Disability & Special Education Resources
This page offers disability and special education resources for teachers, students and parents to help connect with community, post-secondary opportunities, and funding supports. This is not an all-inclusive resource page for all areas of need, but a starting point for exploration and planning
For questions or more information, please contact Derek Woelffer at woelder@sdmfschools.org or (262) 255-8444.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to be a source of advice, or promotion of any specific organization.
- What is Transition?
- Our Values
- Our Mission
- Our Vision
- How We Serve Students
- Strategies to Stay Involved
- Special Education Resources
- IEP Resources
- Section 504 Resources
What is Transition?
Transition Services include those services provided by Menomonee Falls Public Schools’ Special Education Department designed to prepare and support students with disabilities throughout their school years to prepare them for when they leave us. Outcomes may include, but are not limited to: Self-determination, self-advocacy, vocational training, employment, recreation & leisure, post-secondary education and independent living.
Our Values
Our Mission
To provide the highest quality in transition support services to students with disabilities, with a focus on developing each student’s skills, understanding of preferences, interests, and developing self-determination, self-advocacy skills necessary for successfully achieving their post-secondary goals.
Our Vision
Engage and empower students with disabilities, to achieve their full potential. At the same time, the greater community will become engaged in finding ways to provide meaningful opportunities for students to achieve their life’s goals. It is in influencing these critical connections--between students, the school, support systems, and community--the mission will be achieved.
How We Serve Students
Key Services
- Assisting students in identifying a postsecondary vision for themselves based upon their interests, abilities and personal goals,
- Assisting students in identifying their transition related support needs and systems, and in planning for their transition,
- Identifying and guiding students toward appropriate instructional opportunities so they may acquire the skills necessary for post-secondary goals,
- Providing opportunities for career awareness and career exploration,
- Supporting students in finding resources for developing appropriate work behaviors and marketable job skills,
- Facilitating linkages with adult services, vocational training and post-secondary education providers,
- Building relationships in the community to increase post-secondary opportunities for students with disabilities.
Strategies to Stay Involved
Family/Student Responsibilities
- Active Participation in IEP/PTP development
- Knowledgeable of student’s strengths, interests, and weaknesses and open to sharing this information
- Begin talking about life after school early
- Have high expectations
- Understand disability, its impact on learning, and accommodations needed
Teacher/Case Manager Responsibilities
- Begin early, don’t wait until age 14
- Have high expectations
- Use parent-friendly language, no jargon
- Provide information and resources to parents
- Value families as active partners in IEP/PTP process
- Connect families with transition resources/agencies in the community
- Support time during meetings for questions/clarification
- Ensure connection to Academic and Career Planning (ACP) process
Special Education Resources
IEP Resources
Grades PK-Age 21
- WI FACETS IEP Checklist - Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education Training & Support
- Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI)
- Self-directed IEP Guide
- Student Led IEP checklist
- Family IEP Questionnaire
- Family Student Snapshot - used to help your school know your child better
- Self-awareness Questionnaire
- About Me - Self-directed IEP Questions
- A Comparison of ADA, IDEA, and Section 504 - for postsecondary education
- Special Ed List of Acronyms - The Intentional IEP
Section 504 Resources
- Parent & Educator Resource Guide to Section 504
- The Differences between 504 & IEPs
- US Department of Education - FAQ about Section 504 & Education for Children with Disabilities
- 504 Plan Terms to Know
- 504 Plans - For Parents
- 504 Plans What Parents Need To Know
- A Comparison of ADA, IDEA, and Section 504 - for postsecondary education
Transition Resources
- Transition Readiness
- Children’s Long-Term Care
- Adult Long-Term Care
- Guardianship and Alternatives
- Planning Financially for the Future
- Employment & Career Resources
- Postsecondary Education Resources
- Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP)
- Social & Recreation
- Mobility
Transition Readiness
Grades PK-8
- What is Transition
- Parent Transition Survey
- Transition Assessments - IEP/PTP preparation (TIG)
- Self-determination and self-advocacy
- Mental Health - Family Voices - scroll down until you reach this topic
- Transition Improvement Grant - TIG
- WI Transition Compass Resource Guide
- Transition planning for students with IEPs
- About Me - Tool for students & families to share info with staff
- Positive Student Profile
Grades 9-12
- What is Transition
- Parent Transition Survey
- Transition Assessments - IEP/PTP preparation
- Self-determination and self-advocacy
- Transition: Living My Dream - A transition resource for young adults with disabilities
- MFHS Student Services Resource Website
- What's After High School - Family Voices
- Transition to Adult Life - Family Voices - scroll down until you reach this topic
- Mental Health - Family Voices - scroll down until you reach this topic
- Transition Improvement Grant - TIG
- WI Transition Compass Resource Guide
- What You Should Know About WI Law - When you turn 18
- Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) - postsecondary transition resources
- Transition of Students with Disabilities to Postsecondary
- Transition planning for students with IEPs
- My Snapshot - Tool for students & families to share info with staff
- Positive Student Profile
- Age-Appropriate Transition Assessments
- Disability Rights Wisconsin
- Specialized Transportation - Waukesha County Health & Human Services
Postsecondary (Ages 18-21)
- What is Transition
- Parent Transition Survey
- Transition Assessments - IEP/PTP preparation (TIG)
- Self-determination and self-advocacy
- Transition: Living My Dream - A transition resource for young adults with disabilities
- Transition Resource Guide - Services for Students Moving from High School into the Community
- Aging & Disability Resource Center Resource Guide (ADRC) - Waukesha County
- MFHS Student Services Resource Website
- What's After High School - Family Voices - scroll down until you reach this topic
- Transition to Adult Life - Family Voices - scroll down until you reach this topic
- Mental Health - Family Voices - scroll down until you reach this topic
- Transition Improvement Grant - TIG
- Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) - postsecondary transition resources
- Transition of Students with Disabilities to Postsecondary
- Transition planning for students with IEPs
- My Snapshot- Tool for students & families to share info with staff
- Positive Student Profile
- Age-Appropriate Transition Assessments
- Disability Rights Wisconsin
- Specialized Transportation - Waukesha County Health & Human Services
Children’s Long-Term Care
PK-8 - Age 21 (Can start application to Adult Long Term Care at 17.5 years old)
- WI Dept. of Health Services - information and resources on children’s long-term care waiver funding
- WI Dept. of Health Services - how to apply for children’s long-term care waiver funding
- Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs - resources and support information (affiliated with Children’s Hospital)
- Long Term Support - Family Voices - scroll down until you reach this topic
- Medicaid - Family Voices - scroll down until you reach this topic
- Katie Beckett Program
- Waukesha County Comprehensive Community Services (CCS)
- Waukesha County Comprehensive Community Services - Brochure
Adult Long-Term Care
Age 18 and Up (can start the application at 17.5 years old)
- Aging & Disability Resource Center of Waukesha County (ADRC)
- Managed Long Term Care
- Long Term Support - Family Voices - scroll down until you reach this topic
- Adult Long-Tern Supports -IRIS
- Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs - resources and support information (affiliated with Children’s Hospital)
- Family Care
- Waukesha County Comprehensive Community Services (CCS)
- Waukesha County Comprehensive Community Services - Brochure
Guardianship and Alternatives
Grades 9-Age 21
- Supported Decision Making - Board for People with Developmental Disabilities
- Supportive Decision Making: Because Choice Matters Booklet
- Guardianship Support Center
- Supported Decision Making Information: DPI Bulletin 19.01
- Guardianship Alternatives
- Keeping Individuals with Disabilities and Aging Adults in Charge of Their Lives - Supported Decision Making & other alternatives to guardianship
- Transitioning to Adulthood: Guardianship ad Children with Significant Disabilities
- What You Should Know About Wisconsin Law: Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities
- WI Power of Attorney for Health Care in WI
- Financial & Estate Planning for Children with Special Needs - moneygeek
- Estate & Financial Planning Guide for Families of Children With Special Needs - accuplan
- Self-Determination / Guardianship - Disability Rights Wisconsin
- Basics of Guardianship - Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups
Planning Financially for the Future
Grades PK-Age 21
- Special needs trusts 101: A look at the basics
- Special Needs Answers: What is a special needs trust
- ABLE Accounts in WI
- Representative Payee FAQ (Social Security Administration)
- WI Power of Attorney for Finance & Property
- Medicaid Eligibility Handbook
- Life Navigators Special Needs Trust
- Wispact Special Needs Trusts
- Financial & Estate Planning for Children with Special Needs - moneygeek
- Estate & Financial Planning Guide for Families of Children With Special Needs - accuplan
- Planning Financially for Kids with Disabilities - for parents
- Money Matters - Family Voices - scroll down until you reach this topic
- Time for Payback - Figuring out the cost of College
Employment & Career Resources
Grades PK-8
- Career Videos
- My Next Move Interest Profiler
- O*Net - Occupational Exploration Tool
- ADA Q&A Transitioning to Adulthood - National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
- Visual Resume - Samantha
- Visual Resume - Elizabeth
Grades 9-12
- Career Videos
- Visual Resume Handout
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
- DVR 101: Getting Started
- DVR Eligibility Process
- Top 10 things to know about DVR
- Opening Doors to Employment - Planning for life after high school
- My Next Move Interest Profiler
- O*Net - Occupational Exploration Tool
- Student Career Resources - Falls Website
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook
- US Military
- ASVAB Test Info - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
- ADA Q&A Transitioning to Adulthood - National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
- Visual Resume - Samantha
- Visual Resume - Elizabeth
- Useful Resources for Job Seekers with Disabilities - Best Mobility Aids
- An anxious person's guide to interviews
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN) - How to request an accommodation
- JAN - Deciding to disclose your disability or not in a job interview
- JAN Disclosing a disability to obtain an accommodation
- Example f letter to employer explaining accommodations needed on the job
Postsecondary (Ages 18-21)
- Career Videos
- My Next Move Interest Profiler
- O*Net - Occupational Exploration Tool
- Visual Resume Handout
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
- DVR 101: Getting Started
- DVR Eligibility Process
- Top 10 things to know about DVR
- Opening Doors to Employment - Planning for life after high school
- Project Search - Wisconsin
- Project Search - ZOO Goodwill Industries
- ADA Q&A Transitioning to Adulthood - National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
- Visual Resume - Samantha
- Visual Resume - Elizabeth
- Useful Resources for Job Seekers with Disabilities - Best Mobility Aids
- An anxious person's guide to interviews
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN) - How to request an accommodation
- JAN - Deciding to disclose your disability or not in a job interview
- JAN Disclosing a disability to obtain an accommodation
- Example f letter to employer explaining accommodations needed on the job
Postsecondary Education Resources
Grades 9-12
- Education & Training Options for After High School - DPI Academic & Career Planning
- Transition to Postsecondary Schooling for Students with a Disability - WI FACETS
- Modifications vs. Accommodations
- High School Vs. College-Top 5 Differences Parents Can Expect - Support for parents, Affordable Colleges Online
- Differences Between High School & College - For students with Disabilities, National Center for Learning Disabilities
- Guide To College For Students with Disabilities
- College Resources for Students with Disabilities
- A Comparison of ADA, IDEA, and Section 504 - for postsecondary education
- Postsecondary Employment & Education
- Think College - Resource for higher ed options for people with intellectual disabilities
- Guide to Trade School for People with Disabilities
- Time for Payback - Figuring out the cost of College
- Trade School Guide for Students with Disabilities
- WCTC Student Accessibility Office
- MATC Student Accommodation Services
- UW Milwaukee Accessibility Resource Center (ARC)
- UW Madison McBurney Disability Resource Center
- UW La Crosse ACCESS Center
- UW Whitewater Center for Students with Disabilities
- UW Oshkosh Accessibility Center
- UW Stout Disability Services
- UW Green Bay Student Accessibility Services
- Marquette University Disability Services
- MSOE Student Accessibility Services
- Cardinal Stritch University Student Accessibility Services
- UW Stevens Point Disability & Assistive Technology Center (DATC)
- College Resources for Students with Disabilities
- ADA Q&A Transitioning to Adulthood - National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
- Speech Disorder Resources for College Students
- The Student's Guide to Managing Stress in College
- Learning Disorders & Law School: Strategies and Resources
- Opening Doors to Post Secondary Education
Postsecondary (Ages 18-21)
- Postsecondary Employment & Education
- Guide To College For Students with Disabilities
- Think College - Resource for higher ed options for people with intellectual disabilities
- The Cutting Edge Program - at Edgewood College
- UW Whitewater LIFE Program
- Shepherds College
- AbleLight College - At Concordia University (formerly Bethesda College)
Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP)
Grades PK-Age 21
- What is the PTP?
- WI PTP
- A Parent's Guide to the Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP)
- PTP Transition App - How to Use the WI Transition App & Your PTP
- PTP Transition App - student/family-friendly PTP - WI Transition App
- Transition Services List for PTP
- Transition planning for students with IEP
- WI Transition Compass Resource Guide
- Transition Assessments - IEP/PTP preparation
- What's After High School - Family Voices
Social & Recreation
Grades PK-Adulthood
- Community Ed & Rec (Menomonee Falls)
- Special Needs Summer Camps in WI - Very Special Camps
- Aging & Disability Resource Center Resource Guide (ADRC) - Waukesha County
- ARCh GAINS - Brand New 2023
- Zachariah's Acres
- Camp Wawbeek - Easterseals Wisconsin
- Islands of Brilliance
- Pink Umbrella Theater Co.
- Falls Patio Players
- First Stage - Next Steps
- Best Buddies - Wisconsin
- Best Buddies - Middle School Info
- Best Buddies Carroll University
- Bi-County Special Olympics - of Waukesha and Washington County
- Special Olympics - Wisconsin
- Special Olympics - Region 8 Greater Milwaukee
- National Wheelchair Basketball Association
- Milwaukee Visionaries Project (MVP) - Grades 6-12
- UPSTREAM ARTS
- Recreation for People with Disabilities - Milwaukee County
- The Miracle League of Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club
- The Ability Center - Programs for everybody
- WI Parks - Accessible Cabins
- Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association
- The Richardson School - Bobcat Camp
- Wisconsin Badger Camp
- Chatter Matters Camp - Children ages 5-15 who use Augmentative & Alternative Communication & their families
- TeamUp! - Children 4-17 with physical disabilities & their siblings
- iCan Bike - Milwaukee - learn how to ride a bike
- ACAP Playmakers - Adaptive Community Approach Program
- Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum
- LifeStriders - Therapeutic Riding
- WI Lions Camp Summer Camp
- HAWS Camp - ages 7-14
Mobility
Grades PreK-Age 18
- Walking and Wheeling - provides services to children who need mobility assistance in WI
- Walking and Wheeling - Special Needs Resources in WI
For questions or more information, please contact Derek Woelffer at woelder@sdmfschools.org or (262) 255-8444.