Transition to Employment
Overview of Agency Assistance
and Support
www.ohioemploymentfirst.org
2
The School’s Role
Before High School the youths world exists primarily in the scope of school-age
activities where services focus primarily on school life and are documented
in the youths IEP or 504 Plan. However, as the youth approaches the High
School years, the focus becomes the transition to adult living and working.
This document focuses on connecting to partner agencies and the roles they
may play in preparing for and supporting the youth in adult life. For information
about the school’s role in transition planning and support contact:
Your school team
State Support Team (http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/School- Improvement/
State-Support-Tefv
Ohio Department of Education (http://education.ohio.gov/Parents)
Parent’s Guide to IDEA (http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Special- Education/
Whose-IDEA-Is-This-A-Parent-s-Guide-to-the-Individ)
Tools for Team Transition Planning: Ohio Employment First Transition
Assessment Planning and Backwards Planning (www.ohioemploymentfirst.org)
Look Ahead to Plan for Support
Many youth with disabilities will continue to need some type of support after
they leave high school to find a job, to live on their own and to take part in
activities and services in their community. Some of these youth will be eligible
for services from various types of agencies. The supports that are available
vary from agency to agency and are dependent on the youth meeting eligibility
requirements to receive service for any specific agency.
Learn about Agency Requirements
This can be a confusing time for a youth and his or her family. Adult eligibility for
agency services is determined based on different standards than those used
by schools when providing student services. It is important for youth and their
families to begin to understand the adult world requirements as they plan for
the future. Families and their teams can use the information in this document
to begin to explore agencies through an ‘adult lens. The youths transition team
can contact agencies of interest to ask further questions about the eligibility
process and invite agency representatives to meetings.
Connect Early
Make connections with agencies while youth are still in school. Agency
representatives can then get to know the youth, contribute to the youths
future planning, and gain awareness of the types of supports and services
they might need, as well as advise about the potential for eligibility for
various agencies.
How to Use This Document
This document was created as a resource to provide basic information about
key agencies.
This document contains:
A list and description of the types of information that agencies often
request. Families may wish to talk to team members about this
information to help them to understand how to prepare applications
and interviews.
A brief overview of key agencies that includes information or resources
about topics such as: eligibility requirements, intake procedures, and
possible services
Contact information and helpful websites for each state or federal
agency
Space to add local contact information for each agency
A space for families/teams to record the information about the youth
or family that is often requested by agencies
Planning for Ongoing Support Needs
www.ohioemploymentfirst.org
3
Be Proactive
Youth, families, and transition teams should explore a variety of
partner agencies to determine which agencies can offer support,
services, and resources that will assist to move the youth along
the path to employment. In most cases the agencies that can offer
a youth service or resources will be determined by the agencies
eligibility criteria, available services, and the youths adult life goals. It
is important to keep these criteria in mind in order to be prepared to
provide the needed information.
The information in this document may assist in the initial discussions
and questions regarding agency eligibility and extent of service. Being
prepared to offer needed information, as well as thinking ahead to
questions to ask, will assist to navigate the individual agencies that
can help a youth transition to adulthood and beyond.
Gather Information
Discuss and collect the following type of information to help agencies
determine the services and supports a youth may be eligible to receive as an
adult. Some information is easily provided. Other information will require some
consideration.
1. Age: Services may only be available to those of a certain age. Some
may start while a youth is in school (age 14 or older). Some require age
18 or older.
2. Disability: Some agencies require a formal diagnosis of a disability AND
that the identified disability be one that the agency is able to serve
3. Challenges and Limitations: Agency may require documentation of
challenges caused by the disability and how those challenges impact the
youths ability to learn, work, be safe, care for personal needs, and/ or
participate in daily life.
4. Level of Need: Agencies may have limited resources and will prioritize
those individuals considered to have the greatest need to receive support
and service before those whose needs are determined to be less critical
5. Type of Need: The type of service needed by a youth may only be available
through certain agencies or providers. Example: Employment supports,
Community living support, Transportation
6. Financial: Some resources are only available to people with limited
income. In some cases, a youth may not be eligible for resources or
supports because their or their family’s income is above the allowed limit.
7. Availability: Some services or resources may be limited and require
individuals to be placed on waiting lists for specific services/resources
8. Residence: Agency service providers may only serve specific geographic
areas of the state
9. Youth Goals: The youths outcome or adult goal can help determine
which agency should provide services or if an agency should provide a
service. When contacting agencies, it is most important to have goals and
outcomes that drive a request for service.
Planning for Ongoing Support Needs
www.ohioemploymentfirst.org
4
Many agencies and organizations may be a part of the youths current and future
plans, however the agencies listed below are highlighted throughout this tool.
Who are the Agencies?
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD: BVR and BSVI)
Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM)
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS)
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)
These agencies work with many community service providers and
organizations in order to support individuals with disabilities to successful
employment and community living. Find out more about each of these
agencies in the following pages.
What Does This Agency Do?
The function and purpose is described for each agency.
Who Is Eligible for Services?
Youth and adults must qualify for services before they can begin receiving
the service. State agency mission, policies and purpose of services assist
to define the requirements for the various programs. A general overview of
who might be eligible for an agency’s services is provided for each agency
What Services Are Available?
Ohio agencies offer many services that assist citizens to find and keep a
job, afford food and shelter, receive health care, and access training and
education. However, not every option is available to every person. Not every
option is available all the time. And not every person needs every option!
Navigating the maze of agencies and services can seem quite overwhelming
at first glance! A broad description of the types of services potentially
available is included for each agency.
www.ohioemploymentfirst.org
5
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD: BVR and BSVI)
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the state agency that assists Ohioans with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain community
employment. OOD does this through two areas: Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) and Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI).
Who is Eligible?
Transition age students (age 14 and older)
and adults with disabilities may be eligible
for employment services and supports
through OOD.
To be eligible for OOD services:
The individual has a physical, cognitive and/
or mental impairment
The impairment results in a substantial
impediment to employment,
The individual an benefit from the services
OOD provides in terms of an employment
outcome, and
The individual requires vocational services in
order to get or keep a job
OOD utilizes an Order of Selection principle
when determining who receives services. At
times there have been waiting lists for services,
however, OOD takes steps to reduce waitlists in
order to provide services to all eligible persons
after eligibility has been determined.
Individual questions of eligibility, are best
answered by contacting the agency directly and
completing the application process.
Service Overview
Services from OOD:
Are focused on community employment
Help people with disabilities to find and keep jobs
Include Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors working
with a person and their team to identify a meaningful
employment goal.
Often use ‘vendors’ to provide services
Are time limited
Types of services provided by OOD may include:
Vocational evaluation or assessment
Vocational training
Assistance to attend an educational program
Therapies, equipment and adaptive technology
Work Incentives Counseling
Job development and Job placement
Job coaching
Vocational guidance and planning
OOD also works in partnerships with other agencies to provide
services for identified groups of people. Examples include:
Ohio Transition Support Partnership. Designated VR
Counselors are assigned to schools and Career-Technical
Centers to work with transition youth and their teams.
OOD-DODD Employment First Partnership. VR Counselors
work exclusively with adults with developmental disabilities
to assist them to transition from facility-based settings to
community employment.
Opportunities for Ohioans
with Disabilities (OOD) (BVR
and BSVI)
Agency Document Names
IPE: Individualized Plan for Employment
Website Information
OOD
ood.ohio.gov
OOD Regional Offices
http://www.ood.ohio.gov/Core-Services/
BVR/Regional-Offices
OOD Apply for Services
http://ood.ohio.gov/Core-Services/BVR/
Application-for-Services
OOD Guide to Transition Services
http://www.ood.ohio.gov/Portals/0/
OOD%20Publications/s-2-guide-to-trans-
servs-9-13.pdf
www.ohioemploymentfirst.org
6
Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM)
Ohio Department of Medicaid is the Medicaid agency in Ohio responsible for overseeing all Medicaid programs in Ohio. Medicaid provides health care coverage to
individuals that meet eligibility requirements.
Who is Eligible?
Ohio Department of Medicaid provides many
health care programs for different populations,
including individuals with disabilities.
To be eligible for Medicaid, the individual must:
Be an Ohio Resident
Is a US citizen or meet Medicaid citizenship
requirements
Have or get a social security number
Meets certain financial eligibility
requirements. Financial guidelines are
impacted by individual circumstances and
information.
Medicaid Buy In for Workers with Disabilities
(MBI) can provide health care coverage to
working Ohioans with disabilities whose income
may exceed established limits set for Medicaid
eligibility.
Eligibility for MBI includes:
Annual income less than or equal to $29,184
(or, 250% of the federal poverty level)
Less than $11,281 in resources
Be 16-64
Individual questions of eligibility, are best
answered by contacting the agency directly and
completing the application process.
Service Overview
Medicaid provides health care coverage for those that meet
financial eligibility and for those that are disabled, working and
still need to buy into the Medicaid program to maintain their
health coverage.
Medicaid also provides “Home and Community Based Waivers”
that allow for extended support services, beyond the basic
Medicaid. For some people with disabilities, the services
provided through waivers may assist the person to achieve
community living and employment. Some Medicaid waivers
are intended to support people with developmental disabilities.
These waivers are administered by DODD through County
Boards of Developmental Disabilities.
These waivers include:
Level One Waiver
Individual Options (IO) Waiver
SELF (Self-Empowered-Life- Funding) Waiver
Transitions DD (TDD) Waiver
Individuals must be eligible for Medicaid to obtain one of these
waivers and also have an established service or assistance
need that meets the waiver guidelines. The local CBDD can
assist in better understanding the level of care guidelines for the
Medicaid waivers listed above.
Ohio Department of Medicaid
(ODM)
Agency Document Names
Managed Care Plan
Website Information
ODM
http://medicaid.ohio.gov
ODJFS County Directory
http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/County_
Directory.pdf
Medicaid Eligibility
http://medicaid.ohio.gov/FOROHIOANS/
GetCoverage/WhoQualifies.aspx
Apply for Medicaid
https://benefits.ohio.gov
Medicaid Programs
http://medicaid.ohio.gov/FOROHIOANS/
Programs.aspx
Overview of Medicaid Waivers
through DODD
http://dodd.ohio.gov/IndividualFamilies/
ServiceFunding/Pages/WaiverTypes.aspx
Medicaid Calculator:
https://benefits.ohio.gov/
Medicaid Consumer Hotline
http://medicaid.ohio.gov/FOROHIOANS/
ConsumerHotline.aspx
www.ohioemploymentfirst.org
7
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) provides support for individuals with disabilities to live, work and
participate in their communities. DODD services are accessed through County Boards of Developmental Disabilities.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for DODD services, the individual:
Has a developmental disability/delay
Disability occurs before age 22
Disability results in functional limitations
“Functional” refers to essential skills to play,
work, and learn,
Eligibility for youth and adults is determined by
use of COEDI and OEDI assessment tools.
The amount of support that one is eligible to
receive is determined individually using a variety
of assessment methods.
Some services provided through DODD require
the individual to be eligible for Medicaid.
Individual questions of eligibility, are best
answered by contacting the agency directly and
completing the application process.
Service Overview
DODD services can provide support for:
Employment
Learning
Leisure
Living (Residential)
The local County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CBDD)
provides DODD services for individuals with developmental
disabilities in that county.
Services frequently discussed and included in transition planning
for adulthood include:
Employment or Vocational Supports, including:
- Discovery
- Employment Navigation
- Pre-vocational services (such as job training and job
shadowing)
- Job coaching (long and short term support)
Residential Supports
Community Integration Services
Case management/ coordination of services
Therapies
Transportation
Respite
Behavior support
Services are paid for in a variety of ways, such as Medicaid
(Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers) and, Local County levy dollars,
General Revenue funds
Some CBDD are direct service providers while others work with
community agencies to provide the needed services.
Ohio Department of
Developmental Disabilities
(DODD)
Agency Document Names
ISP: Individualized Service Plan
IP: Individualized Plan
Website Information
DODD
dodd.ohio.gov
DODD Family Web Page
http://dodd.ohio.gov/IndividualFamilies/
Pages/default.aspx
DODD Eligibility tools
http://dodd.ohio.gov/CountyBoards/
Eligibility/Pages/COEDI-OEDI.aspx
Overview of Medicaid Waivers
through DODD
http://dodd.ohio.gov/IndividualFamilies/
ServiceFunding/Pages/WaiverTypes.aspx
DB101
https://oh.db101.org
www.ohioemploymentfirst.org
8
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Social Security Administration (SSA) delivers a broad range of Social Security services to meet needs of diverse populations, including many youth and adults
with disabilities.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for financial support through
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) the
individual:
Cannot work
Has a medical condition
Condition is expected to last at least one
year or result in death.
To be eligible for financial support through
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the
individual:
Has a low income,
Has few resources,
Is elderly or disabled
If disabled, may be any age
“Disabled”: Has a disability that results in
significant functional limitations
“Functional Limitation”: Prevents sufficient
employment to provide for living expenses
“Sufficient Employment:” Less that the
Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA. In 2015, the
monthly amount a person can earn (SGA):
Blind individuals - $1820.
Non-blind individuals - $1090.
For those under 18, the family income is
considered when determining eligibility.
Individual questions of eligibility, are best
answered by contacting the agency directly and
completing the application
Service Overview
SSI includes a monthly financial allocation that may be as much
as $733/month.
Those on SSDI will eventually receive Medicare coverage.
“Work incentive” programs are also important options offered by
SSA to allow individuals to work and maintain their benefits.
SSA works with employment networks to provide incentives to
employ individuals with disabilities through the Ticket to Work
program.
SSA supports benefits counseling through Work Incentives
Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Agencies to help individuals
understand the programs.
Navigating SSA can be complex, but the many programs offered
by SSA can provide important support.
Social Security Administration
(SSA)
Agency Document Names
Benefit Verification Letter
Website Information
SSA National Website
ssa.gov
Local SSA Office Finder
https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
SSA Online Services
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/
onlineservices/#&a0=-1
Online Application for Disability
Benefits
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/
disabilityssi/apply.html
www.ohioemploymentfirst.org
9
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS)
Through a behavioral health system of county boards and local providers, OhioMHAS funds evidence-based prevention efforts, quality treatment and recovery
supports in communities statewide.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility for services from a community
behavioral health provider will depend on the
type of service or program, as well as other
factors, such as:
- Type of need
- Level of income
- Age group (e.g., transition-age youth)
- County of residence
Individual questions of eligibility, are best
answered by contacting the agency directly
and completing the application process.
Service Overview
OhioMHAS provides funding and support in three focus areas:
PREVENTION of:
- Substance use and addiction
- Problem gambling
- Family disruption
TREATMENT through:
- Six state-run regional psychiatric hospitals
- Providing life-saving drug to reverse overdose
- Treating moms and babies born addicted
- Support of Trauma Informed Care approaches and practices
- Support for criminal justice involved projects
- Support and assistance to drug courts and other specialized
docket programs
RECOVERY support through:
- Supportive housing
- Peer support initiative
- Employment services e.g. Individual Placement and Support
(IPS)
Funding for community mental health services comes from
federal block grants, state general revenue funds and local
sources. Federal and state funds are passed on to 51 community
Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS)
boards through OhioMHAS. Some boards also receive funding
through local levies.
Ohio Department of Mental
Health and Addiction Services
(OhioMHAS)
Agency Document Names
Treatment Plan
Website Information
OhioMHAS
http://mha.ohio.gov/
ODMHAS Local Boards http://www.
oacbha.org/mappage.php
Consumer Employment and Benefit
Planning
http://mha.ohio.gov/Default.
aspx?tabid=220
Center for Evidence-Based Practices
http://www.centerforebp.case.edu/
practices/se
www.ohioemploymentfirst.org
10
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS): Family Assistance
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services offers a wide range of assistance including workforce development, unemployment compensation, cash
assistance, food assistance, childcare, child and adult protective services, adoption, and child support.
Who is Eligible?
Family Assistance programs and services within
ODJFS provide products and services focused
on independence and productivity in order to
strengthen Ohios communities.
The wide range of assistance programs requires
that the individual or family meet requirements,
which vary between programs.
Eligibility for specific services may depend on
some of the following:
Type of need
Level of Income
Disability and type of disability
Age
Living Arrangement
Employment Status
Individual questions of eligibility, are best
answered by contacting the agency directly and
completing the application process.
Service Overview
Service Overview
The array of programs is too large to cover in this overview.
Below is sample of a few services or programs offered by
ODJFS.
Food Assistance Program. Formally known as food stamps.
Nationally known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program). Provides access to healthy food for
individuals and families with low-income.
Comprehensive Case Management and Employment
Program (CCMEP). Beginning July 1, 2016 provides
integrated human service and workforce and training
services to low-income youth and young adults ages 16 to
24 in order to improve employment and education outcomes
for low-income Ohioans.
Ohio Department of Job and
Family Services (ODJFS)
Family Assistance
Agency Document Names
Program recipients can view their
benefit history through the Ohio
Department of Job and Family Services
self-service portal.
Website Information
ODJFS
http://jfs.ohio.gov/
ODJFS Self Service Portal
https://odjfsbenefits.ohio.gov/
SelfServiceSplash.jsf
Apply for Food/Financial Assistance
https://odjfsbenefits.ohio.gov/
SelfServiceSplash.jsf
ODJFS County Directory
http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/County_
Directory.pdf
www.ohioemploymentfirst.org
11
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS): Workforce Development
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services offers a wide range of assistance including workforce development, unemployment compensation, cash
assistance, food assistance, childcare, child and adult protective services, adoption, and child support.
Who is Eligible?
OhioMeansJobs is a service offered to
any Ohioan that is planning for, or seeking,
employment. Some services are designed for
people with specific needs or situations.
OMJ centers are open to everyone, including
displaced workers, students, and people with
disabilities. All centers offer priority service to
US Veterans.
Eligibility for specific services may depend on
some of the following.
Level of Income
Disability
Type of Need
• Age
Individual questions of eligibility, are best
answered by contacting the agency directly
and completing the application process.
Service Overview
Ohio has branded the workforce system in Ohio as
OhioMeansJobs.
OhioMeansJobs:
Is designed to connect people to employment and
employers, and helps employers find qualified employees.
Provides access to Ohio’s workforce resources though the
Ohio Means Jobs website, and in person at the local Ohio
Means Jobs centers.
Offers free online employment and career development
tools for students and adults, including those with disabilities
Offers the Employment “Backpack’ for middle and high
school students to save career interests, job searches,
resume, future budget, etc.
Provides career services that include:
- Assessments
- Pre-employment skills training
- Career Exploration, Job Matching & Job Placement
- Co-Ops, Internship-Related Training, Apprenticeships
- Education & Training for a career Licensing and Testing
for Careers
- Remedial Education & Academic Intervention
- Assistance to attend an educational programs
Visit the OhioMeansJobs website or
One Stop Center for more information about what is available.
Ohiomeansjobs.com
Ohio Department of Job and
Family Services (ODJFS)
Workforce Development
Agency Document Names
PEP: Personalized Employment Plan
Website Information
ODJFS
http://jfs.ohio.gov/
OhioMeansJobs (OMJ)
Ohiomeansjobs.com
Local OMJ Centers
http://www.jfs.ohio.gov/owd/wia/
wiamap.stm
ODJFS County Directory
http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/County_
Directory.pdf
WIA Youth Program Contacts
http://jfs.ohio.gov/owd/wia/Docs/WIA-
Youth-Program-Contacts.pdf
Individuals with Disabilities and
Employment
http://jfs.ohio.gov/owd/WorkforceProf/
Disabilities-Job-Seekers.stm
www.ohioemploymentfirst.org
12
Opportunities
for Ohioans with
Disabilities (OOD)
(BVR and BSVI)
Ohio
Department of
Medicaid
(ODM)
Ohio
Department of
Developmental
Disabilities
(DODD)
Social Security
Administration
(SSA)
Ohio Department
of Mental Health
and Addiction
Services
(OhioMHAS)
Ohio Department
of Job and
Family Services
(ODJFS): Family
Assistance
Ohio Department
of Job and
Family Services
(ODJFS): Office
of Workforce
Development
(OWD)
OOD Regional
Office
Phone:
Address:
Website:
Contact Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:
Notes:
Local Medicaid
Office (Local
ODJFS Office)
Phone:
Address:
Website:
Contact Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:
Notes:
County Board
of DD
Phone:
Address:
Website:
Contact Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:
Notes:
Local SSA Office
Phone:
Address:
Website:
Contact Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:
Notes:
Local ODMHAS
Board
Phone:
Address:
Website:
Contact Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:
Notes:
Local ODJFS
Center
Phone:
Address:
Website:
Contact Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:
Notes:
Local OMJ Office
Phone:
Address:
Website:
Contact Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:
Notes:
www.ohioemploymentfirst.org
13
Prepare for Agency Contact and Communication
Before approaching agencies for assistance, it is helpful to the agency and can quicken the necessary processes if information is readily available.
Use the questions below to facilitate gathering information and documentation.
Age
Services may only be available to a certain age group
When is youths birthday?
Residence
Agency may only serve specific geographic areas of the state
Where does the youth live?
Disability
Some agencies require a formal diagnosis of a disability AND that
the identified disability be one that the agency is able to serve.
What is the disability? Make available documentation
of the diagnosis and assist the agency to recognize
how the youths diagnosis is one that the agency
could serve.
Challenges and Limitations
Agency may require documentation of challenges caused by the
disability and how those challenges impact the youths ability to
learn, work, be safe, self-care, and participate in daily life.
Document how the diagnosis or documented
disability makes employment, learning, living, etc.
difficult for the youth.
Level of Need
Agencies may prioritize those individuals considered to have the
greatest need to receive support and service before those whose
needs are determined to be less critical.
Explain how the challenges that the youth faces
create barriers that the youth is not likely to overcome
if support is not available.
Type of Need
The type of service needed by a youth may only be available
through certain agencies or providers.
Detail the type of support / service that is needed and
align the request for service with the type of service
the agency offers.
Financial
Some resources are only available to people with limited income.
Youth may not be eligible for resources or supports because their
or their family’s income is above the allowed limit.
Document the income and assets of the youth and
family (under 18 years of age), including savings.
Document expenses that the youth or family incur in
order that the youth can live or work as these may be
helpful when qualifying for a variety of assistance.
Availability
Some services or resources may be limited and require
individuals to be placed on waiting lists for specific services/
resources.
Identify the types of service of support one may need
long term, as an adult, to work, live and participate in
the community. Ask to be placed on waiting lists for
these services, even if the need seems to be years in
the future.
Youth Goals
The youths outcome or adult goal can help determine which
agency should provide services or if an agency should provide a
service. When contacting agencies, it is most important to have
goals and outcomes that drive a request for service.
Detail the adult outcomes that the youth seeks to
achieve. Specially discuss employment, adult learning,
living (residence) and other community participation.
Explain how the requested services/supports are
needed to achieve the desired adult goals.