The LINK Center: Connecting to Your Future assists families, professionals and individuals with disabilities who are transition age (14-26) to access information, supports and services to achieve their future vision.
LINK Center: Connecting to Your Future
This center is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the Rehabilitative Services Administration (RSA) to coordinate and provide support and information with the Massachusetts Parent Training Information Center (PTIC) at the Federation for Children with Special Needs. The LINK Center can help you navigate the transition planning process and connect to information and resources.
Transition Planning
Transition can be an overwhelming process as one plans for life after high school. The LINK Center: Connecting to Your Future assists families, professionals and youth with disabilities by utilizing the 5 Guideposts for Success by the National Collaborative for Workforce and Disability. The Guideposts cover the basics of transition planning: education, employment, and independent living, but also focus on the community and family involvement that are essential for transition planning.
How to use the Guideposts for these transition topics:
Education 
School Preparation
Employment Career Preparation
Independent Living Youth Development and Leadership
Community Resources Connecting Activities
Family Connections Family Involvement
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has published A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities. This guide is being issued by OSERS, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the Office of Special Education Programs to advance our efforts in ensuring that all students and youth with disabilities are equipped with the skills and knowledge to be engaged in the 21st century workforce.
This transition guide addresses the following topics to facilitate a seamless transition from school to post-school activities:
- Transition planning: opportunities and programs
- Transition services and requirements, as authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Rehabilitation Act
- Education and employment options for students and youth with disabilities after leaving secondary school
- Supporting decisions made by students and youth with disabilities
How can The LINK Center help?
Join the FCSN Transition Listserve
Download The LINK Center Brochure (PDF)
Download the The Secondary Transition Planning Process (PDF), Transition Assessment (PDF), or Self-Determination (PDF) Brochures.
Download A Family Guide to Transition Services in Massachusetts in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF).
The LINK Center is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and Rehabilitative Services Administration (RSA) #H235F140005 and coordinates with the MA Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) #H328M140014. Additional funding is provided by MADESE/SEPP. Content does not necessarily reflect the views of the funding agencies and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
