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Children’s Special Health Care Services Transitioning to Adulthood Resource Directory
This resource directory is designed to offer information to youth and their families about the process of transitioning to adulthood for youth with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities. There are legal, financial, medical, and educational aspects to transition that need to be taken into consideration. Click on the tabs below to see local, state, and national resources for each topic.
Transition is a process that can begin early through discussions with your teen, encouraging them to think about what their goals might be for their life, and working together to plan for the steps that need to be taken as they reach adulthood. This process continues into adulthood as they mature and learn to be more independent. It is our hope to provide information and resources to make this transition successful. Children's Special Health Care Services staff can help clients with transition plans.
Washtenaw County Children’s Special Health Care Services provides the list below as a resource, but does not endorse any specific organization or website. If you would like to add a resource to this guide, please email Cindy Barcome, Children’s Special Health Care Services community health worker.
- Transition 101
- Assistive Technology
- Advanced Directives & Patient Advocates
- Advocacy
- Assistance Dogs
- Civil Rights
- Driving Aids & Services
- Durable Medical Equipment
- Education
- Employment
- Financial Assistance
- Health Insurance
- Health, Wellness & Fitness
- Housing & Independent Living
- Legal
- Life Skills & Social Skills
- Libraries
- Money Management
- Safety
- Support Groups & Mentors
- Transportation
- Travel
- Voting
- Additional Resources
- Comprehensive Links
- Additional Resource Guides
General Information
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Got Transition Website | A website with lots of helpful information about transition, including webinars, preventive care and transition, a guide for youth and their family, a resource page and more. |
Navigating Transitions with Your Child | Basic information to think about when transitioning to adulthood. Use the bar on the left side of the page to learn more about issues surrounding medical transition as youth reach adulthood. |
Transition Planning: A Guide for Young Adults and Family | This guide covers health care transition, education transition, employment assistance, adult living, life skills, housing, money, guardianship and its alternatives. |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Children’s Special Health Care Services of Washtenaw County | Offers a Medical Transition Plan to all members of CSHCS beginning at age 16. If you are a member of the program, please call 734-544-9700. For additional questions about the program, please call the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs at 1-800-359-3722. |
Transitioning teens to adult care | Offers the Empowering Young Adults to Own their Health Care guide to transition, and referrals to choosing adult providers |
Transitioning teens to adult care | Offers the Empowering Young Adults to Own their Health Care guide to transition, and referrals to choosing adult providers. |
The Corner Health Center | Health care for ages 12-25 Checkups and Shots, Help When You're Sick, Physicals, Men's Health, LGBTQ+ Health, STI & HIV Tests, Birth Control & Plan B, Pregnancy Tests & Care, Visits for Your Children, Counseling and Psychiatry, Stress Management, Sadness / Depression, Worry / Anxiety, ADHD, Bullying Support, Eating Disorders, and more! |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan | Offer scholarships for tutoring and college, a list of tutors, tips on choosing a tutor, information and resources on learning disabilities, and a resource page that provides information on learning disabilities, college, ADHD, regulations, and more. |
Michigan Alliance for Families | Information and Tips on how to create a Transition IEP |
The Children’s Special Health Care Services Transition Guide | This guide covers many different aspects of transition such as transitioning adult health care, education, and independent living. |
Transition Tools for Youth, their Families, and Health Care Professionals | This web page offers a variety of transition readiness assessment tools to help parents and youth plan for the future. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
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A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities | A transition guide from the U.S. Department of Education |
Center for Parent Information & Resources | A wide variety of transition resources, resources for designing a Transition IEP, age of majority guide, employment, and much more |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
UCP of Michigan Assistive Technology Loans | Information on two loans that are available to Michigan residents with disabilities, seniors and their family members or guardians. The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund (MATLF) supports the purchase of needed technology through low interest rates and loan guarantees. The Michigan Employment Loan Fund (MELF) offers loans to buy equipment for self-employment or to work for an employer from home or a telework center. The purpose of a loan is to reduce or eliminate barriers to employment. |
Local
Resource & Contact | Description |
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Saint Joseph Mercy Health System Phone: 734-712-8417 | Help with advanced care planning, Advanced Directives, choosing a patient advocate. |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
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Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy | Advocacy for people with disabilities, to provide them with choices, opportunities, and support for full inclusion in community life. Assists youth with disabilities, ages 18-26 to transition from K-12 education. Also helps youth to connect with community-based services and supports. They help individuals with disabilities to obtain accommodations they may need to navigate the court system, Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, and the Michigan Family Support Subsidy. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition | MDRC is a statewide network of individuals and organizations that advance the issues of Michigan’s disability community through grassroots activism, public education and advocacy. They work to build opportunities for people with disabilities to live fully integrated lives within our chosen communities. MDRC offers the Cookie Gant Fund-Grants for leaders in the disability community. |
Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services Inc. | Advocacy for people with disabilities Information and answers to your questions on protection of individual rights independence and self-determination, eliminating barriers to employment and protect rights, ensuring the right to High Quality Education, improve access to services, voting, plus resources on all of these topics and much more. |
Michigan Alliance of Families | Transition to adulthood topics is a resource page to help with goals, objectives, and services related to transition. |
The ARC of Michigan | The Arc Michigan facilitates a statewide network of local chapters assisting persons with developmental disabilities and their families through education, training, technical assistance and advocacy. This office works mainly on policy but they have a wonderful resource and projects page that offers help in many areas of transition and adult life. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
My Patient Rights | The California Chronic Care Coalition (CCCC) launched this website in California and is taking it nationwide to help people who have been denied treatment or medicines, experienced delays or are dissatisfied with the decisions made by their health plan. File a Complaint, Share Your Story, Know Your Rights, Health Plan Barriers, Stay Informed |
Mobility International USA | MIUSA is a cross-disability organization serving those with cognitive, hearing, learning, mental health, physical, systemic, vision and other disabilities. MIUSA's mission is to empower people with disabilities to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Paws with a Cause | Trains assistance dogs nationally for people with disabilities and provides lifetime team support, which encourages independence. For more information, please call or visit their website. |
Leader Dogs for the Blind | Organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals. Provide highly trained Leader Dogs and services such as the Accelerated Mobility Program, technology training, and other personal education skills. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
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Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service (MPAS) | Promotes, expands and protects rights of people with disabilities through information and advocacy. Tries to answer questions you may have relating to disability. Experienced in the following areas: discrimination in education, employment, housing and public places, abuse and neglect, Social Security benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and other insurance, housing, vocational rehabilitation, HIV/AIDS issues, voting, and other topics. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
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Students with Disabilities Post-Secondary Education | Know your rights and responsibilities as well as the responsibilities postsecondary schools have toward you. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Advantage Mobility Outfitters | New and used vehicles and modifications such as wheelchair and scooter lifts, hand controls, raised roofs and doors, and more. Custom mobility solutions for all types and brands of vans, cars, and RVs. Pick-up and delivery service, and a mobile repair unit that can be dispatched right to your home or business. |
Michigan Rehabilitation Services (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) | Assists individuals with disabilities vocational rehabilitation services. Assessment of driving capabilities and needs may be part of the assessment of services. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
General Motors Mobility Program with OnStar | Links to help you find a local licensed Mobility Equipment Installer, contact a Driver Evaluator for an Evaluation, and check with your state’s driver-licensing agency for current driving regulations. GM Mobility Reimbursement Program, customers can get up to $1,000 reimbursement ($1,200 on Chevy Express and GMC Savana) PLUS two extra years of OnStar standard service when eligible adaptive equipment is installed on a new, eligible GM vehicle. Note: The vehicle must be adapted and a claim submitted within 12 months of the date of vehicle purchase/lease. |
Mobility Works | New and used wheelchair accessible vans, Scooters, lifts, and more. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
J&B Medical Supply | Program covers a full line of products. Use the link to the right to learn how to join the program and begin shipping supplies to your home. |
Michigan Diaper and Incontinence Supply Program Brochure | Provides certain incontinence supplies to persons who are not in a Medicaid health plan and have Medicaid or Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS). |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
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Aquila Corporation | Manufactures high-quality wheelchair cushion systems. The Airpulse PK powered wheelchair cushion system is designed for those clients who currently have or are at high risk for pressure sores. Every cushion system is custom-made to each individual’s specific physical characteristics and health status for maximum effectiveness. |
Scroll down for information on secondary education, college, educational advocacy & special education.
General Education Information
State
Resource | Description & Links |
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Michigan Alliance for Families | Helps connect families of children and youth with disabilities and learning differences with resources to help improve their education. Learn about rights, how to communicate a child’s needs, and how to help children develop and learn. A-Z Topics Transition IEP |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Job Accommodation Network | An online resource center designed to provide employers, people with disabilities, and their families, service providers, educators and others with technical assistance on job accommodations and the Americans with Disabilities Act. |
Secondary Education
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Washtenaw Intermediate Schools District | Washtenaw Intermediate School District coordinates/delivers programs/services to support continuous improvement of student achievement and coordinates/supports services for students with special needs from birth through age 26. They offer helpful tools such as the Transition Assessment Library and Tuesday's Transition Tips for Teachers, a weekly email for teachers, administrators, parents, counselors, and vocational rehabilitation staff to help navigate the transition process. Contact them for help with questions you might have about Special Education and Transition services. Young Adult Program at the WISD Education, training, and transition for post high school students with disabilities. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Project Venture | Try out college with this unique on-campus, pre-college experience for youth with disabilities. Project Venture offers the chance to “try on” university life through an interactive experience at Michigan State University. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Know How 2 Go | A helpful website for youth who are thinking about going to college. Information from this site you can begin the college readiness process starting in middle school. Learn the steps to going to college, how to plan for entrance exams and what classes to take to help you get accepted in the school you want to go to. This is a great resource for those who are the first in their family to attend college but there is a lot of helpful information for anyone considering their higher education plans. |
College
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Adult Transitions Pathways: A College Pathway Program | A Washtenaw Community College program that helps students overcome the obstacles to college and offers academic skills improvement, counseling and support services, college and job skills development, individual tutoring, GED Preparation |
Concordia University Disability Support Services | Assists Concordia students with the documentation of their disability and notification of accommodations. |
Eastern Michigan University Disability Resource Center | Students with Disabilities Office helps EMU students with disabilities receive the accommodations they need for equal access in the classroom and participate in extracurricular activities, conducts educational programs for faculty, staff, and students that promote access and inclusion, and advocates for changes in policies and procedures that make an accessible environment for everyone. |
University of Michigan Services for Students with Disabilities Office | For U of M students. Services for visual, mobility, or hearing impairments, learning, or psychological disabilities, and chronic health problems. Can help facilitate such services as accessible campus transportation, adaptive technology, and sign language and oral interpreting. Staff can answer questions and help assess the need for modified housing, attendants, transportation, classroom accommodations, and adaptive equipment, high stakes testing accommodation, access to group study and academic mentors, equipment and material loans. Academic coaching with flyers on different helpful techniques |
Washtenaw Community College Learning Support Services | For WCC students. Help with attaining accommodations, advising, tutoring, study skills, use of assistive technology. They offer information sessions for students with disabilities on using support services. Staff can help with alternate settings for testing and information on test taking procedures. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) | MRS can help students prepare for college through career exploration, learning how to utilize accommodations, exploration of assistive technologies and more. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Transitioning to College PACER CENTER | A collection of videos on the college experience and what to expect as well as links to videos on money for college. There is information on assistive technologies, how to create a personal transition plan and much more. |
Educational Advocacy & Special Education
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Student Advocacy Center of Michigan | Free non-legal education advocacy to both general and special education students in the state. Works with underserved students and their families, to stay in school, realize their rights to a quality public education, grow, and experience success. Provides education advocacy and support, education mentoring, dropout prevention, and family support. |
Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy | Advocacy for people with disabilities, to provide them with choices, opportunities, and support for full inclusion in community life. Assists youths with disabilities, ages 18-26, to transition from K-12 education and children services to community-based services and supports. Also assists individuals with disabilities to obtain accommodations they may need to navigate the court system, Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, and the Michigan Family Support Subsidy. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Michigan Alliance for Families | Michigan Alliance for Families is a statewide resource to connect families of children with disabilities and learning differences to resources to help improve their children’s education. They help facilitate parent involvement as a means of improving educational services and outcomes for students with disabilities. Michigan Alliance can assist you in knowing your rights, effectively communicating your child’s needs, and advising how to help them develop and learn. |
Michigan Association on Higher Education and Disability | The purpose of MI-AHEAD is to strengthen the professionalism, expertise, competency, and effectiveness of personnel working with students with disabilities and promoting equity and opportunities for students with disabilities in higher education. |
Michigan Department of Education: Special Education and Early Intervention Services (OSE-EIS) | The function of the Office of Special Education (OSE) is the general supervision, administration, and funding of special education programs and services for children and youth with disabilities ages 3-21. A free appropriate public education (FAPE) for eligible children according to federal statute and regulations, state statute, administrative rules, and department procedures. |
Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Transition Services | Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) help students age 14 and over to transition from high school to postsecondary education or employment. The student works with a team to prepare an annual Individual Education Program (IEP) plan. The plan will cover job exploration, work based learning (summer jobs, apprenticeships etc.), post-secondary exploration (campus visits, education fairs, etc.), workplace readiness training, and self-advocacy training. |
ARC of Michigan | The Arc Michigan facilitates a statewide network of local chapters assisting persons with developmental disabilities and their families through education, training, technical assistance and advocacy. They have a wonderful resource and projects page that offers help in many areas of transition and adult life. |
Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan | Offer scholarships for tutoring and college, a list of tutors, tips on choosing a tutor, information and resources on learning disabilities, and a resource page that provides information on learning disabilities, college, ADHD, regulations, and more. |
Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) | The Michigan Commission for the Blind is the state government agency that provides training, services and other opportunities to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, so that each person can achieve their own goals for independence and/or employment. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
PACERS website | A fantastic webpage that offers a wide range of helpful information on Transition, assistive technology, life skills, and more. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Bridge to Work Program | A developing program between Michigan Medicine and several agencies in the area. It helps young people with pediatric onset disabilities to explore the world of work. “This program will identify therapeutic work placements throughout the University of Michigan campus. The therapeutic work placement provides several advantages, including (1) exposure to “real world” work demands, (2) access to specific information about the expectations associated with specific job types, and (3) “on-site” opportunities for a participant’s vocational and clinical teams to assess their ability to meet those expectations.” |
Michigan Talent Investment Agency Workforce Development | Helping adults obtain a diploma, GED, work place literacy, English as a second language and more. Programs listed by county. |
Michigan Ability Partners | Housing and vocational services for veterans and others with disabilities including job placement and coaching, transitional work training, and career planning. There is also housing placement, development, eviction prevention, supportive services, and personal financial management, (representative payee service). |
Michigan Rehabilitation Services (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) | Assists individuals with disabilities vocational rehabilitation services and finding successful employment and independence with the goal of achieving quality employment outcomes and independence for individuals with disabilities in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties. |
Michigan Career and Technical Institute | Michigan Career and Technical Institute is a technical school/college located in Plainwell, Michigan that provides vocational training and certifications in several fields. The majority of its student body is special needs students. Information on how to enroll Career assessment and services |
Work Skills Corporation | WSC helps to empower and enrich the lives of people with disabilities through employment, education, and art. They offer assessment and career exploration, supported employment, training services, placement services, youth services, work attire assistance with suits for young men. |
Michigan Talent Investment Agency Workforce Development | Adult Education links, lists over 100 programs statewide provide a range of free or low cost services such as adult basic (ABE) and secondary education (ASE) to help adult learners improve their reading, writing, and math skills. ASE helps adults obtain a high school equivalency credential and transition to college, training, or employment. Plus, more helpful information. |
Michigan Talent Connect: Learn soft skills via the internet | Learn about communication, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork initiative collaboration, creativity and more via helpful videos. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Job Accommodation Network | An online resource center designed to provide employers, people with disabilities, and their families, service providers, educators and others with technical assistance on job accommodations and the Americans with Disabilities Act. |
PACERS National Parent Center on Transition and Employment | A wide variety of articles on Transition including educational transitions, benefits and supports, health care transition, independent and community living, assistive technologies, employment, videos, stories and a wonderful transition resource library. Videos to inspire and learn from on employment, post-secondary education, independent living, and more. Plus, an online learning center and resource library that covers the many different aspects of transition. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
MI Bridges | Application for Mi Bridges for help with healthcare coverage, cash assistance, the Food Assistance Program (FAP), State Emergency Relief (SER), and Child Development and Care (CDC). |
MiABLE | The mission of MiABLE is to encourage and assist the saving of private funds to help persons with disabilities cover costs that support their health, independence and quality of life. Earnings on savings are tax-deferred and tax-free when used to pay for qualified expenses. Balances and distributions do not affect needs-based financial aid such as Medicaid or SSI. Offering a MiABLE debit card that you can use to access money from your MiABLE Account. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Social Security Administration (SSA) | Social Security. Publications online. Disability benefits: SSI/SSDI and more. |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Washtenaw Health Plan & Health Care Counts | Washtenaw Health Plan (WHP) helps individuals find health care and learn if they qualify for government health programs and more. FREE health insurance check-up. Walk-in appointments available. Explanation of WHP and what it does to help individuals in our community. |
The Corner Health Center | Health care for ages 12-25 Checkups and Shots, Help When You're Sick, Physicals, Men's Health, LGBTQ+ Health, STI and HIV Tests, Birth Control and Plan B, Pregnancy Tests and Care, Visits for Your Children, Counseling and Psychiatry, Stress Management, Sadness / Depression, Worry / Anxiety, ADHD, Bullying Support, Eating Disorders, and more! Call and ask about anything disability specific: 734-484-3600 |
Children’s Special Health Care Services of Washtenaw County | CSHCS’s program is available from birth up to the age of 21 to help pay the expenses surrounding the eligible diagnosis. Those with certain blood disorders and cystic fibrosis are able to remain on the program throughout their life. CSHCS helps with diagnosis based service that helps pay out of pocket expenses for eligible specialty medical bills. You must see a specialist at least once per year and the program does not pay for primary care. At around 16 the assigned nurse case manager can help with transition planning by helping to prepare for the transition to adult providers, learning what to do in an emergency, helping to plan for things like job training and more. Questions? Please call the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs at 1-800-359-3722 Members please call 734-544-9700 or 1-800-359-3722. |
Washtenaw County Dental Clinic | Provides affordable dental care for uninsured and low-income community members, and/or those who are enrolled in Medicaid, MIChild or Healthy Kids. |
Washtenaw County Community Mental Health | Services for adults with a severe and persistent mental illness, children with a severe emotional disturbance, and individuals with a developmental disability, residing in the county. Also provides services to children with a severe emotional disturbance and individuals with a developmental disability, residing in Washtenaw County. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
MiBridges | This link will take you to a portal that offers an application and resource that allows you to apply for health care coverage, cash assistance, the Food Assistance Program (FAP), State Emergency Relief (SER) and Child Development and Care (CDC) to help pay child care expenses. The site also offers navigation, case management, and resource exploration tools. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
My Patient Rights | The California Chronic Care Coalition (CCCC) launched this website in California and is taking it nationwide to help people who have been denied treatment or medicines, experienced delays or are dissatisfied with the decisions made by their health plan. File A Complaint, Share Your Story, Know Your Rights, Health Plan Barriers, Stay Informed |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
The Corner Health Center | Assistance with applying for health insurance, transportation to appointments, prescriptions, and emergency medical needs. A food pantry and point system for earning points to spend at The Corner Store, a functional fitness program, plus a variety of support groups, a theater program for youth, and a youth leadership program. |
Ann Arbor YMCA | Offers Sci-Fit Ergometer, four Nu-Steps, an elevated stretch bench and several weight-training accessories that can be utilized from a seated position, slower-paced exercise classes with seated options, and one-on-one training options. Their Aquatics Center offers a zero-depth entry pool, plus a portable lift for use with either pool. They have shower benches in their adult locker rooms and individual changing rooms for those needing assistance or wheelchair space. On-site handicap parking available for members. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Fusion Medical | A resource for people with spinal cord injuries offering opportunities for health, family, and fun. Stay informed of community events, SCI seminars, adaptive sporting events, and innovative new products. Provides products active customers need, when they need them, hassle-free. |
Michigan Alliance for Families | Links to a variety of health and wellness sites |
Spartan Medical | Medical supply and delivery. An all-in-one resource for those with physical disabilities. Owned by, staffed by, and serve individuals with physical impairments. Also serves as a life resource for recreational needs including adaptive equipment for hunting, fishing, basketball, and many other wheelchair sports. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Healthy Bodies: A Parent’s Guide on Puberty for Adolescents with Disabilities | A downloadable manual on puberty and more with separate editions for boys and girls in Spanish and English. |
NuStep, Inc. | NuStep is a source for recumbent cross trainers for a wide range of abilities. |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Ann Arbor Housing Commission | Administers Section 8 rental assistance and Section 8 housing choice Vouchers. These vouchers allow a participant to live in a privately owned rental unit with the AAHC subsidizing their rent for the difference between 30% of their income and the monthly rent charged. Low Rent Public Housing: Manages and maintains low income rental housing units at 17 sites in the city of Ann Arbor. Provides housing for the elderly, disabled, and for families. Unit sizes range from 1-5 bedroom units. The rent charged is 30% of the adjusted family income of the tenant. Residents have the option of choosing a flat rate for their rent. Residents are eligible applicants chosen from our waiting list. |
Intentional Communities of Washtenaw | Works to improve the quality of life for adults with developmental disabilities. Their goal is to provide housing, employment and social opportunities. Using the model of “community interdependence,” ICW strives to develop individual strengths, respect personal needs and preferences and improve the lives of adults with disabilities. They wish to create high quality housing for clusters of 6-10 individuals with a community builder who will live on-site to support independent living and facilitate social activities for the residents. They hope to develop a large network of families, individuals and businesses to support and participate in social, recreational, and educational activities. |
Michigan Accessible Homes | Michigan Accessible Homes provides creative, responsive, architectural services for home accessibility, universal design, for people of all ages and abilities. Website has FREE information and drawings on ramp design and construction. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Ramps.org | A list of charitable organizations that help to fund and build wheelchair ramps for people in need. |
UCP of Michigan Ramps for Independence | Provides ramps for low to moderate-income people with disabilities, seniors and veterans. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
2018 article on programs to help people with disabilities buy homes | This brief article provides a list of 11 programs that are available to help people with disabilities get a home. Some of these programs are specific to different states but may be able to help you to find more information on home buying. These programs are most likely not the only programs available but offer a place to start. |
LifeLine | Provides a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers. Helps ensure the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. Available to qualifying low-income consumers on pre-paid wireless service plans in addition to traditional landline service. Consumers with proper proof of eligibility may be qualified to enroll. |
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) | HUD directs housing programs for low-income and disabled Americans including Information for disabled people, FHA first-time home-buyers program, Housing Choice Vouchers, Section 202, Project-based Section 8, and Public Housing programs. |
Scroll down for information on legal assistance and advice, do-it-yourself legal, and legal services.
Legal Assistance & Advice
Local
Resource | Description & Links |
---|---|
Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy | This is not a legal firm. Using a sliding scale fee they assist individuals with disabilities to obtain accommodations they may need to navigate the court system, Social Security. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Michigan Alliance for Families | Legal Information pertaining to transition. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act | Information and resources on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act |
My Patient Rights | The California Chronic Care Coalition (CCCC) launched this website in California and is taking it nationwide to help people who have been denied treatment or medicines, experienced delays or are dissatisfied with the decisions made by their health plan. File A Complaint, Share Your Story, Know Your Rights, Health Plan Barriers, Stay Informed |
Do-it-Yourself Legal
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
MI Legal Help.org | Online tool kits and forms. Families can complete these tool kits and take them to free law days to make sure everything is completed properly. |
Washtenaw County / EMU Legal Resource Center | A legal self-help center. Staff will direct people to, and help them fill out, the appropriate forms for such civil matters as divorce, child custody, personal protection orders, small claims, landlord/tenant disputes, probate, paternity or adult guardianship. In addition, the staff will provide information on various legal procedures for navigating the court system. Plus, self-help tools, a guide to local help and more. |
Legal Services
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
University of Michigan Clinical Law Program | 18 different types of clinics that may be of value to families. On the left side of the website there are links to each type of clinic that explains what they do. Runs September - May. |
Washtenaw County Bar Association | Referral Services $30 up to the first ½-hour and then it is up to the attorney as to how much they will charge. Discuss it with the attorney you are referred to. Free 1st Wednesday Probate Sessions Probate Court is located at 101 E. Huron in downtown Ann Arbor (Washtenaw Trial Court). Free Law Day October: Free Legal Advice Day annual TBA |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Legal Resource Center | Hours are 9-4 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Paralegals work under the direct supervision of an attorney. They can provide forms, assist in filling out the forms, and know procedures, BUT - they can't give legal advice. The Legal Resource Center is located at 101 E. Huron in downtown Ann Arbor (Washtenaw Trial Court). |
Michigan Advocacy Program | Through direct legal help and statewide advocacy, the Michigan Advocacy Program provides access to the justice system for those who need it the most. Consumer Issues, Family Law, Housing, Public Benefits, Elder Issues, Education and more. |
Legal Services of South Central Michigan | A subsidiary of the Michigan Advocacy Program. They offer free legal advice and representation to low-income individuals, families, and older adults. |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Camp Zip | Camp Zip provides opportunities for young adults (16 and above) to continue focusing on daily living, communication skills, socialization, and job readiness skills. Camp Zip is designed to serve the needs of families and young adults, 16 years and older, with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADHD and other physical, emotional and developmental disabilities. They offer consulting and training services, summer day camps and overnight camps, cooking classes, fitness classes and more. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Michigan State University Extension | Classes and workshops on budgeting, parenting, and healthy living, home ownership, budgeting and saving. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
---|---|
Action for Happiness | Books, Websites, and a step-by-step guide to for setting goals and making them happen. |
Learning to self-advocate | Tip sheets written by youth for youth on many self-advocacy topics such as staying safe, surviving your first year of college, keeping a health diary, relationships and more |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
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Ann Arbor District Library | AADL circulates books, periodicals, DVDs, CDs, audio books and art prints. They offer large-print books, low-vision aids. AADL offers a wide variety of programs, including lectures, panel discussions, musical events and public Internet classes. Internet access, word processing, research databases, and other software programs are also available at all AADL locations. The Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled at AADL This free service, available to Washtenaw County residents at the Downtown Ann Arbor District Library. They loans books, magazines, and videos in alternative formats (recorded cassette, digital cartridge, Braille and descriptive video) to individuals of all ages who are certified as unable to read or use standard print materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations. Materials are shipped free to your home and are mailed back free to AADL. |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
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Habitat for Humanity Huron Valley | Certified financial coach, One-On-One Coaching to decrease debt, increase savings, improve credit and prepare to be a homebuyer. Group education classes on money management, financial psychology, estate planning, and home maintenance. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
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Money Instructor consumer math and money management site | Lessons on budgeting for food, paying bills, paying interest and more. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
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Michigan State Police Vulnerable or Impaired Person (VIP) Enrollment | In Michigan, a parent/legal guardian/power of attorney of an individual with special needs may voluntarily provide the Vulnerable or Impaired Person’s (VIP) fingerprints and photograph for inclusion in a State of Michigan repository. This information can assist in identifying the VIP should they become lost in the future or find themselves in a situation in which they cannot identify their self. |
Being a Healthy Adult: How to Advocate for Your Health and Health Care | This guide has information and exercises to help youth understand self-advocacy as it relates to health care. Also contains helpful worksheets for planning a trip to the doctor or filling a prescription as well as lists to use to keep track of medical information. Useful tool for parents to help youth learn about self-advocacy |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
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Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living | Assistance in accessing community resources, career services, Mentoring, Peer Support Groups, Independent Living Coaching, advocacy, fitness and recreational programs, youth program, and more! |
The Corner Health Center | Health care for ages 12-25. Counseling and Psychiatry, Stress Management, Sadness /Depression, Worry / Anxiety, ADHD, Bullying Support, Eating Disorders. Assistance with applying for health insurance, transportation to appointments, prescriptions, and emergency medical needs. A food pantry and point system for earning points to spend at The Corner Store, plus a variety of support groups, a theater program for youth, and a youth leadership program, and more! |
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Washtenaw County | This group offers information, education, advocacy, support, a list of support groups and workshops for individuals and their families who may be experiencing mental illness, a list of resources, and crisis information. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
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Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs | The Family Center helps to shape CSHCS policies and procedures with the input of families and they help families navigate CSHCS. They offer health resource information and emotional support to all Michigan families of children with special needs, enrollment in CSHCS is not required. The center is home to the CSHCS Family Phone Line at 1-800-359-3722 and they direct the Family Support Network of Michigan The center offers scholarships to enable Michigan parents and their children to attend conferences and scholarships for children and youth to attend camp. Assisting youth with special needs and their families in the transition to adulthood. |
Brain Injury Association of Michigan | Works to bring together people with brain injury, families, friends, and professionals to improve the quality of life. The Association is a chartered affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America. Their mission is to enhance the lives of those affected by brain injury through education, advocacy, research, and local support groups; and to reduce the incidence of brain injury through prevention. |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
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AATA Individual Travel Training | Tracy Byrd offers individualized travel training. Contact Tracy at [email protected] or 734 794-1721. TheRide also offers many other services such as door-to-door accessible services (A-ride), mobility management services (Myride), vanpools, express buses, and more. |
National & International
Resource & Link | Description |
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FLEX, YES, and YEAR Programs through Mobility International USA | Student Travel and exchange opportunities. Information on MIUSA orientations for students with disabilities: |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
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Accessible voting and absentee ballot information | Information from the Ann Arbor City Clerk. |
Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living | Provides assistance with learning to use the new accessible voting machines. Also provides assistance in accessing community resources, career services, Peer Support, Independent Living Coaching, advocacy, fitness and recreational programs, youth program, and more! |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
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2020 Young Adult's Guide to Voting in Michigan | This guide is designed to help youth who are transitioning to adulthood with understanding the process of voting and is now updated with all of the information regarding the new rules for voting, registration, and absentee ballots that went into effect recently. This guide may be used as a personal reference or an educational tool. The first part is a quick reference on the different voting methods and deadlines. The second section goes into more detail on each step and contains information for students, accommodations that are available for people with disabilities, and what to expect at the polling station. There are also sections that include helpful definitions and links to instructive sites. |
Michigan Voter Information Center | Michigan Voting FAQs Check your voter registration, absentee ballot status and view sample ballots. |
Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service (MPAS) | Promotes, expands and protects rights of people with disabilities through information and advocacy. Tries to answer questions you may have relating to disability. Experienced in the following areas: discrimination in education, employment, housing and public places, abuse and neglect, Social Security benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and other insurance, housing, vocational rehabilitation, HIV/AIDS issues, and other topics. |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
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2-1-1 United Way | A resource matching service for the state of Michigan. Simply dial 2-1-1 and tell them what county you live in and what you need. They will try to match you with a resource within the county. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
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Parent Center Hub | This is a clearinghouse of information based in New Jersey but their website offers many resources that may be helpful in any state. Transition to Adulthood Resources for designing a Transition IEP and more |
PACER Center Champions for Children with Disabilities | This website offers a wide range of resources and videos on many topics including transition, jobs, self-advocacy and much more. |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
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Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (AACIL) | Assists people with disabilities and their families in having full and productive lives. Their mission is to assure the quality of opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency of people with disabilities in the Ann Arbor community. |
A2 Disability Resources City Services with Accommodations | Disability resources from the City of Ann Arbor. City of Ann Arbor Alphabetical List of Resources Provides links to and descriptions of different organizations designed to help people with disabilities. |
Transition for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities | This booklet is a valuable combination of resources and advise to help plan your child’s transition to adulthood. Many of the resources are helpful to youth with disabilities and chronic illness as well. |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
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Bridges for Kids | A non-profit parent organization providing a broad system of information and referrals for parents and professionals working with children from birth through transition to adult life. Supports non-profits that share their mission with web design, data collection, telephone referral services and technical assistance. |
Michigan Cerebral Palsy Resource Guides | Resources for individuals with Cerebral Palsy and their families living throughout Michigan. |
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) | MDHHS is the department of the state government whose goal is to protect, preserve, and promote the health and safety of the people of Michigan. MDHHS looks out for the needs of vulnerable and under-served populations. Services administered throughout the State of Michigan through multiple agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Public Health, Community Mental Health Agencies and local school districts. |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
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Disability.Gov | Disability.gov is the federal government website for comprehensive information on disability programs and services in communities nationwide. The site links to more than 14,000 resources from federal, state and local government agencies; academic institutions; and nonprofit organizations. |
PACER home page | Through more than 30 projects, PACER provides individual assistance, workshops, publications, and other resources to help families make decisions about education and other services for their child or young adult with disabilities. Areas of assistance range from IEP/504, transition/employment, housing, and more. |
Mobility International USA | MIUSA is a cross-disability organization serving those with cognitive, hearing, learning, mental health, physical, systemic, vision and other disabilities. MIUSA's mission is to empower people with disabilities to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development. |
Local
Resource & Link | Description |
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Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (AACIL) | A directory of services to help in most aspects of living independently |
Ann Arbor Parent Advisory Committee Resource Guide | Resources covering many physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities. |
Elizabeth Warren Attorneys at Law | Resources to help you understand SSI/SSDI, Special Needs Planning, Social Security, and how to find a lawyer to help. |
EMU Disability Resource Center- Resources | Links to resources for support dogs, helpful software, test anxiety and more. |
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Washtenaw County | Guides on depression, information on Psychiatric Advance Directives, mental health organizations web site links, University of Michigan Depression Center’s Depression Toolkit, Guide for College Students with Psychiatric Disabilities, information on psychiatric service dogs, responder and service provider resources and much more. |
U-M Services for Students with Disabilities | Groups and Organizations, Programs and Services, and Employment |
Washtenaw ACA (WACA) | Respite, health resources, disability rights, self-determination and more |
Washtenaw County/EMU Legal Resource Center | Tabs for self-help tools, organizations and courts and a step-by-step guide to finding local help |
Washtenaw County Bar Association | A list of helpful legal resources |
Washtenaw Learning Disabilities Association | A list of associations, reading list, information on regulations, IEP guidance, a link to We Connect Now a website for college students and more. |
The Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled at AADL | A directory of services for the visually impaired and a link to the The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons |
Weir and McKenzie Resource Page | Legal, food, shelter, medical and mental health resources in Washtenaw County |
State
Resource & Link | Description |
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ARC of Michigan | Resources for independent living, rethinking guardianship, disability benefits and more. |
Brain Injury Association of Michigan | A wide variety of resources for advocacy, legal issues, survivor and family issues, and military brain injury survivors. |
Co-Power Assistive Technology Directory | This directory will help you to find resources, products and professionals related to Assistive Technology. Be sure to review the categories before you start your search. |
Leader Dogs for the Blind | A variety of useful links to organizations workplace resources, web resources and more for those who are visually impaired. |
Michigan Accessible Homes | Links on accessible homes, fair housing and the Americans with Disabilities Act |
Michigan Alliance for Families Partner Resource List | List of phone numbers A list of helpful phone numbers to organizations that help with the needs of students with learning differences, chronic health issues, disabilities and more. A-Z Topics Extensive list of resources on a wide variety of topics Transition resources |
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition - Leadership Resources | Resources for creating leadership programs, starting a student organization, disability pride, and more. |
www.ramps.org | A list of organization and information relating to home accessibility issues |
United Cerebral Palsy Resources Page | A wide variety of resources on topics ranging from Abuse to Voting |
National
Resource & Link | Description |
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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing resources page | Housing resources |
PACER home page | Through more than 30 projects, PACER provides individual assistance, workshops, publications, and other resources to help families make decisions about education and other services for their child or young adult with disabilities. Areas of assistance range from IEP/504, transition/employment, housing, and more. |