment centered on the personal and professional development of students, employees and employers.

Website: McCann
Address and phone number: 2200 N Irving Street, Allentown, PA 18109, (866) 865-8065

Lehigh Career and Technical Adult Education: The Adult Workforce Education Department of LCTI offers adult learners a variety of skills training programs both onsite and at various locations throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Website: LCTI Adult Education
Address: 4500 Education Park Drive Schnecksville, PA, 610.799.2300 18078

Lincoln Tech Allentown: Lincoln's mission is to provide superior education and training to our students for in-demand careers in a supportive, accessible learning environment, transforming students' lives and adding value to their communities.

Website: Lincoln Tech
Address: 5151 Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA 18104, (610) 398-5300

Military 

The Air Force is part of the Department of Defense (DOD). It’s responsible for aerial military operations, defending U.S. air bases, and building landing strips. Its service members are airmen. The reserve components are Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

The Army is part of the DOD and is the largest of the military branches. It handles significant ground combat missions, especially operations that are ongoing. Army Special Forces are called Green Berets for their headgear. The Army's members are its soldiers. The reserve components are the Army Reserve and Army National Guard.

The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It provides national security and search and rescue for America's waterways, seas, and coast.  It's responsible for stopping drug smugglers and others breaking maritime law. It enforces marine environmental protection laws. Service members are Coast Guardsmen and nicknamed Coasties. The reserve component is the Coast Guard Reserve. 

The Marine Corps is part of the DOD. It provides land combat, sea-based, and air-ground operations support for the other branches during a mission. This branch also guards U.S. embassies around the world and the classified documents in those buildings. Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) members are known as Raiders. All service members are called Marines. The reserve component is the Marine Corps Reserve.

The Navy is part of the DOD. It protects waterways (sea and ocean) outside of the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction. Navy warships provide the runways for aircraft to land and take off when at sea. Navy SEALs (sea, air, and land) are the special operations force for this branch. All service members are known as sailors. The reserve component is Navy Reserve. 

Autism Waivers  

What is a waiver?: A Medicaid Waiver is a program offered through Medicaid that gives special services to certain groups of people. Each state creates and runs its own Medicaid Waiver programs. However, the federal government has to approve these programs.

What is a waiver infographic
Adult Autism Waiver Program Overview 

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be 21 or older.

• Level of Care 

  • Medical Evaluation

  • Diagnosis of autism

• Recommended for an intermediate care facility (ICF) level of care based on a medical evaluation

• Determined eligible for Medical Assistance (MA)

• Meet the financial requirements as determined by your local County Assistance Office

Local County Assistance Office: The Lehigh County Intellectual Disabilities Program
Website Link

Available Services through an Autism Waiver: In addition to Supports Coordination, the following services are offered under the Adult Autism Waiver: 

• Assistive Technology 

• Career Planning

  • Job Finding 

  • Vocational Assessment 

• Community Transition Services 

• Day Habilitation 

• Family Support 

• Home Modifications 

• Nutritional Consultation 

• Residential Habilitation 

• Respite 

• Small Group Employment 

• Specialized Skill Development 

  • Behavioral Specialist Services 

  • Systematic Skill Building 

• Supported Employment 

  • Extended Employment Supports 

  • Intensive Job Coaching 

• Temporary Supplemental Services 

• Therapies (Occupational, Speech/Language, Counseling) 

• Transportation

• Vehicle Accommodations