The InterAct Grant

Philosophy and Goals of InterAct
To achieve statewide systems change in transition services in Arizona, The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and the Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (ARSA) has implemented InterAct Arizona. This is a multi-agency, multi-level interactive system for improving the design and delivery of transition services. The general purpose of InterAct Arizona is to influence local and state-level systems change designed to empower local communities to maximize transition planning. Additionally, InterAct Arizona enhances service options for youth with disabilities from elementary school through the age they exit school and transition into young adult life.

Policies and Planning
Under the guidance of the InterAct Arizona Council, Arizona Community Transition Teams (ACTT), Arizona Youth Transition Program (YTP) sites, and Transition Innovation Projects (TIP), InterAct Arizona:
  • Affects statewide policies, procedures, regulations, and funding mechanisms

  • Improves and expands the availability, access, and quality of transition services for youth with disabilities and their families

  • Supports the Partners in Policymaking movement in Arizona which allows parents of youth with disabilities to become better advocates through access to information, training, resources and skill building

Training and Technical Assistance
InterAct Arizona provides statewide training and technical assistance designed to:

  • Increase the ability of professionals, parents, advocates, and youth to understand transition service
  • Assist in improving successful transitions from school to adult life

Community Capacity Building
Through the expansion of ACTTs and YTP sites, the implementation of TIPs, and Individual Education Plans (IEP) as Student-Led Celebrations, InterAct Arizona:

  • Builds the capacity of communities to provide more effective delivery of transition services
  • Improves the working relationships among stakeholders in transition services
  • Develops incentives for accessing and using transition services and resources
  • Addresses the unique needs of youth with disabilities from minority backgrounds, and youth in secure care settings

Evaluation
InterAct Arizona measures changes in State policy, programs, and transition services through:

  • Needs assessments to determine the availability, quality, and accessibility of services needed to successfully transition into adult roles
  • Project activities which address identified needs
  • The Arizona Follow-Along Project which tracks the education and post-school status of young adults leaving special education programs statewide

Product Development and Dissemination
InterAct Arizona produces and disseminates:

  • Training and technical assistance materials
  • Resource guides
  • Other products to facilitate the exchange of information on the impact and outcomes of activities
 
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