Wyandotte County Youth Transition Program

photo collage of youth and young adults with disabilities engaging in various employment and education-related activities

For information on Youth Transition Services under the KYTN grant in WY County
Contact: Amy Ballinger, KYTN Program Manager | aballinger@independenceinc.org  |  785-371-1646

The Kansas Youth Transition Network (KYTN) was established under a grant from the Kansas Department of Education, and is comprised of Youth Transition Councils and Community Groups working together to support youth with disabilities and their families and caretakers throughout Kansas, in their journey to post-high school independence, employment or higher education. Independence, Inc. is working under the KYTN grant to create innovate ways of working with youth ages 10 and up through extended Youth Transition Services within Wyandotte County, as we partner with other agencies and school districts to support the independent living and employment goals of youth with disabilities.

At Independence, Inc. we understand that your plan for transition into post-high school life doesn’t just start when you’re a junior or senior. We work with youth ages 10 and up to start identifying:

  • strengths
  • interests
  • hopes for the future
  • ideas and goals

To start working towards and helping to shape:

  • successful IEP or 504 plans
  • community involvement and engagement
  • school involvement (whether public school, homeschool, virtual school or other learning environment)
  • self-determination
  • communication and interview skills

To help identify and present opportunities to:

  • volunteer or intern
  • create hobbies
  • find and apply for job opportunities
  • identify peer support opportunities

And to learn independent living skills like:

  • how to manage money
  • conflict resolution
  • self-advocacy
  • cleaning and organizing
  • time management
  • cooking and meal prep