Transition Resources

Employment / Careers and Exploration

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS offers labor and career data for regions, states and local areas
  • Careers in the Military
    The Military website provides a variety of information about the military, its branches, pay scales, tuition opportunities, etc
  • DARS
    The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, in collaboration with community partners, provides and advocates for resources and services to improve the employment, quality of life, security, and independence of older Virginians, Virginians with disabilities, and their families.
  • Job Accommodation Network
    JAN answers questions about workplace accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or related legislation.
  • My Next Move
    My Next Move helps with the job search by providing career information and vocational interest inventories.
  • O*NET
    O*NET OnLine has detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, researchers, and more!
  • PWC Parks and Recreation
    PWC Parks & Recreation has hundreds of conveniently located programs and activities for you and your family to enjoy year round. They also provide opportunities for careers.
  • Types of Engineering
    On The Types of Engineering Degrees you will find all types of engineering degrees are provided with a link to a full article with more detail on each where available. You can also find links to universities offering specific degrees, or use their site to find available engineering degrees.
  • VA Wizard
    Virginia Wizard provides help with finding a career and information to help with preparing and paying for college.
  • WIOA/Skill Source Center
    The Skill Source Group is a nonprofit organization serving Northern Virginia employers and job seekers. They offer a wide range of free job placement, training, and educational services to employers, job seekers, and incumbent workers.
  • Worker's Permit
    Online registration forms for Employment Certificates for students ages 14 and 15

Education / Training

  • ACE-IT in College
    VCU ACE-IT in College program is a five semester inclusive, on-campus college experience for young adults with intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, or autism. With the support of an education coach, ACE-IT in College students take VCU classes and participate in VCU activities.
  • AHEAD Assoc. of Higher Education and Disability
    AHEAD is the premiere professional association committed to full participation of persons with disabilities in post-secondary education.
  • The American Red Cross
    The American Red Cross offers continuing education for emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Delivered through Basic Life Support (BLS) the training opportunities allow EMTs to attain or stay current with their CPR, AED and other basic life support skills for adults, children and infants.
  • Center on Transition Innovations
    Centralized statewide resource for educators and other stakeholders involved in the transition of youth with disabilities, created by the Virginia Department of Education in conjunction with Virginia Commonwealth University.
  • College Living Experience
    Students at College Living Experience are encouraged to pursue their post-secondary programs of interest so services can be tailored specifically to their educational needs. Includes assistance with academics, independent living, social skills, and career development.
  • The College Place
    The ECMC Foundation works to inspire and to facilitate improvements that affect educational outcomes-especially among under-served populations-through evidence-based innovation.
  • College Preparation Checklist
    Multitask checklist for parents and students to prepare for college
  • College Steps (only at NVCC Loudon Campus)
    College Steps provides individualized college support for students with social, communication, or learning challenges
  • GMU Life
    The Mason LIFE Program is an innovative post-secondary program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who desire a university experience in a supportive academic environment.
  • GMU Mason Autism Support Initiative (MAIS)
    GMU MAIS offers individualized, comprehensive social and academic supports to motivated Mason students registered with Disability Services in order to assist them in building skills necessary for success in the university environment and beyond.
  • I'm Determined
    I'm Determined is an information-packed website for students, parents, and educators-provided by the VA Department of Education's Self-Determination Project.
  • National Center of Secondary Education and Transition
    NCSET is a federally funded project that coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities.
  • National Technical Assistance Center on Transition
    NTACT's purpose is to assist State and Local Education Agencies and State VR agencies/providers in implementing evidence-based and promising practices ensuring students with disabilities (including those with significant disabilities) graduate prepared for success in postsecondary education and employment.
  • Pathways to the Baccalaureate
    Pathway to the Baccalaureate is a consortium of 10 educational institutions in Northern Virginia who have joined forces to provide a seamless web of support to selected students as they pursue a four-year college degree.
  • NVCC Strive
    STRIVE Inc. is a private nonprofit organization of parents and professionals dedicated to providing opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities to transition from school to post-secondary training, employment, and successful community living.
  • Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
    Virginia's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center provides information and training.
  • Peterson's
    Peterson's provides information and tools you need to find, get in, and pay for school.
  • Prince William County Police Explorer Program
    The Prince William County Police Explorer program provides youth with the knowledge of the law enforcement function in their community, and gives them an idea of day-to-day police operations.

Apprenticeships

  • Central Intelligence Agency Careers
  • CIA High School Internships
    Are you a high school senior planning to enroll in a 4-or 5-year college program, who is looking for an exciting and challenging internship experience? Consider the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Undergraduate Scholarship Program.
  • Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academic
    The mission of the Virginia National Guard Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy is to intervene in the lives of 16-18 year old teenagers by providing the values, skills, education, and self-discipline needed to produce responsible, productive citizens, and to do so in a highly structured learning environment.
  • DOLI Apprenticeships
    DOLI
     provides workers with job training opportunities for lifelong skills and helps employers meet their needs for highly skilled workers through a proven, cost-effective system of registered apprenticeship.
  • The Electrical Alliance
    The Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) electrical apprenticeship program is an accredited education program. It requires students with strong math and sciences skills dedicated to advancing their careers. Once apprentices complete their training, they are licensed electricians.
  • FBI
    Federal Bureau of Investigation job listing
  • Job Corps
    Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. Job Corps provides the all-around skills needed to succeed in a career and in life for eligible young people at least 16 years of age who qualify as low income.
  • Virginia Career Works
    The Virginia Career Works is a nonprofit organization serving Northern Virginia Employers and Job Seekers. They offer a wide range of free job placement, training, and educational services to employers, job seekers, and incumbent workers.
  • NOVA Workforce
    NOVA's Workforce Development offers in-person, online and customized training to fit your needs.
  • Power Line Worker Training School
    The Power Line Worker Program being offered through Southside Virginia Community College covers the fundamental aspects of power line work, including the most crucial element of all: safety. Electric utility line workers install, remove, maintain, and repair both low and high voltage distribution lines and associated equipment and facilities. The 12-week program provides both classroom and hands-on training.
  • Washington D.C. Joint Plumbing Apprentice Committee
    Information on plumbers and gasfitters apprenticeships.
  • Year Up
    Year Up is a one-year, intensive training program that provides low-income young adults (ages 18-24) with a combination of hands-on skill development, college credits, corporate internships, and support.

Independent Living

  • AccessVA.org
    Access VA provides information for Virginians with disabilities to find an affordable, accessible place to live.
  • The ARC of GPW
    The ARC of Greater Prince William/INSIGHT Inc. is committed to providing opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities to achieve their greatest potential for growth and independence.
  • The ARC of NOVA
    The Arc of Northern Virginia is a local chapter of the largest nonprofit organization supporting thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and their families.
  • Autism Speaks
    Autism Speaks has grown into the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
  • Commonwealth Autism
    Links to Autism Resources in Virginia.
  • Community Services Board
    Prince William County CSB helps assess and link clients and families to vocational, recreational, and residential programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
  • Department of Social Services
    This is a Prince William County portal to apply for benefits including food assistance, Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), etc.
  • Office of Disability Employment Policy
    The Office of Disability Employment Policy Connects people with disabilities, their families and caregivers to helpful resources on topics such as how to apply for disability benefits, find a job, get health care or pay for accessible housing.
  • DMAS Medicaid
    Department of Medical Assistance Services. DMAS administers Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Virginia. CHIP is called Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS). DMAS provides a system of high quality and cost effective health care services to qualifying Virginians and their families.
  • Department of Motor Vehicles: Study Guides for Learner's Permit Exam:
  • Driver's License Manual
    The Driver's Manual is available in PDF versions in English and Spanish.
  • DVBI
    The Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) assists Virginia's citizens who are blind, deaf and blind or vision impaired in achieving their maximum level of employment, education, and personal independence.
  • Guardianship
    Information on guardianship
  • The Health Department
    Prince William Health District is dedicated to promoting optimum wellness, preventing illness, responding to emergencies and protecting the environment and health of our residents.
  • Independence Empowerment Center
    The IEC is a community-based, nonprofit, non-residential service and advocacy organization operated by and for people with disabilities in the state of Virginia.
  • Northern Virginia Resource Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
    NVRC serves people who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families, friends, co-workers, employers and business and government agencies that serve deaf and hard of hearing people through advocacy, technical assistance and educational and outreach activities.
  • NVA Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
    The Virginia Department of Deaf and Hard Hearing (VDDHH) works to reduce the communication barriers between persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are hearing, including family members, service providers, and the general public.
  • Parent Resource Center
    The Prince William County Public Schools Office of Special Education Parent Resource Center (PRC)'s mission is to assist parents and families of children with disabilities to become active participants in their child's education.
  • PEATC
    The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center builds positive futures for Virginia's children by working collaboratively with families, schools and communities in order to improve opportunities for excellence in education and success in school and community life.
  • People First for Young Adults
    People First for Young Adults is a social and self-advocacy group for youth with disabilities ages 14-26. The goal of the group is to help individuals with disabilities understand the importance of self-advocacy and empower them to speak out for themselves.
  • PRTC On-the-Go Travel Training Program
    PRTC On-The-Go Travel Training Program is designed to help potential riders get over the hurdle of the unfamiliar and become confident users of public transportation.
  • Selective Service System
    SSS: REGISTER: It's What a Man's Got to Do. It's quick, it's easy, it's the Law.
  • Social Security Administration
    Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits to disabled adults and children with limited income and resources.
  • TBI
    Brain Injury Services (BIS) has taken a leadership role in developing community based services for residents of Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and the surrounding counties who have experienced a brain injury including stroke.
  • VA Cooperative Extension
    Virginia Cooperative Extension educational programs are designed to: enable families to better manage resources; help youth become self-directing, contributing and productive members of society; and improve the impact of urban horticulture on the environment.
  • VA Photo ID
    Information on how to get a Virginia photo identification card.
  • 211 Virginia
    2-1-1 Virginia is a free service that can help you find the local resources you need. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Community Participation / Volunteer

  • Do Something.org
    Do Something is one of the largest global organizations for young people and social change Their 5.3 million members in 130 countries tackle volunteer campaigns that impact every cause.
  • e-Buddies
    E-Buddies promotes social inclusion online for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Guide Dogs of America
    Guide Dogs of America provides guide dogs and instruction in their use, free of charge, to blind and visually impaired men and women from the United States and Canada.
  • Middleburg Humane Foundation
    Located in Marshall, the Middleburg Humane Foundation's goal is to provide a safe haven for abused, neglected, and at risk animals, both large and small.
  • Miss Ability Pageant
    Annual Event: Pageant organizers and Points of Contact: Donna Notarantonio dnotar@gmail.com; or Dea Bonasso, deabonasso@gmail.com
  • Prince William County Animal Shelter
    Prince William County Animal Shelter Adult volunteers must be at least 18 years old. We have a teen volunteer program with limited activities for young people between the ages of 15 and 17.
  • Simple Changes Therapeutic Riding Center
    Simple Changes Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and be able to walk briskly for two to three hours at a time. Volunteering at Simple Changes is about helping individuals with disabilities. Horse experience is welcome, but not required. We are happy to train volunteers to assist individuals with disabilities and to work with the horses.
  • Teen Ink
    Teenage writing, art, photos, and forums . Provides teens with an opportunity to publish creative work and opinions.
  • Virginia Voter Registration
    Information for voting in Virginia.
  • Volunteer Prince William
    Volunteer Prince William offers volunteer opportunities in Prince William County.

Recreation and Leisure

  • AMC and Regal Movie Theaters
    These theaters provide sensory friendly movies. Check their website for movie schedules and locations: AMC, Regal.
  • Boys and Girls Club
    The Boys and Girls Club is dedicated to ensuring that youth have a safe place to learn, have fun and grow.
  • Boy Scouts
    Visit Boy Scouts for more information.
  • Casper Minds
    Casper Minds (phone: 571-264-6261) is dedicated to developing programs that are individualized to the needs of each child and adult. Clientele includes ranging from the ages 2 years of age to 99 years of age diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and other related disorders.
  • The Creative Dance Center
    Positive dance education available with opportunities for fun and development for your dancer with disabilities. Adaptive Hip Hop & Jazz classes; Ashburn location Miss Meghan, 703-724-4900
  • The Girl Scouts
    Visit Girl Scouts for more information.
  • The House
    The House ensures that pre-teens and teens are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to become future leaders. The House links young learners to organizations and individuals who offer support for their efforts.
  • Jill's House (ages 6-17)
    Jill's House provides a safe haven to entrust your children, so you can rest. Your child will make new friends and experience things you never imagined possible. Our respite is for all children with intellectual disabilities and their families - without regard to race, religion, or ethnicity-ages six to seventeen.
  • Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program
    Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program provides equine assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities, youth-at-risk, recovering military service personnel, and their families in an inclusive, community setting.
  • Park Authority
    PWC Parks and Recreation has hundreds of conveniently located programs and activities for you and your family to enjoy year round. They also provide opportunities for careers.
  • Prince William County Public Schools Parent Resource Center (PRC)
    The PRC's mission is to assist parents and families of children with disabilities to become active participants in their child's education. The PRC provides information, supports parents regarding the special education process in Prince William County, and will refer parents to appropriate resources in the division and the community. Summer Camp and recreation opportunities for students with special needs are also posted.
  • Prince William Special Olympics
    Prince William Special Olympics provides recreational programs for individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in the county. Currently there are 13 competitive sports events which involve 270 athletes (children and adults).
  • Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center
    Rainbow Riding strives to enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities through participation in equine assisted activities.
  • Tripping with Jamie
    Travel agent specializing in travel for individuals with disabilities.

Last updated: August 16, 2023