Transition Services Multicultural Community Services of the Pioneer Valley

Record last updated 2023/01/03 Comment on this info .Update this info

Narrative

Transition Services offered through Multicultural Community Services (MCS) are available for individuals ages eighteen to twenty-two. This is the period of time when families are moving from school supports to lifelong adult services. It is during this transition period that families begin to experience significant changes in services, eligibility, regulations, and a myriad of other policies. In an effort to assist and guide families through these changes MCS, in conjunction with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), has developed a set of fact sheets relating to a selection of transition topics such as formal testing, SSI and other benefits, age of majority, employment, transportation, independent living and the 688 process. Fact sheets are available at the MCS Family Support Centers in Springfield, Westfield and Holyoke, and on the MCS website at www.mcsnet.org.

Within this program families have the opportunity to receive information and referral support from an MCS Service Navigator. The Navigator will assist families as needed in accessing generic supports such as Social Security, MassHealth, fuel assistance, PCA services, or other relevant public programs. In addition to general and transition-specific information and referral, this program may also provide limited funding for families to access supports such as individualized respite services, assistance with medical expenses not covered by insurance, the purchase of adaptive equipment, access to transportation services or short term emergency needs. Prioritization for this funding is determined by the DDS area office through an assessment of needs and the availability of funding.

Service Types

• Case Management
• Skills Training

Program Type

• Advocacy
• Case Management
• Transition

Populations Served

• All Disabilities

Ages Served

• 14 - 18
• 19 - 22

Additional Information

• Fees: Free Service, Personal Funds
• Licensed By: DDS