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Welcome to the MITT

The Missouri Interagency Transition Team (MITT) formed in 2007 by the Office of Special Education at the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education to increase interagency collaboration at the state, regional, and local levels. This state transition team has met quarterly to address data-driven goals for improvement and collaboration with the shared vision of improving employment, independent living, and postsecondary education outcomes for Missouri students with disabilities.

Consisting of a diverse membership from a variety of state agencies concerned with transition, the MITT provides a venue and mechanism to share information, network, and partner to coordinate professional development activities.

Click here to view the agencies and organizations who participate in the MITT.

The resources listed on this site are for those individuals with disabilities who are looking for any level of independent living whether from school age to adulthood. It could be partial independence such as finding a job, or going to school, to full independent living, living on your own and taking care of yourself with limited or no assistance.

Categories: Click on the section of resources you would like to view.

We would appreciate any feedback you may have on the usefulness of this web site.  Please contact the Office of Special Education, Department of Elementary & Secondary education at (573)751-0187 or seep@dese.mo.gov with your comments.

Resource List

HEALTH

MO Healthnet - Under the Department of Health and Social Services, the Family Support Division within the Department of Social Services determines participant eligibility for the MO HealthNet programs.

Directory of Local Public Health Agencies - Web site to locate or learn about Local Public Health Agencies & Services.

MO Department of Health and Senior Services - Individuals with special health care needs are those who have or are at increased risk for a disease, defect or medical condition that may hinder the achievement of normal physical growth and development and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by individuals generally.

Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services (CPS) from the Mo Department of Mental Health is responsible for assuring the availability of prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation services for individuals and families requiring public mental health services throughout the State of Missouri.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a course designed to teach the general public how to recognize symptoms of mental health problems, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person towards appropriate treatments and other supportive help. As a certified Mental Health First Aider, you will know how to implement the five-step MHFA Action Plan.

Division of Developmental Disabilities (DD) from the Mo Department of Mental Health serves a population that has developmental disabilities such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, head injuries, autism, epilepsy, and certain learning disabilities.

EDUCATION

Office of Special Education - Within the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE), the Office of Special Education administers state and federal funds to support services for students and adults with disabilities. This office works with other state and local agencies to coordinate the Missouri First Steps program, which provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The office works with local school districts in developing and improving special education services for students (ages 3-21) with disabilities. It also provides financial and technical support for all approved sheltered workshops in the state. Sheltered workshops provide employment for adults with disabilities. This office also oversees the operation of three school systems administered by the State Board of Education. These are the Missouri School for the Blind, the Missouri School for the Deaf and the Missouri Schools for Severely Disabled. Through their outreach programs and consulting services, these school systems assist local school personnel and families throughout the state in meeting the needs of children with disabilities.

Missouri Youth Leadership Forum is a unique career leadership-training program for high school students with disabilities, ages 16 – 21. Youth delegates are selected from their local communities to cultivate leadership, citizenship and social skills at this four-day summer program, develop leadership skills to ensure that all youth with disabilities will realize their full potential, promote inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society and participate in policymaking or practices that affect youth people with disabilities.

Office of College & Career Readiness under the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) provides technical assistance to local school personnel in the adoption and adaptation of the state’s performance standards, and curriculum development/adoption of all content areas -- math, science, social studies, English/communication arts, health/physical education, fine arts; as well as the career and technical content areas of agriculture, food and natural resources; business, marketing and information technology; family consumer sciences and human services; and technology, health and skilled technical sciences; and guidance and counseling.

Job Corp is a no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 through 24 improve the quality of their lives through vocational and academic training.

POST SECONDARY EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

Higher Education - More and more high school students with disabilities are planning to continue their education in postsecondary schools, including vocational and career schools, two- and four- year colleges, and universities. As a student with a disability, you need to be well informed about your rights and responsibilities as well as the responsibilities postsecondary schools have toward you. Being well informed will help ensure you have a full opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the postsecondary education experience without confusion or delay.

Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.

MO AHEAD is a state-wide organization focused on strengthening the professionalism, expertise and competency of those working with students with disabilities at institutions of higher education across the state of Missouri by providing professional development and networking opportunities.

Office of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation Services administers statewide adult learning and rehabilitation services.  Adult Learning Services include Adult Education and Literacy, GED Testing and Veterans’ Education.  Adult Education and Literacy supports over 40 programs statewide that provide adult basic education including preparation for General Educational Development (GED) testing and English as a Second Language services.  GED Testing is administered by OALRS who contracts with over 20 postsecondary locations statewide to provide the test.  This section of OALRS also issues diplomas and transcripts for GED recipients. 

Veterans’ Education approves postsecondary schools for GI Bill benefits and on-the-job training locations.  Rehabilitation Services has three core programs:  Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Disability Determination Services (DDS) and Independent Living (IL). VR provides individual counseling, training and other services to help individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain employment. Operating under Social Security regulations, DDS determines medical eligibility for individuals seeking federal disability benefits. The IL program has 22 Independent Living Centers statewide that offer peer counseling, advocacy, personal care, and training in independent living skills for individuals with disabilities. Centers are funded through VR grants but managed by local boards of individuals with disabilities.

US Department of Labor has several agencies that can help people with disabilities find meaningful work and launch successful careers, help employers hire people with disabilities, and help federal contractors stay within the law when hiring.

Missouri Division of Workforce Development provides job search and training assistance through Missouri Career Centers around the state.  The Missouri Career Center offers a variety of services including:  job search assistance, career outlook information, skills assessments, and workshops on job seeking skills that include career exploration, resume preparation, interviewing, networking, basic computer skills and more!

Missouri Connections is a web-based resource to help Missouri Citizens determine their career interests, explore occupations, establish education plans, develop job search strategies, and create resumés. Sponsored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Economic Development, Missouri Connections is available to students, parents, guidance counselors, educators, and job seekers at no charge.

ADVOCACY AND PROTECTION SERVICES

Missouri Protection & Advocacy Services (MO P&A) is a federally mandated system in the state of Missouri which provides protection of the rights of persons with disabilities through legally-based advocacy.  MO P&A is the only legal rights organization in Missouri exclusively for people with disabilities and provides nine federally-funded programs to protect the legal rights of persons with disabilities.

Missouri Parent Act (MPACT) works to ensure that all children with special needs receive an education which allows them to achieve their personal goals.  Parents of children with disabilities face challenges every day that other parents don't have.  It is often difficult to navigate the maze of special services and create a plan that will help children achieve successful outcomes through education. But how do we reach these goals?  How do we know what choices to make for and with our children?  We can help answer your questions.  MPACT is a statewide parent training and information center that serves parents of children with all disabilities.  Our primary goal is to assist parents in their effort to effectively advocate for their children's educational rights and services.  MPACT staff and volunteers are located throughout Missouri and work with public and private agencies, parent groups, professional organizations and advocacy groups to achieve that goal.

Partners in Policymaking is a leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities.  The program teaches leadership skills and techniques to develop positive partnerships with elected officials, school personnel and other individuals who make policy decisions about services that you and/or your family use.

Mo Governor Council on Disability (GCD) promotes full participation and inclusion of the nearly 1 million Missourians with disabilities in all aspects of community life by educating citizens, businesses, schools, universities and others of their rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. We conduct educational seminars and on-site training as well as publish a legislative newsletter, a resource directory and informational brochures on topics relating to people with disabilities.  We provide information about compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and assistive technology to maximize the productivity of people with disabilities. The Council offers assistance to other state agencies for compliance with all laws regarding persons with disabilities. It maintains communication with disability advocates and service providers to disseminate information and receive feedback on problems affecting people with disabilities in order to recommend policy improvements. The Council aims to promote positive images and protect persons with disabilities through equal access to services and employment opportunities. The Council publishes the Directory of Resources for Missourians with Disabilities. The directory lists programs and services of state and local offices, private agencies and other organizations serving people with disabilities.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Directory of Resources for Missourians with Disabilities. The MO Governor’s Council on Disability (GCD) publishes a searchable directory listing programs and services of STATE and LOCAL offices, private agencies and other organizations serving people with disabilities.

211 - If you need help for anything from day care to rental assistance to counseling to vocational training. Dial 2-1-1* to speak to a trained professional 24 hours a day, seven days a week. TTY (1-866-385-6525) and multilingual services are also available. Your phone call is confidential and free.

Missouri Assistive Technology (MOAT) - The mission of Missouri Assistive Technology is to increase access to assistive technology for Missourians with all types of disabilities, of all ages.  Services include; device demonstration, device recycling exchange, financial loans, telecom cess programs, A.T. Reimbursement program for schools, Accessible Instructional Materials, and much more.

Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB) provides services to people with varying degrees of visual impairment, ranging from those who cannot read regular print to those who are totally blind.  These services are provided on the premise that with adequate preparation and reasonable accommodation, each blind or visually impaired person will be able to achieve his or her maximum potential in the home and community, in educational settings, and in employment.

Wolfner Library is a free library service for Missourians who are unable to use standard print materials due to a visual or physical disability. Materials are mailed to and from library patrons homes, postage paid. There is no charge.

Missouri Developmental Disability Resource Center (MODDRC) operated by the Institute for Human Development (IHD) at the University of Missouri, Kansas City provides disability information, parent-to-parent/peer support, and volunteer opportunities, so no one has to be alone in their experience with disability. MODDRC also hosts the Missouri’s Family-to-Family Health Information Center to form an expanded resource center that serves individuals with disabilities and/or special health care needs, their families and professionals who support them.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - HUD's Mission is to Create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality, affordable homes for all.  Our vision is to improve lives and strengthen communities to deliver on America's dreams. Therefore, we pledge-  For Our Residents, we will improve lives by creating affordable homes in safe, healthy communities of opportunity, and by protecting the rights and affirming the values of a diverse society.  For Our Partners, we will be a flexible, reliable problem-solver and source of innovation.  For the Public, we will be a good neighbor, building inclusive and sustainable communities that create value and investing public money responsibly to deliver HUD results that matter.

MO Inclusive Housing Corp - This web site is designed to provide information about accessible and affordable housing in Missouri for those with developmental disabilities. Whether you wish to rent or purchase, this site provides information to help you live where you desire in a home that accommodates your needs.

Missouri Department of Revenue provides information and resources for obtaining a driver’s License, registering a vehicle, and paying state income taxes.

Social Security Administration delivers services through a nationwide network of over 1,400 offices that include regional offices, field offices, card centers, teleservice centers, processing centers, hearing offices, the Appeals Council, and our State and territorial partners, the Disability Determination Services.

Missouri Community Action Agency - (MACA) is statewide association of community action agencies fighting poverty in Missouri. MACA supports their vision through advocacy, training, awareness, technical assistance, and resource development. Our mission is to be an effective advocate in policy and program development which impacts low-income families and to strengthen the capacity of Missouri's Community action agencies. MACA provides a search portal to find local community action agencies in your area.

Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council operated under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration in all aspects of community life.  The Council also developed the Disability Benefits 101 which gives you tools and information on health coverage, benefits, and employment. You can plan ahead and learn how work and benefits go together.  A part of DB 101 is the School and Work Calculator for Young people with disabilities to use the School and Work Calculator to find out how a job can affect their cash benefits and health coverage - and how staying in school can help.

Asset Planning and Development is about encouraging people to save money and to make investments that increase in value over time. It is believed that by building assets, individuals and their families will be able to move out of poverty and remain out of poverty. However, many people mistakenly think that work and saving money will automatically make them ineligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB) provides services to people with varying degrees of visual impairment, ranging from those who cannot read regular print to those who are totally blind. These services are provided on the premise that with adequate preparation and reasonable accommodation, each blind or visually impaired person will be able to achieve his or her maximum potential in the home and community, in educational settings, and in employment.

Transportation is the key to access to employment, recreational activities and full participation in community life. The majority of individuals with disabilities depend on public transit to be mobile in their communities. This menu tab presents information about transportation resources that are available in Missouri.