The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Transition Planning Program for adolescents addresses seven skill areas that focus on independence and caregiver involvement. Participation in the group requires a prescription for Occupational and Speech Therapy group treatment from the child's physician.

The Beginner Transition Group is for youth between the ages of 9 and 13 years. The Young Adult Transition Group is for those between 14 and 22 years.

For more information, call 312–238–1139.

Class Outline

Introduction to Transition Group
•Discuss definition of “transition” and developing transition skills through planning and practice.

Medical Management
•Create medical care binder
•Discuss and research diagnosis, symptoms, and implications for daily life
•Role play to prepare for medical and therapy appointments
•Visit to Life Center to explore community and other resources
•Caregivers meet with medical team
•Discuss “medical home” and coordination of care

Education/Employment
•Discuss IEP process and student involvement
•Complete career and personality tests
•Participate in job site field trips
•Complete a resume and role play job interviews (Young Adults only)
•Discuss post–secondary options with guest speakers
•Review the Americans with Disabilities Act with a guest speaker

Money Management
•Develop functional math skills
•Practice writing checks and balancing checkbook
•Discuss basic budgeting (definition, income/expenditures)
•Learn about government benefits with guest speaker

Household Management
•Complete new chores
•Explore adaptations and strategies for chore completion
•Discuss the hiring of a personal assistant

Sports and Recreation
•Explore options for adaptive sports and recreation activities in the community
•Learn about options for free time, social interaction, healthy living

Cooking
•Plan and prepare cold and hot meals
•Discuss and practice kitchen safety and accessibility
•Explore adaptive strategies and use of equipment
•Generate shopping list and practice locating items within grocery store

Transportation (Young Adult)
•Discuss accessibility and public transportation
•Plan and practice trip utilizing public trains and buses