How does the ADRC help Youth in Transition?

The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Jackson County helps assist with the transition process starting at the age of 17 years and 6 months. The ADRC is an entry point for information and assistance on issues affecting students and adults with disabilities regardless of income.

Services Provided at the ADRC include but are not limited to:

  • Disability benefits counseling
    • Applying for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and Medicaid
    • Advocacy if you receive a denial of benefits
    • Information on working and keeping benefits
  • Eligibility determination for publicly funded long term care programs
  • Support Options

ADRC services can be provided in person, via telephone or through a home visit.
To schedule an appointment please contact the ADRC of Jackson County at 715.284.4301 or 844.493.4245

County Community on Transition (CCoT)

CCoT is a regional committee that meets regularly to identify issues, barriers, supports and solutions to assisting students with disabilities make a successful transition based on student post-secondary goals related to training or education, employment and independent living. The key to the CCoT success is sharing the work, establishing effective communication and new relationships to better work together.

Suggested CCoT members can include, but are not limited to:

  • School Districts
  • Children’s Long-Term Care Support
  • Adult Long-Term Care Organizations
  • Family Members
  • Guardians
  • Local Businesses
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Aging and Disability Resource Centers
  • Youth
  • Higher Education – Community College and/or University representatives

For more information or to join the Jackson County CCoT Team, please reach out to [email protected]

CCoT Newsletter

2 Pages- Click on the document to show the navigation bar to move between pages.

JC-CCoT Vol 2 issue 3 CCoT Job Olympics

January 2025:

  • Jan 9 & 23, Feb 6 & 20, Mar 6 &20 from 6-8pm, Virtual Parents in Partnership for Transition, Online
    • Series of trainings to prepare you for life after high school for your youth with disabilities ages 14-21..
    • Why attend: plan for the future, know the resources and adult services, be part of a network of parents who have youth with disabilities
    • FREE
    • Register by contacting Sherry at [email protected] or call 920-896-1003
    • Hosted by Families Matter Outreach Project
  • January 15, 4-5:30, Power Of Connection for Family Wellbeing – Part 1, Zoom
    • Learning sessions for educators, families, caregivers and others who want to see improvement in family engagement across Wisconsin
    • Register HERE
    • Hosted by WSPEI
  • January 22, 5:30-6:30, What’s After High School?, Zoom
    • This online session is a broad overview of the transition to adult life and is best suited for youth ages 14 and older with disabilities and special health care needs. Attendees will learn about the role of schools, employment, long-term support, supported decision-making, and other legal options, and how youth can be fully engaged in their community.
    • Register HERE
    • Hosted by Family Voices of Wisconsin
  • January 29 5:30-6:30, Did You Know? Now You Know!, Zoom
    • This online event is an introduction to navigating supports and services for families with children ages birth to 14. Learn about Medicaid, Katie Beckett, children’s long-term support programs, private insurance, appealing insurance denials, and more.
    • Register HERE 
    • Hosted by Family Voices of Wisconsin

February 2025:

  • February 5th, 7-8pm,  Family Support Community, Zoom
    • Monthly session for families and other caregivers supporting a child with disability. Our supportive community meetings provide valuable learning opportunities, networking and mutual support
    • Register HERE
    • Hosted by WSPEI
  • February 6th, 12-1pm,  Family Support Community (Thursdays), Zoom
    • Monthly session for families and other caregivers supporting a child with disability. Our supportive community meetings provide valuable learning opportunities, networking and mutual support
    • Register HERE 
    • Hosted by WSPEI
  • February 6th, 1-2:30pm Voices of Experience: family Stories and Essential resources for Transitioning Students with Disabilities
    • Families of students with disabilities and other stakeholders, including professionals from education and vocational rehabilitation, hear directly from others who have navigated the transition from high school to adult life. Personal stories from parents and caregivers will provide valuable insights into the challenges, triumphs, and practical strategies they’ve used along the way. Additionally, the session will highlight key resources, tools, and support networks offered by Parent and Training Information Centers (PTIs) across the country. PTIs play a critical role in providing families with the information and guidance needed to access services, plan for the future, and advocate for their child’s success.
    • Register HERE
    • Hosted by NTACT: C
  • February 11 5-6:30pm, Special Needs Planning: A Blueprint, 421 County Road R, BRF (Jackson County DHHS/ADRC)
    • Do you have a child with a disability? Do you know who can replace you if you are no longer in your child’s life? Are you living with a disability? Do you know what you don’t know about
      a lifetime of planning for that child or yourself? In this workshop, we’ll discuss Special Needs Planning from early age to transition to adulthood and how to create a “To Do” list specific to your family
    • No registration needed
    • Presented by Joel Dettwiler with Quantum Group- Special Needs Planning; hosted by Jackson County ADRC
  • February 12, 12-1pm,  Get Ready: An Introduction to Children’s Long-Term Support Program, Zoom
    • This is an online session for families offered in partnership with WI FACETS. The focus is on the Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS)program including steps you can take to be prepared to get the most out of CLTS services. We explore how these services can support your family, preview the screening process, explain the role of a Support and Service Coordinator, and share experiences from other families.
    • Register HERE
    • Hosted by WI FACETS and Family Voices of Wisconsin
  • February 13-14, 23rd Annual WI Transition Conference, Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Wis Dells
    • Join hundreds of your colleagues at our 23rd Annual Transition Conference at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in the Wisconsin Dells.   Spend all Thursday morning with the great SHELLEY MOORE, and all Friday morning with Transition guru MARY MORNINGSTAR.  In addition, we will have over 20 breakout sessions to choose from; relevant exhibitors and built in networking time.  Your registration costs include a light breakfast and lunch each day.  Now accepting proposals and registrations.
    • Pricing increases 1/8/25
    • 23rd Annual WI Transition Conference | Overview | EdEvents.org for more information!
  • February 19, 4-5:30, Power Of Connection for Family Wellbeing – Part 2, Zoom
    • Learning sessions for educators, families, caregivers and others who want to see improvement in family engagement across Wisconsin
    • Register HERE
    • Hosted by WSPEI

March 2025:

  • March 5th, 7-8pm,  Family Support Community, Zoom
    • Monthly session for families and other caregivers supporting a child with disability. Our supportive community meetings provide valuable learning opportunities, networking and mutual support
    • Register HERE
    • Hosted by WSPEI
  • March 6th, 12-1pm,  Family Support Community (Thursdays), Zoom
    • Monthly session for families and other caregivers supporting a child with disability. Our supportive community meetings provide valuable learning opportunities, networking and mutual support
    • Register HERE 
    • Hosted by WSPEI
  • March 12 Disability Advocacy Day, Madison, WI
    • Day-long event focused on connecting Self-Advocates with their legislators to talk about issues that matter to them.
    • Registration will open early 2025
  • March 19, 4-5:30, Visual Processing Challenges, Zoom
    • Learning sessions for educators, families, caregivers and others who want to see improvement in family engagement across Wisconsin
    • Register HERE
    • Hosted by WSPEI

April 2025:

  • April 2nd, 7-8pm,  Family Support Community, Zoom
    • Monthly session for families and other caregivers supporting a child with disability. Our supportive community meetings provide valuable learning opportunities, networking and mutual support
    • Register HERE
    • Hosted by WSPEI
  • April 3rd, 12-1pm,  Family Support Community (Thursdays), Zoom
    • Monthly session for families and other caregivers supporting a child with disability. Our supportive community meetings provide valuable learning opportunities, networking and mutual support
    • Register HERE 
    • Hosted by WSPEI
  • April 16, 4-5:30, Understanding Childhood Trauma & Its Impact on Learning, Zoom
    • Learning sessions for educators, families, caregivers and others who want to see improvement in family engagement across Wisconsin
    • Register HERE
    • Hosted by WSPEI

May 2025:

  • May 1st, 12-1pm,  Family Support Community (Thursdays), Zoom
    • Monthly session for families and other caregivers supporting a child with disability. Our supportive community meetings provide valuable learning opportunities, networking and mutual support
    • Register HERE 
    • Hosted by WSPEI
  • May 7th, 7-8pm,  Family Support Community, Zoom
    • Monthly session for families and other caregivers supporting a child with disability. Our supportive community meetings provide valuable learning opportunities, networking and mutual support
    • Register HERE
    • Hosted by WSPEI
  • May 21, 4-5:30, Navigating the World of ‘Differently-Wired’ Kids, Zoom
    • Learning sessions for educators, families, caregivers and others who want to see improvement in family engagement across Wisconsin
    • Register HERE
    • Hosted by WSPEI

October 2025:

  • October 20-22, Self- Determination Conference
    • More information to come!


Completing high school is a big milestone for most students, this is especially true for students with disabilities. It is an exciting yet scary transition for students as they transition from high school to the adult world. Planning for life after high school starts early. In Wisconsin, students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) create a Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP) with the IEP team when they turn 14. The plan helps guide students to reach their goals. Check out the WI Transition App which can help make sure your voice is heard when you create your transition plan.

Individualized Education Plans (IEP) begin at age 14, and all students who have IEPs are required to have their plans reviewed yearly. Required goals of the IEP are employment, post-secondary education. A third area that is important, but not required, is independent living.

More information can be found on the IEP Check List to help parents and students prepare for all steps in the transition process.

WI FACETS:

The mission of this organization is to provide and broaden opportunities to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities, and their families.  The information emphasizes support for underserved families in the community.

  • Helps parents build partnerships with those who provide services to their children.
  • Connects families to community resources.
  • Educates parents on their rights and how to use those rights to become involved in their child’s education.
  • Empowers parents and young adults so they may advocate effectively for their own needs.
  • Provides information and resources to educators and other professionals who support children with disabilities.

You can find more resources online at: Resources For Special Education & Disabilities Wisconsin | WI FACETS and digital and printable publications at: IEP Publications & Other Resources Wisconsin | WI FACETS

For additional information on youth transition services, please call the ADRC: 715-284-3978.

Financial Planning

Managing finances can be difficult and overwhelming for many youth transitioning into adulthood. There are different ways transitioning youth can receive support and feel safe when it comes to managing their finances. Below is a list of resources to utilize for support with their financial matters. These resources are arranged from the least restrictive to the most restrictive for an individual.

Voluntary Banking Restrictions

Individuals can receive support through their bank by giving a trusted adult access to their bank accounts. Some of these options include joint bank accounts, naming an agent on your account, dual signature checking accounts, setting up direct deposit, or setting up automatic withdrawals. Talk with a representative from your bank for more information.

Power of Attorney for Finances

This is a document that an individual completes and signs naming an agent to handle their financial affairs in the event that they are not able to. The individual determines what the agent has authority over and how they would want the agent to handle their finances. The document is active upon signing, unless you state specifically in the document when an individual would want it activated. To find a copy of the Power of Attorney for Finances and Property click here.

Representative Payee

If you receive Social Security benefits and need help managing your finances, the Social Security Administration can appoint a trusted individual or a professional agency to serve as your representative payee. A Representative Payee collects the individuals benefits on their behalf and ensures all their bills are paid.

For more information, please visit Social Security Administration

Guardian of Estate

A Guardian of Estate is the most restrictive for an individual and is appointed by the court to manage a person’s financial affairs. A Guardian of Estate is appointed when an individual does not have to mental capacity to make decisions regarding his or her finances and less restrictive options would not meet the individual’s needs.

For more information, please see Guardian of Estate Brochure

Special Needs Asset Planning

ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Accounts 

A Guardian of Estate is the most restrictive for an individual and is appointed by the court to manage a person’s financial affairs. A Guardian of Estate is appointed when an individual does not have to mental capacity to make decisions regarding his or her finances and less restrictive options would not meet the individual’s needs.

For more information go to Quantum Planners website

Youth in Transition Resources and Guides: