The Wisconsin Integrated Transition Planning Project Facilitates Access to Resources for Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Plan for Adulthood

A big part about turning 18 is planning ahead and setting yourself up for success in adulthood. Whether that be what to study, where to go to college, or deciding to start in the workforce right away, these choices alone can be overwhelming. For youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) although the list might look similar, it comes with extra steps. For youth with IDD, the transition to adulthood may also mean changes in resources, supports, advocacy, and healthcare systems that can be challenging to navigate without advanced planning and knowledge.

Individuals with IDD and their families may need some extra support or skill-building to help prepare for this transition and plan for the future, but even figuring out where to search for support might be an overwhelming task. The Wisconsin Integrated Transition Planning Project (WITPP) from the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at the Waisman Center aims to improve transition planning for Wisconsin youth with IDDs in an integrative manner by bringing together self-advocates, family members, and professionals who support them.

The aim of WITPP is for more transition age youth with IDD and their families from medically underserved communities of Wisconsin to receive relevant information for integrated transition planning by the age of 18. They make intentional efforts to focus on helping families who face barriers in accessing services such as bias, racism, ableism, language and culture, distance or cost, and other additional challenges.

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