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Eastport-South Manor Central School District

Every Student Matters

Transition

 

Special Education Transition Resources

Travel Information

This page provides students and families with practical resources to support independent mobility and transportation planning. It offers quick access to essential local transit services and licensing guidelines, including links for obtaining a driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID card through the NY DMV. Additionally, families can connect directly to public transportation options like the Long Island Railroad, Suffolk County Transit, and Suffolk County Accessible Transportation (SCAT) to help build confident, self-directed travel skills.

Useful Links

Special Education Transition Resources

The Special Education Transition Resources section provides students and families with essential guidance and community support to help prepare for adulthood. It features valuable tools and information covering key programs such as OPWDD, ACCES-VR, and Supported Decision-Making as an alternative to guardianship. Additionally, families can access resources on Social Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, paratransit services, and local community organizations designed to promote self-determination and post-secondary success.

  • The Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is an agency that provides services to people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. OPWDD, through its local Developmental Disabilities Regional Offices (DDROs), determines whether a person has a developmental disability and is eligible for OPWDD-funded services.

    Some examples of services that OPWDD may provide are:

    • In home respite care
    • After school programs
    • Summer camp
    • Day and community habilitation programs
    • Reimbursement for clothes
    • Nursing
    • Medical, dental, mental health services
    • Residential programs
    • Applied Behavior Analysis therapy
    • Job coaching
    • Transportation
    • Social Skills training


    The first step in seeking out eligibility is to view the Front Door Informational Videos. These videos will provide you with valuable information about the Front Door process as well as provide information regarding the support that your child may be eligible for. Once you have viewed the videos, call OPWDD at (866) 946-9733 to begin eligibility determination.  

    For more information regarding eligibility or required documentation, click here.

    For additional information or assistance with OPWDD contact:

    Kathleen Petrenko

  • Supported Decision Making is now widely recognized in NYS as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship. The end of the facilitation process is a “contract” between Decision-Makers and their Supporters that delineates the areas in which Decision-Makers want support, the Supporter(s) for each area, and the kinds of support Decision-Makers want from each Supporter in each area. In turn, Supporters recognize the Decision-Makers’ right to make their own decisions, promise to support them, and refrain from conflict of interest or undue influence.

    For more information click here

  • Viability’s Pre-Employment Transition Service (Pre-ETS) programs are designed to support the transition from school into adult life. Career readiness services equip students living with a disability ages 14-22 with an introduction to work that informs their future vocational choices, develops positive work habits, and emphasizes workplace wellness.

    Pre-ETS provides vocational exploration, hard and soft skills, and competitive, integrated vocational experiences. Pre-ETS programs cover everything from workplace expectations and how to prepare for them, to getting the job and how to be successful.

    For more information click here

  • ACCES-VR offers a diverse range of services to assist with employment and support independent living.

    It is strongly advised that students initiate their ACCES-VR application during their time in the school system.

    To initiate the process for an eligibility intake meeting, completion of both the application and Release Form is required. Two convenient options are available for this purpose:

    • Fillable Online Application and Release Forms:
      • Utilize the Fillable Online Application for a streamlined digital process.
      • Complete both Release Forms electronically.
      • Ensure all documents are signed digitally.
      • Submit the signed application and Release Forms directly to ACCES-VR.
    • OR
    • Printed Application and Release Forms:
      • Print out the application and two Release Forms for a physical copy.
      • Fill in all necessary information on the printed documents.
      • Sign both the application and Release Forms manually.
      • Send the signed application and Release Forms directly to:

    Eastport South Manor CSD

    149 Dayton Avenue

    Manorville, NY 11757

    Attn: K. Petrenko

    Or email Petrenkok@esmonline.org

  • This can take a year to complete. There are two types of guardianship. 17-A can be filed without a lawyer.Click here for New York State guardianship forms.

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a United States government program that provides stipends to low-income families who are either aged (65 or older), blind or disabled.

    Social Security website

    Medicaid

    Medicaid pays for a wide-range of services, depending on age, financial circumstances, family situation, or living arrangements. These services are provided through a large network of health care providers that can be accessed directly through a Medicaid card or through a managed care plan.

    Click here for more information on Medicaid.

  • Suffolk County Accessible Transportation (SCAT) provides curb-to-curb service to individuals with disabilities.

    Please click here to access the application for eligibility. 

    Once complete, please forward all required information and the original application to:

    Suffolk County Office for People with Disabilities

    William J. Lindsay County Complex, Building 158

    725 Veterans Memorial Hwy.

    P.O. Box 6100

    Hauppauge, NY 11788-0099

    • This Medicaid program provides services to chronically ill or physically disabled individuals who have a medical need for help with activities of daily living (ADLs) or skilled nursing services.
    • Services can include any of the services provided by a personal care aide (home attendant), home health aide, or nurse.
    • Recipients have flexibility and freedom in choosing their caregivers.
    • The consumer or the person acting on the consumer´s behalf (such as the parent of a disabled or chronically ill child) assumes full responsibility for hiring, training, supervising, and – if need be – terminating the employment of persons providing the services.

    Click here for more information on Community Care Home Health Services

  • The Coalition is an ad hoc group of parents and professionals dedicated to promoting self-determination as an option for persons with developmental disabilities who require support through the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. The Coalition works to promote positive system change to bring about public policy reform, financial integrity, and ultimately, increased satisfaction for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.  NYSELFD members also mentor parents who have questions about self-directed services.

Post Secondary Resources

 

Exploring post-secondary options is an important step in planning for life after high school. The programs listed below offer a variety of supportive environments, skill-building opportunities, vocational training, and continuing education tailored for young adults transitioning into adult life. We encourage families and students to explore these resources to find the best fit for their individual goals, interests, and support needs.

Other Important Links

Explore key links and resources to help navigate transition planning, including state programs like OPWDD and ACCES-VR, guardianship information, supplemental security guidance, and local support organizations.