The Independent Futures that Work! project is a joint effort of the Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The primary purpose of this project is to build the competence and confidence of young adults with disabilities to access independent living and employment services so they can more successfully transition from the youth entitlement system to the adult eligibility system.
Our Resource Center will also help family members and professionals improve their capacity to support these young adults with disabilities on their journey.
Help individuals and families explore future options including transitioning to independent living, employment, and education. This program provides assistance through trainings and workshops, resource downloads, and through individual assistance as the project continues to grow!
The project has a wonderful website where all National Resources are located! Please check them out at www.independentfuturesthatwork.com.
Independent Futures that Work (IFTW) is designed to help in the successful transition of youth and young adults from high school into the next stage of adult life. “Transition” is used to describe the period when youth with disabilities (ages 14-26) begin to focus on their future adult life. They learn about supports and services needed to meet their learning, living, and working goals. It is important for youth to be actively involved in planning for their own future. They need to know what supports will help them. They also need to know how to get those services. IFTW will provide resources and trainings for youth with disabilities, their families, and professionals. Useful resources on our website will help youth with disabilities learn, live, and work independently.
Resources By Category
These are resources FOR YOUTH and their PARENTS!
We have broken these resources down by category; however, some resources may be in more than one category for easier access! Also, these resource lists are in no particular order and will be updated annually! If you find a link that does not work, please notify us at [email protected].
Click HERE for National Resources!
Oklahoma’s Secondary Transition Education Handbook — pdf document
The Oklahoma State Department of Education, Special Education Services (OSDE-SES) is committed to providing guidance and support. This document includes information on facilitating transition of students with IEPs from school to further Education, Employment, or Independent Living. 40 pages
Disability Resource Guide — online webpages
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services produces and maintains the Disability Resource Guide. It is a collection of information for individuals with disabilities to refer to at any time.
Assistive Technology (AT) in Transition — online course
In this course you will learn the processes for transitioning assistive technology with a student. You will also learn about creating operational procedures for Transitioning AT with all students who are currently using AT or will need to use AT in the new setting.
Timeline of Transition Activities — pdf document
This timeline is a recommended list of programs, services, and activities that you can use to begin helping your child prepare for the future. The items listed in each age group are considered “best time to start”; however, they are not the only time. 44 pages
Oklahoma Secondary Transition Folder — pdf document
These are recommended resources, services and activities for students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school. The numbers in the boxes correspond to the resource list. 4 pages
Oklahoma State Department of Education – Special Education Handbook — pdf document
The Oklahoma State Department of Education, Special Education Services (OSDE-SES) is committed to providing guidance and support in order to promote excellence in education from infancy to adulthood for children with disabilities as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). 247 pages
Parents Guide to Post Secondary Education for a Child with a Disability — pdf document
This is a parents guide. It includes a chart showing how disability laws, rights and services change with the transition from high school to a postsecondary institution as well as things a parent needs to think about. 4 pages
Postsecondary Accommodations Guide — pdf document
This document is a guide for receiving accommodations after high school. This document also provides contact information for colleges and vo-tech facilities in Oklahoma. 2 pages
Transition to Postsecondary Education & Career Development Checklist — pdf document
Provides a checklist for students to use in career planning as well as during high school to prepare for education after graduation. No IEPs In Postsecondary Education … What Does That Mean To You? 2 pages
Oklahoma ABLE Tech YouTube Channel — videos
Their mission is to improve access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) for individuals with disabilities of all ages. ABLE Tech provides AT through comprehensive statewide programs and services, which include: Device Demonstrations, Device Short-Term Loans, Device Reuse, and Exchange, Low-Interest Bank Loans, Programs for Children & Youth, and Information and Communication Technology Accessibility. over 100 videos
What is OKCareerGuide? — video
A video explanation of OKCareerGuide. It is an easy online tool available for all Oklahomans to explore and guide their future. Whether you are a student searching for career and college options or an adult looking for a new career path, OKCareerGuide is the powerful tool to provide all the career and educational resources you will need to chart your course for the future.
Click HERE for National Resources!
Disability Resource Guide — online webpages
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services produces and maintains the Disability Resource Guide. It is a collection of information for individuals with disabilities to refer to at any time.
The Employment Support Indicators guide is designed to help the person seeking employment and the employer identify supports that will promote a positive experience in the work setting.
Timeline of Transition Activities — pdf document
This timeline is a recommended list of programs, services, and activities that you can use to begin helping your child prepare for the future. The items listed in each age group are considered “best time to start”; however, they are not the only time.
Career Development — pdf document
There are many ways to pursue
education and training after high school,
depending on your child’s career goals. This document starts Career Awareness (elementary school) and moves to Career Exploration (middle school) and then onto Career Planning and Preparation (high school and beyond). 4 pages
Oklahoma ABLE Tech YouTube Channel — videos
Their mission is to improve access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) for individuals with disabilities of all ages. ABLE Tech provides AT through comprehensive statewide programs and services, which include: Device Demonstrations, Device Short-Term Loans, Device Reuse, and Exchange, Low-Interest Bank Loans, Programs for Children & Youth, and Information and Communication Technology Accessibility. over 100 videos
Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act — webpage
A reference website about the national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. The non-discrimination requirements of the law apply to employers and organizations that receive financial assistance from any federal department or agency. These organizations and employers include many hospitals, nursing homes, mental health centers, and human service programs.
Effective Communication under the Americans with Disabilities Act — webpage
A reference website about one of the central features of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the need for public and private organizations to provide effective communication to people with disabilities. Without effective communication throughout the Workforce, people with disabilities can easily miss out on opportunities in education, training, and work.
Reasonable Accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act — webpage
A reference website to understand about reasonable accommodations within a job site. The ADA protects the rights of people with disabilities to all phases of employment, including benefits such as employer-sponsored events. In short, the ADA wants to be sure that job seekers and employees with disabilities can take advantage of every opportunity that an employer offers.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) — webpage
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, or WIOA, has strong provisions that seek to prevent discrimination against a number of job seekers. Included in these provisions are people with disabilities. Learn more about Competitive and Integrated Employment for People with Disabilities.
Service Animals in the Workplace — webpage
Learn definitions of service animals as well as information about where service animals can go.
What is OKCareerGuide? — video
A video explanation of OKCareerGuide. It is an easy online tool available for all Oklahomans to explore and guide their future. Whether you are a student searching for career and college options or an adult looking for a new career path, OKCareerGuide is the powerful tool to provide all the career and educational resources you will need to chart your course for the future.
Click HERE for National Resources!
Disability Resource Guide — online webpages
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services produces and maintains the Disability Resource Guide. It is a collection of information for individuals with disabilities to refer to at any time.
Oklahoma Successful Adulthood Program — pdf document
The program is a youth-focused, youth-driven program that emphasizes the importance of early planning for a successful transition to adulthood. Participants are youth in foster care who are at various ages and stages of achieving independence. 12 pages
This is a complete guide to services in Oklahoma. From timelines to eligibility to a host of resources. 29 pages
Oklahoma ABLE Tech YouTube Channel — videos
Their mission is to improve access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) for individuals with disabilities of all ages. ABLE Tech provides AT through comprehensive statewide programs and services, which include: Device Demonstrations, Device Short-Term Loans, Device Reuse, and Exchange, Low-Interest Bank Loans, Programs for Children & Youth, and Information and Communication Technology Accessibility. over 100 videos
What is OKCareerGuide? — video
A video explanation of OKCareerGuide. It is an easy online tool available for all Oklahomans to explore and guide their future. Whether you are a student searching for career and college options or an adult looking for a new career path, OKCareerGuide is the powerful tool to provide all the career and educational resources you will need to chart your course for the future.