Determine Network

Determine with your family (or teacher or vocational counselor) who should know about your plans and who can help you get the supports and services that you want. For most students, going to college means getting support from many different people. It is important to have people around you who can help you pursue your vision including a college education. Here are a few ways to determine who those people are and what supports and services they can provide.

1. Individuals identified in the person centered plan: Some students are more aware of whom to touch base with about their career plans after doing some kind of person centered plan. That’s because when the action plan is developed, one or more people volunteer to work on one or more action steps with the individual. Usually, these include people you can rely on to help you with your plans.
2. Individuals who attend your transition or individual planning meetings: Generally, the people who attend transition meetings or individual service plan meetings are there because they not only want to hear your plans but also because they likely can help you access supports and services from the organizations or agencies from which they work.
3. Individuals who assist students at college and career centers: There are likely a few people at the college who should be aware of your plans. A disability services counselor may be a good person to share your goals with because he or she can advise you on college courses that will help you prepare for your aspirations. A career services counselor at the college or at a local employment office is also a good person to discuss your plans with so they can help you seek jobs related to your goals.

You are likely to meet a number of people as you begin your career planning. You are strongly advised to start keeping track of who everyone is and what services or supports they provide. Ask them for information about what they can do to help you. Also, you can record this information in a datebook or electronic scheduler. The following chart highlights what information you should have on hand: