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 ADRCJC@jacksoncountywi.gov

January 2026:

January 28, 2-3:30pm, Exploring a New Career with Ticket to Work, Zoom

  • Thinking about starting a new career? Don’t miss the opportunity to learn how the Ticket to Work Program can help you. This month’s free WISE webinar offers expert guidance and real-world insight that may give you the confidence you need to jumpstart a new line of work.
  • Register HERE 

February 2026:

February 4, 9-4:30, Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference: Helping Children Thriven When Life Gets Tough, virtual

  • The Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference is a free, virtual event designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who supports children and families. This year’s theme—Helping Children Thrive When Life Gets Tough—focuses on navigating life’s challenges with practical tools grounded in science. Hear from expert speakers who will share research-informed strategies to promote children’s emotional well-being, learning, and growth, even during difficult times. Let’s come together to support children through life’s ups and downs. You can watch live or up to one month later. The conference recordings will be emailed to you about a week after the conference.
  • Visit the conference website to explore our speaker lineup and learn more: https://go.wisc.edu/raisingwi
  • REGISTER HERE

February 12-13, 24th Annual Transition Conference, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

  • Two days with keynote speakers, Pam Schuller, and the “Shut Up Sisters”, Patricia Terrasi and Gina Gallagher bring a wealth of knowledge, from different perspectives, regarding the challenges faced in the world of special education. In addition, we will have over 20 breakout sessions to choose from; relevant exhibitors and built in networking time.
  • Register HERE

March 2026:

April 2026:

April 23-25, 37th Annual Autism Conference, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

  • The purpose of the Annual Autism Conference is to provide a wide range of information to those within the Autism community. Our goal is to provide relevant information for attendees of all backgrounds, including those who are new to Autism and those who have years of experience. We are looking for dynamic and empowering proposals that include practical strategies and evidence-based practices encompassing issues facing Autistic individuals, their families, and those who support them.

May 2026:

May 14-15, Circles of Life Conference, Holiday Inn Stevens Point Convention Center

  • Registration opens 2/1/26


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: