Youth Transition, Abingdon

Appalachian Independence Center, Inc. (AIC) provides the core services of independent living targeted to youth with disabilities in transition. Services include:

• Providing Information, referral and training to youth and their families about the transition from high school to adult life.
• Teaching skills that can help make the transition from school to community living as smooth and successful as possible, including independent living skills such as decision making, budgeting, travel and transit training, social skills, etc.
• Advocating for youth in various situations, including with employment networks, vocational rehabilitation services, etc. and helping youth to gain the empowerment to become a self-advocate.
• Individuals may receive peer counseling from AIC staff, who draw on their own experience with disabilities to counsel and encourage others including the exploration of options, setting goals and problem solving.

Any youth or young adults with disabilities who do not meet all of the eligibility qualifications may still be provided the same or similar services through the traditional Independent Living core services, but would not be considered “transition services” through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).