OCECD Youth Resources

Learn about essential topics for transition and adulthood and engage in new ideas through Take 5 webcasts. Each short video in the Take 5 series will review a topic, concept or idea about transition and adult life planning, service and support for those assisting youth and adults with disabilities. Take 5 also provides five take-away resources for each of the webcasts to help extend learning and support implementation of new knowledge or sharing of valuable ideas.

Youth Self-Advocacy and Empowerment - Youth Portal

Presented by: Amy Freeman, Statewide Transition Programs Coordinator

The Coalition's website is dedicated to empowering youth to become their own best advocate- to identify and pursue what is "their good life". Advocacy skills benefit youth in many areas of their life including school, work and community.

We have created a “Youth Empowerment” comic series. This series focuses on empowering transition age youth to become self-advocates. This resource informs youth about empowerment, self-determination, self-advocacy and more. Stay tuned for more adventures in “Youth Empowerment”!

YEP! Youth Empowerment Project

Is focused on youth interviewing other youth about their experiences with self-advocacy and empowerment. The goal is to provide a platform for young people to share their stories and offer insights into how they have navigated challenges and advocated for themselves. YEP! recognizes the importance of the youth perspective and seeks to empower young people by giving them a voice and providing relatable role models for other youth to learn from. This video series aims to provide valuable resources for young people as they navigate their own journeys in self-advocacy and empowerment.

It's My Turn - Online Learning Course

Students are welcome to participate in a virtual version of the It’s My Turn is a self-determination

training at their convenience. Many students may want to access this program independently with the built-in accommodations, and others may want to also include their own personal support. To access the It's My Turn modules, Register Today! Our Goals Planning Success (GPS) modules will be available on our website at a later date, so please check back for this option as well!

5 Tips for Preparing for College Success

You’re starting to make plans to attend college, here are 5 Tips for Preparing for College Success to help you in your planning process.

1. Find the college that’s right for you

2. Explore disability access services and support programs

3. Get needed accommodations in place

4. Amp Up your skills for college

5. Make a plan to pay for college

+ Bonus - Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)

5 Tips for Success in College

You’ve graduated from high school, been accepted into college, and now you’re attending college. Here are 5 Tips for Success in College to help you get the supports and services you need while you’re in college.

1. Develop a support system

2. Be your own best advocate

3. Get organized

4. Access campus supports

5. Utilize technology

IEP Checklist for Teens

Use your IEP meetings to learn how to advocate for yourself. Self-advocacy is a key step in becoming an adult. It means looking out for yourself, telling people what you need, and knowing how to take responsibility. No one is born knowing these skills. Everyone has to learn them. Ready to begin learning?