Transition Iowa

02/03/2026

🌟 Supporting Employees with Disabilities
Understanding how work and benefits can go together

Did you know?
Many skilled employees with disabilities work part-time — not because they aren’t capable of more, but because they worry that increasing their hours could cause them to lose essential Social Security benefits.

The good news: Social Security has programs and protections that can help people with disabilities work, grow, and advance in their careers without immediately losing the supports they depend on.

Our new flyer breaks down these programs in a clear, easy-to-understand way to help employers, families, and employees make informed decisions about work and benefits.

📄 Read the full resource:
https://www.askresource.org/filesimages/Transition/Transition-SupportingEmployeeswithDisabilities.pdf

01/13/2026

💼 Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)
Helping students work without losing their SSI benefits

Did you know that students under age 22 who receive SSI can earn money from a job — and a large portion of their earnings won’t count against their benefits?

The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) is a powerful work incentive that supports teens and young adults with disabilities who want to gain work experience, build skills, and move toward independence.

Whether you're a student, family member, educator, or transition professional, understanding SEIE can open the door to new opportunities.

📄 Download the SEIE explainer:
https://www.askresource.org/filesimages/Transition/Transition-StudentEarnedIncomeExclusion.pdf

01/06/2026

🌟 Understanding Work Incentives & Benefits Planning
For Families, Educators & Youth with Disabilities

Did you know there are programs designed to help young people with disabilities work, earn money, and still keep their benefits?

Our new informational flyer breaks down the basics in a simple, easy-to-understand way — including:

🔹 What is a Work Incentive?
🔹 Who is a Certified Benefits Planner?
🔹 What does WIPA stand for?
🔹 Who else can help with benefits planning?

This is a great resource for families, transition teams, educators, and anyone supporting a young person entering the world of work.

📄 Download the flyer:
https://www.askresource.org/filesimages/Transition/Transition-BenefitsPlanningExplanation.pdf

12/30/2025

Balancing Work & Benefits
A Guide for Young Workers with Social Security Benefits

Did you know that many young people can work and still keep their benefits with the right planning and support?

Our new informational sheet breaks down what youth, families, and professionals need to know — including how earnings affect benefits, what programs can help, and how to plan for a successful path into employment.

📄 Download the guide:
https://www.askresource.org/filesimages/Transition/Transition-BalancingBenefitsandWorking.pdf

Empower young workers to make informed decisions as they move toward independence, employment, and adulthood.

12/23/2025

What is Age 18 Redetermination?

When a young person receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) turns 18, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews their case to determine whether they still qualify—this time using adult disability rules.

These adult rules are different and place more emphasis on whether the person can work and earn above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). Because of this shift, some young people may lose their SSI benefits at age 18, even if they qualified as a child.

Understanding this process early can help families prepare, gather documentation, and explore supports to maintain stability during the transition to adulthood.

📄 Learn more in our Age 18 Redetermination guide:
https://www.askresource.org/filesimages/Transition/Transition-Age18Redetermination.pdf

12/20/2025

📢 Now Available: ASK an Expert – 6 Principles of IDEA ( #6 Procedural Safeguards)

Understanding your rights in special education matters. This video walks through Procedural Safeguards—what they are, why they matter, and how they protect families and students under IDEA.

Whether you’re new to special education or deep in the IEP process, this resource is designed to support informed, confident advocacy.

▶️ Watch here: https://youtu.be/n5ghixCSHCQ

12/19/2025

🌟 ANNOUNCING OUR THREE-PART WEBINAR SERIES! 🌟
Supporting Successful Post-Secondary Transition

Preparing a young person with disabilities for life after high school can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. This January and February, ASK is hosting a three-part webinar series to help families, caregivers, and professionals navigate key areas of post-secondary transition: living, education, and employment.

Each session offers clear guidance, real examples, and practical strategies you can use right away.

📅 January 26, 2026
Everything You Need to Know About Host Homes
Learn how host homes work as personalized, community-based living options and hear examples of successful partnerships.

📅 February 9, 2026
Navigating Disability Services: High School vs. College
Understand how accommodations change after graduation and get tips for a confident transition to college.

📅 February 16, 2026
Empowered Employment: Job Coaching & Work-Based Learning
Explore how job coaches support individuals with disabilities and learn strategies for successful employment experiences.

✨ Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or service provider, these sessions will help you support your young person’s next steps with confidence.

➡️ Learn more & register: www.askresource.org/events

12/18/2025

📣 Community Input Needed: Behavioral Health District Survey

The Iowa Primary Care Association (Iowa PCA) is collecting feedback from community members as part of its Behavioral Health District Assessment.

This survey is open through the second week of January, and responses will be used to help shape individual district plans across Iowa. The more people who participate, the better the data will reflect real community needs.

If you’ve had any experience with behavioral health services, care coordination, or referrals, your perspective is important.

👉 Take the survey here:
🔗 https://www.iowapca.org/district-assessment

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your input.

Behavioral Health District Assessment: Community Member SurveyHelp us shape the future of behavioral health in Iowa. Share your feedback. Make a difference.The Iowa Primary Care Association coordinates a statewide network to ensure clear, consistent access to the continuum of behavioral health servi...

12/16/2025

The important thing to remember: there is no one-size-fits-all route.
Each student’s path to graduation can—and should—be customized to their strengths, needs, and future goals, as long as it meets Iowa’s minimum requirements.

📚 Learn more in our webinar:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wQEVOJDmhM

12/12/2025

🌟 ASK Each Other: In-Person Support Groups
Looking for connection, guidance, or a supportive space to talk with other parents and caregivers? Our in-person ASK Each Other support groups meet throughout the month in communities across Iowa.

Each session offers:
💬 A welcoming place to share and listen
📘 Monthly topics to help you feel informed and confident
🤝 Support from other families who understand your journey

✨ December Topic: How to Prepare for Your Child’s IEP Meeting or Medical Appointment

Click below to see all upcoming dates and locations near you—no registration required. Just show up and join the conversation!

👉 https://www.askresource.org/events/ask-each-other-in-person-support-groups

Center

Join ASK Resource Center’s free in-person support groups for Iowa families. Learn about IEPs and how to prepare for meetings or medical appointments.

11/18/2025

It’s essential to be aware of the graduation requirements and policies specific to your district. ✅

While Iowa has state minimums, each district may add additional course requirements, electives, or expectations — so knowing exactly what YOUR district requires is key.

To find your district’s graduation requirements, check your district’s official website or contact your school administration for detailed information.

📅 Take some time within the next week to review these requirements.
Understanding them will help you monitor your child’s progress and ensure they are earning the credits they need to graduate successfully!

11/13/2025

📣 Applications Now Open!

Are you a parent or primary caregiver of an Iowa child or youth ages 3–19 with special health care needs?

The Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute (IFLTI) is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort! This no-cost training helps families build advocacy skills, strengthen communication with providers and schools, and learn how to influence systems that impact children with special needs.

🟡 What you’ll gain:
✅ Strategies for effective partnerships
✅ New tools for advocacy
✅ Support to complete a Community Service Project
✅ Connections with experienced family leaders

🗓 Training includes virtual and in-person sessions (Ames + Des Moines)
📅 Applications due January 14, 2026

🔗 Apply starting November 12: https://bit.ly/IFLTI26

📞 Questions? Contact the IFLTI team listed on the flyer.