Resource Library

Points to consider when researching and applying to post-secondary college options designed for students with diverse learning needs.

Access College:The Student Lounge has resources designed to help you learn more about how to prepare for and be successful in postsecondary education and careers.

Access Alaska encourages and promotes the total integration of people who experience a disability and senior Alaskans to live independently in the community of their choice.

Founded in 1997, ALSO provides comprehensive disability support services across the Portland Metro area, Central, Southern, and Eastern Oregon. Their programs include supported living, residential care, employment services, and children’s services—all designed to promote full inclusion and independence. ALSO’s approach centers on building strong relationships and fostering opportunities for self-advocates to thrive in every aspect of life. Their work is guided by the belief that everyone deserves the same opportunities to connect, belong, and grow.

The checklist encourages self-reflection and goal-setting by breaking down the tasks and responsibilities involved in living independently. It supports planning by helping families and young adults track progress and prioritize skill development. Whether used during transition meetings or at home, this resource promotes confidence and readiness for independent living, making it an ideal companion for building a personalized transition plan.

CPIR’s Transition to Adulthood Hub provides curated resources to guide families through every stage of the transition process—including high school planning, graduation, postsecondary education, employment, independent living, and self-advocacy. Materials are organized into categories like health and wellness, laws and rights, youth development, and cultural competency. The site also features newsletters, training opportunities, and tools developed in collaboration with the RAISE Center and RSA-PTIs, making it a comprehensive support system for families preparing their children for adult life

Our programs include education and youth services, employment and training services, career development, family preservation, and support for individuals recovering from addiction, substance abuse, or incarceration.

As a community-based nonprofit run by people with disabilities, Disability Empowerment Center provides a welcoming and empowering environment for youth and adults navigating transition. Their services include housing and job search support, transportation assistance, technology access, and disability rights advocacy. The center also offers consulting for businesses and organizations to improve accessibility. With a strong focus on equity and self-determination, this resource supports self-advocates in shaping their future with confidence and community connection.

The Disability Law Center of Alaska (DLC) is designated as the State of Alaska’s P&A agency. With offices in Anchorage and Juneau, DLC provides legally based advocacy to people with disabilities throughout Alaska.

Easterseals services for youth and young adults provides individualized, community-based programming and in-school supports to foster independent living as they transition with disabilities into the workforce or into post-secondary education. 

As you prepare to leave high school and enter adulthood, SILC's work directly impacts the independent living services available to you. Through their website and planning activities, you'll find information about:

Independent Living Philosophy and Rights Understanding your right to make choices about your own life and learning about the principles that guide independent living services in Guam.

Service Planning and Coordination Information about how independent living services are planned and delivered across the territory, including gaps in services and efforts to expand support.

Centers for Independent Living Connections to Centers for Independent Living that provide direct services and peer support to help people with disabilities live independently

Advocacy and Systems Change Learning about ongoing efforts to improve services and remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in their communities.

Consumer Voice and Control Understanding how people with disabilities can have a voice in shaping the services they receive and ensuring those services meet their actual needs 

Coordination with Other Agencies Information about how SILC coordinates with vocational rehabilitation and other disability agencies to ensure services work together effectively 

Through its Focus Areas, the HSRC provides practical tools, training, and guidance to support person-centered planning. Self-advocates can use the site to learn about affordable housing, supportive services, and strategies for transitioning from institutional settings to community living. With real-life examples and easy-to-navigate resources, the HSRC empowers individuals to take an active role in shaping their adult lives.

The website features a wide range of tools including videos, newsletters, and a High School Transition Toolkit that guides families through the transition process from ages 14 to 21. Topics include employment services, supported decision-making, housing, legal advocacy, and community inclusion. Informing Families also offers multilingual resources, including Spanish-language materials, to ensure accessibility for diverse communities. Families can use this resource to build a personalized support network and prepare for a successful transition into adult life

This guide provides essential details on accessing services, understanding healthcare options, and navigating benefits systems in Washington State. It includes culturally responsive content and is available in Spanish to support multilingual families. With clear explanations and actionable steps, the resource helps families prepare for their child’s transition to adulthood by connecting them to supports that promote independence, inclusion, and long-term well-being.

This article outlines your rights and responsibilities as a student with disabilities, and the duty that postsecondary institutions owe to you. It also explains the obligations of higher education institutions to provide academic accommodations—such as auxiliary aids and services—to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability.

NCIL’s website offers tools and information on independent living skills, systems advocacy, and transitioning from school to adult life. Families can explore resources on housing, employment, healthcare, and legal rights, as well as find training opportunities and national events. The Independent Living philosophy emphasizes consumer control—empowering individuals with disabilities to make decisions about their lives and futures. NCIL helps families become informed advocates and supports youth in building self-determination and community connections 

Discovery involves a facilitator working with the individual and their support team to observe skills and preferences in various settings, including the home and community. These observations are documented in a Discovery profile, which is then used to collaborate with a Job Developer to identify ideal job matches. Families can request this service through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent.

In this 3.5-minute video, viewers meet Jason, a young man with a developmental disability who successfully transitioned into a community-based job with support from Oregon DHS Employment First services. The video showcases Jason’s journey, the role of job coaching, and the impact of meaningful work on his independence and confidence. It’s an uplifting resource for self-advocates and families looking for real-life examples of employment success.

This service supports individuals in developing workplace skills, independence, and social connections. Participants work as part of a crew, supported by coaches and peers, to learn tasks and engage with people both with and without disabilities. The goal is to help each person transition into integrated, individualized employment. Families can request this service through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent.

Participants are supported by their team and a coach to increase independence and learn new responsibilities. They interact with people of all abilities, practicing communication and relationship-building. This service is accessible through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent.

Participants receive support from their team and coach to become more independent and learn new tasks. They engage with both disabled and non-disabled individuals to build relationships and improve social interactions. This service can be requested through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent.

Participants receive support from their team and a coach to increase independence and learn new tasks. They engage with people with and without disabilities, practicing social interactions and relationship-building. This service can be requested through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent.

Participants are supported by their team and a coach to become more independent and learn new job tasks. They interact with people of all abilities and practice communication to build relationships. Families can access this service by contacting a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent.

Self-advocates can explore topics such as assistive technology, disability rights, college and career planning, and how to speak up for their needs. PACER’s resources include interactive workshops, personal stories, and practical advice for participating in IEP meetings and transition planning. By promoting independence and inclusion, PACER empowers young people to take charge of their goals and thrive in adult life

T-Folio offers interactive lessons on self-advocacy, career exploration, and work readiness. It aligns with IEP and vocational rehabilitation services, making it ideal for self-advocates preparing for employment or postsecondary education. The platform encourages goal-setting and personal reflection to support future success.