Project POWER Resource Directory
Find the tools and resources you need—all in one place.
The Project POWER Resource Directory brings together guides, fact sheets, trainings, and tools created for Parent Center staff, youth, and families across Region D2. Use the search or filters to explore resources by topic or state. Every item is written in plain language and designed to be accessible to everyone.
Filter Resources
Topics
Location
Audience
A Guide to Planning Secondary Transitions
This transition planning guide helps secondary school leaders work with district and school teams to develop a data-informed transition plan that supports the engagement of students and families.
Ability360 Center for Independent Living
Ability360 continues a 40-year tradition of offering and promoting programs to empower people with all disabilities to take personal responsibility so that they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community.
A Center for Independent Living, also known as a CIL, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities to address needs and barriers within the community. Ability360 is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and provides services throughout the state of Arizona.
APSE
The only national membership organization to focus exclusively on advancing competitive integrated employment and career advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
APSE Arizona
The Arizona Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) is a national membership organization focused exclusively on Employment First to facilitate the full inclusion of people with disabilities, including significant disabilities, in the workplace and community.
Arizona Agencies/Services
Visit this page to access many of the different services and agencies Arizona provides for people with disabilities.
Arizona Rehabilitation Services
The Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) helps people with disabilities reach their employment and independence goals.
Arizona Transition Resource Guide
Whether you’re new to Arizona or moving within it, this guide helps ensure a smooth transition for your family.
Assistive Technology Guide
Check out this guide that includes the ins and outs of assistive technology.
Best Colleges for Students with Disabilities
Explore this site that provides resources for finding the best colleges for you to attend.
Black History Month 2026 – Understanding the Intersections of Race and Disability Infographic
This infographic is meant to honor identity, history, and lived experience as well as provide an understanding of the intersection of race and disability.
California Agencies/Services
Visit this page to access many of the different services and agencies California provides for people with disabilities.
California APSE
APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First) is a national organization that promotes inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. It advocates for Employment First policies, which prioritize competitive, integrated employment as the first and preferred option. APSE also provides training, resources, and a professional network for employment support professionals. The California APSE chapter actively supports state-level advocacy and professional development to advance Employment First in California.
California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)
Employment and Independent Living for Californians with Disabilities since 1963.
California Employment Development Department (EDD)
Disability benefits provide short-term wage replacement to people who need to take time off work due to illness or injury, pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, or alcohol or drug rehabilitation.
You can apply now if you have your information ready.
California Employment First Committee
The Employment First Committee is a statutorily created body which is responsible for identifying and promoting strategies that increase the number of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who engage in competitive integrated employment. As of July 1, 2024, this committee was designated to the newly created Employment First Office under the California Health and Human Services Agency. This new, permanent state office is responsible for facilitating the consistent and complete interpretation and implementation of Employment First Policy across the many state agencies and departments providing services to the intellectual and developmental disabilities community.
California Transition Resource guide
Whether you’re new to California or moving within it, this guide helps ensure a smooth transition for your family.
College Our Way with Dylan & Charmaine Thaner Webinar
Check out this webinar with valuable info and stories for people with disabilities wanting to attend college.
Colorado Able
The ABLE Age Adjustment Act amends Section 529A of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act to allow more individuals who have a disability to become eligible for an ABLE account effective January 1, 2026. The age of eligibility expands to allow individuals who have a disability that began before age 46 (instead of before the age of 26) to be ABLE-eligible.
Colorado APSE
We are the Colorado Association of People Supporting Employment First (Colorado APSE), a state chapter of the National Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE).
APSE is the only national organization with an exclusive focus on integrated employment and career advancement opportunities for people with disabilities. Colorado APSE is committed to advancing Employment First and believes that employment is for everyone.
Colorado DVR Independent Living Services
Independent living services are available to any individual who self-identifies as having any disability. At a minimum, these services include: information and referral, individual and systems advocacy, independent living skills training, cross disability peer counseling, and transition services (both out of assisted living facilities and for transition aged youth) and are provided by each of Colorado’s nine non-profit Centers for Independent Living (CILs).
Colorado DVR Programs & Services
These programs are designed to help you achieve your goals. If you are an adult with a disability or a youth looking for opportunities after high school, DVR can help you to find or maintain employment.
Colorado Office of Employment First
Elevating equitable employment for all people with disabilities through collaboration, systems innovation, and training excellence.
Colorado Services/Agencies
Visit this page to access many of the different services and agencies Colorado provides for people with disabilities.
Colorado Transition Resource Guide
Whether you’re new to Colorado or moving within it, this guide helps ensure a smooth transition for your family.
Community of Practice with Sami Peterson on Personal Networks (Part 1)
This recorded webinar provides information on the idea of personal networks presented by Sami Peterson.
Community of Practice with Sami Peterson on Personal Networks (Part 2)
Cómo prepararse para una entrevista de trabajo: consejos para personas con discapacidad
Cómo prepararse para una entrevista de trabajo: consejos para personas con discapacidad
Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Definition and Info
Employment First Policies come in various forms — legislation, executive orders, and state plans. Regardless of the form, an effective Employment First policy defines CIE and describes the roles of various state agencies and partners to achieve CIE as a choice for people with disabilities.
Contact Your Region/ADA Center
The ADA National Network consists of 10 regional ADA Centers, the ADA Knowledge Translation Center (ADAKT) based in Seattle, WA, and the ADA Participatory Action Research Consortium (PARC) based in Chicago, IL. The regional ADA Centers are distributed throughout the United States to provide local assistance and foster implementation of the ADA.
DDRC Colorado
The DDRC is dedicated to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities discover their potential and live meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Differences Between High School and College for Students with Disabilities
A table highlighting key differences between high school and college for a student with a disability. Highlights changes in student rights, responsibilities, and environment.
Disability Disclosure Guide
Navigate the transition into higher education or employment with confidence. Learn when, why, and how to share disability information.
Disability Disclosure Info from The Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Deciding if, when, and how to share disability-related information with a prospective or current employer can be overwhelming. The decision-making process requires answering a number of personal questions that may be different with each employment experience.
Disability Rights Arizona
Protecting the Rights of People with Disabilities in Arizona.
Disability Rights California
Disability Rights California (DRC) is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities.
We work in litigation, legal representation, advocacy services, investigations, public policy, and provide information, advice, referral, and community outreach.
For more than 40 years, DRC has worked to advance the rights of Californians with disabilities in education, employment, independence, health, and safety, and has grown into the largest disability rights organization in the nation.
Disability Rights Idaho
Designed to educate, advocate, and protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities in Idaho.
Disability Rights New Mexico
We protect, promote, and expand the rights of persons with disabilities.
DSPD Employment First Utah
The employment first mission for Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) is to ensure services offered by DSPD emphasize, promote, and support competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities.
Employment and Postsecondary Education
For youth with disabilities, as with all youth, the shift from school to adulthood is an important time to prepare for future employment and being able to support oneself.
Employment First Arizona
The Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities leads the Arizona Employment First initiative, promoting competitive, integrated employment as the primary option for people with disabilities. It works to ensure individuals with disabilities can work in jobs of their choice with fair pay. The initiative, supported by the University of Arizona and state partners, aims for economic independence through customized employment, training, and transition programs.
Feelings Inventory
This feelings inventory list is meant as a starting place to support anyone who wishes to engage in a process of deepening self-discovery and to facilitate greater understanding and connection between people.
FERPA
The U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) is responsible for the administration and enforcement of federal laws relating to the privacy of students’ education records, and for the provision of technical assistance on student privacy issues for the broader education community.
Food to power Colorado Springs
Founded in 2013, their flagship program is designed to reduce food waste while increasing food access, quickly evolved into our “organism with a mission” — multi-faceted programming working together to cultivate a healthy, equitable food system in the greater Colorado Springs community.
Hoja informativa sobre la concienciación en salud mental
Consulta esta hoja informativa sobre concienciación en salud mental para personas con discapacidad.
Hoja informativa sobre la conexión social
Consulta esta hoja informativa sobre la conexión social para personas con discapacidad.
How to Talk to My Friends
There is no “right” way to share what you’re going through — every friendship or relationship is different. Learn more about sharing mental health with friends.
I Matter Colorado
I Matter connects youth 18 and younger (and 21 and younger for those receiving special education services) with a licensed therapist for up to 6 free counseling sessions! No insurance, credit card, or legal status information is required. Sessions are available in person or virtual by computer.
I’m Determined
Find tools and support to help you set goals, be heard, and reach for the stars.
Idaho Agencies/Services
Visit this page to access many of the different services and agencies Idaho provides for people with disabilities.
Idaho APSE (Not Started, Looking for Potential Director!)
Are you interested in starting an APSE chapter in Idaho?
Contact:
Christa Rainwater, Director of Member and Chapter Engagement
301-279-0060
Christa@apse.org
Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a state-federal program whose goal is to assist people with disabilities prepare for, secure, retain or regain employment. Vocational Rehabilitation helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep employment.
Idaho Transition Resource Guide
Whether you’re new to Idaho or moving within it, this guide helps ensure a smooth transition for your family.
IEP Tip Sheet: Age of Majority
This tip sheet introduces and briefly defines age of majority. The age of majority is defined by state law and is the age at which the child is no longer a minor and assumes rights and responsibilities to make certain legal decisions.
Imagining a Great Life for Your Child: RSK Presentation
This presentation addresses: What is a “great life”?, setting a vision, understanding expectations, core components of a “great life”, how families can help, and addressing concerns.
IN! Pathways To Inclusive Higher Education News/Events
Check out the upcoming events from IN! and news around inclusive higher ed.
Información sobre el Centro para Padres y recursos de RAISE
Información sobre el Centro para Padres y recursos de RAISE
Intro into an Independent Living Center on Tribal Reservations
This video comes from a community of practice meeting with a discussion with an independent living center on a tribal reservation.
Introducción a la Tecnología de Asistencia
Descubre algunas de las cosas que la tecnología de asistencia puede hacer por los estudiantes.
Introduction to Assistive Technology Video (English)
Check out this video that serves as an intro to assistive technology.
Invisible Disabilities Infographic
Check out this infographic on invisible disabilities created by a Project POWER’s Youth Advisory Community member.
IPE Guide Video Presentation
This recorded webinar session covers the Project POWER IPE guide and how to use it.
Job board for Inclusive Employment
Check out the leading job board for connecting you to inclusive employers.
Knowing Your Supports Infographic
Support looks different for everyone. Knowing what supports are available — and how to use them — can make everyday life, school, work, and transitions easier.
Leadership Matrix Quiz
Take this leadership matrix quiz to help you identify your leadership style.
Life After High School
Read about self-determination and why it’s important in an article created by the Jeffco Transition Alliance Group.
Lista de Comprobación de Transición de Parents Helping Parents
Educación Especial, Escuela Universitaria, Centro Regional y Otros Servicios.
Making Friends with a Disability
Watch this short video about making friends when you have a disability told by a young adults with a disability.
Making the Transition to Middle School with an IEP
The transitions from preschool to kindergarten, elementary to middle school, and middle to high school are rites of passage, and while they can be equal parts thrilling and terrifying for students and parents alike, these transitions often come with extra challenges for kids with disabilities and their families. This series looks at ways to make these leaps as painless as possible.
Mental Health Awareness Fact Sheet
Check out this fact sheet about mental health awareness for people with disabilities.
Middle School Transition Trail Map for Families
This short guide is designed to help families and their students with disabilities from 5th to 9th grade.
Money Management Infographic
Managing money can feel overwhelming, but small steps can make a big difference.
These tips come straight from young adults like you who’ve found what works for them.
Multiple Intelligence Survey
Take a survey to help you recognize your multiple intelligences.
Multiple Intelligence Wheel
Explore the multiple intelligences through seeing what the different types typically love and need.
Multiple Intelligences Definitions
Take an inventory of your intelligences to learn more about your strengths and the ways you learn best.
National Consortium on Leadership and Disability
Check out this well-stocked resource center for leadership resources relating to disability
National Deaf Center Student Advocacy Toolkit
This guide will help deaf students understand their rights, options for effective accommodations, and considerations for accessibility across different settings.
National Transition Organizations
Check out this page for a collection of nationwide transition organizations.
Native American Outreach Strategies from EPICS
Check out this guide on Native American outreach strategies.
Native American Outreach Strategies video presentation by EPICS
Watch this video on Native American outreach strategies.
Needs Inventory
This needs inventory list is meant as a starting place to support anyone who wishes to engage in a process of deepening self discovery and to facilitate greater understanding and connection between people.
Nevada Agencies/Services
Visit this page to access many of the different services and agencies Colorado provides for people with disabilities.
Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center (NDALC)
The Nevada Disability Advocacy & Law Center (NDALC) is a private, statewide non-profit organization that serves as Nevada’s federally-mandated protection and advocacy system for human, legal, and service rights for individuals with disabilities.
Nevada Transition Resource Guide
Whether you’re new to Nevada or moving within it, this guide helps ensure a smooth transition for your family.
Nevada Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Transforming people and companies through meaningful employment for Nevadans with disabilities.
New Mexico Agencies/Services
Visit this page to access many of the different services and agencies New Mexico provides for people with disabilities.
New Mexico APSE (Not Started, Looking for Potential Directors!)
Are you interested in starting an APSE chapter in New Mexico?
Contact:
Christa Rainwater, Director of Member and Chapter Engagement
301-279-0060
Christa@apse.org
New Mexico Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
We are committed to ensuring that every New Mexican with a disability achieves their employment goals and thrives in their communities.
New Mexico Transition Resource Guide
Whether you’re new to New Mexico or moving within it, this guide helps ensure a smooth transition for your family.
NMU Partners for Employment Training Portal
Provides many different trainings for employment from New Mexico University’s Center for Development and Disability.
ODEP: Youth, Disclosure, and the Workplace
Every job seeker with a disability is faced with the same decision: “Should I or shouldn’t I disclose my disability?” This decision may be framed differently depending upon whether you have a visible disability or a non-visible disability. Ultimately, the decision of whether to disclose is entirely up to you.
Overcoming Barriers Infographic
This infographic includes real quotes from young adults with disabilities and information about making assumptions about disabilities, requesting accommodations, and navigating inaccessible design. Made for professionals and young adult with disabilities.
Parent Center Facts and RAISE Resources
Learn about parent centers and what RAISE can offer.
Parents Helping Parents Transition Checklist
This checklist is an extensive transition guide with resources and a checklist to help with effective transition.
PHP Transition Checklist Presentation Video
Need help with the PHP Transition Checklist? Watch this video for more information.
Preparing for a Job Interview: Tips for People with Disabilities Infographic
Build confidence, plan ahead, and show your strengths with the tips provided in this infographic created by Project POWER.
Project POWER IPE Guide (English)
Learn how to partner with your Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to create an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
Promoting Access & Inclusion in Instruction & Training With Universal Design for Learning
This webinar covers how universal design can be used to enhance accessibility in instruction and training.
Proyecto POWER Guía IPE (Español)
Asociándote con la División de Rehabilitación Vocacional para crear un Plan para Empleo Individualizado.
Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace
This fact sheet serves as a basic overview of reasonable accommodations in the workplace and includes some examples and a brief review of the reasonable accommodation process. This document has information that may be useful for employees, employers, human resources staff, and others. Because this is a very general, baseline document, more specific questions may be answered by the reader’s local ADA Center.
Resources and Supports for Female Youth/Young Adults with Disabilities
This resource was created for Women’s History Month 2026 and provides resources and supports for female youth/young adults with disabilities.
Resources and Supports for Youth/Young Adults with Autism
This resource was created for Autism Acceptance Month 2026 and provides resources and supports for youth/young adults with Autism.
Resources for Supporting Refugee Families
This page includes up to date information on how to support refugee families as a Parent Center staff.
RSK Facilitator Guide- Imagining a Great Life for Your Youth or Young Adult
This facilitator guide has been assembled as a companion to the PowerPoint files for the training course. It has been developed to assist facilitators in leading course presentations and managing communication. The facilitator guide includes more detail on instruction and specific information about presentation of the material and facilitation of exercises.
RSK Imaging a Great Life Video Presentation
Check out the video presentation for the “Imagining A Great Life” presentation by RSK.
Ruby’s Rainbow: Scholarships for Students with Down syndrome
Ruby’s Rainbow offers scholarships to students with Down syndrome so they can chase their dreams of higher education and independence.
S.100 – Better Care Better Jobs Act
Get to know one of the acts that can support your rights in regards to your health/wellness.
Scholarships for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Scholarships are one resource that can help students pay for college. Students with intellectual disabilities (ID) can access a range of scholarships.
Section 504 Info
Section 504 helps ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities.
Self Advocacy in the Workplace
See some tips for becoming an effective self-advocate in the workplace.
Social Connectedness Fact Sheet
Check out this social connectedness fact sheet for people with disabilities.
Social Security Youth Resources
Social Security has youth-friendly resources to help youth and young adults with disabilities access important information needed to achieve education, career, and life goals.
State of New Mexico Governor’s Commission on Disability
Equal Access. Removing Barriers. Improving Quality of Life.
Staying Safe Infographic
Practical tips from the Youth Advisory Community for staying safe at home, in public, and on the go.
Supporting Mental Health During Transitions
Transitions are a normal part of life, but they can bring stress and uncertainty—especially when routines and supports change. For youth and young adults with disabilities, planning ahead and having support can make these changes more manageable and set the stage for success.
The Personal Networks Learning Series
This learning series was made just for you—a place where you can explore, learn new things, and grow in your own way. The webinar series and activities help you discover your path to a good life, build your confidence, and learn about yourself and others.
The Postsecondary Education and Employment Transition Guide
Check out the official publication by the United States Department of Education on postsecondary education and employment for students and youth with disabilities.
The Power of Workplace Accommodations
This infographic dives into how accommodations help people with disabilities succeed at work.
Think College
Think College provides resources, technical assistance and training related to college options for students with intellectual disability, and manages the only national listing of college programs for students with intellectual disability in the United States.
Transition to Responsibility Video
Check out this video created to help youth and young adults learn how to transition into responsibility.
Transition to Responsibility Video from Show & Tell
Check out this video on transitioning into responsibility.
Transition to Responsibility video presentation by Show & Tell
Check out the video presentation on transitioning to responsibility by Show & Tell.
UCED’s Transition AHEAD Roundtable Program with Richard Parent Johnson
This video covers information on UCED’s Transition AHEAD Roundtable Program from a community of practice session.
Understanding Financial Aid
As you prepare for college or career school, explore how financial aid works, learn about the types of aid, and find out if you’re eligible.
Using the IEP to help Bridge the Gap to Employment Webinar
This webinar helps you understand how you can use the IEP to bridge the gap to employment for people with disabilities.
Utah Agencies/Services
Visit this page to access many of the different services and agencies Utah provides for people with disabilities.
Utah Disability Law Center
The Disability Law Center enforces and advances the legal rights, opportunities, and choices of Utahns with disabilities.
Utah State Office of Rehabilitation
Helping people in Utah with disabilities obtain meaningful employment and increase independence.
Utah Transition Resource Guide
Whether you’re new to Utah or moving within it, this guide helps ensure a smooth transition for your family.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living Terms Glossary
This isn’t just a list of definitions—it’s a bridge. Whether you’re supporting families, training staff, or helping someone navigate services for the first time, this resource is designed to cut through confusion and make these systems easier to understand and explain.
Voting! It’s Your Right!: Video Presentation
Check out this video covering voting for people with disabilities.
Wellness Your Way Infographic
Health and wellness look different for everyone. Here are some tips shared by young adults with disabilities to help you create balance and care for yourself. Created in partnership with the Project POWER Youth Advisory Community.
What is Healthcare Transition?
As you get older, managing those needs becomes your own responsibility. Achieving this independence requires an organized transition process to gain independent health care skills, prepare for an adult model of care, and transfer to new clinicians.
Youth/Young Adults Voting Presentation
Check out this slideshow presentation on voting for youth and young adults with disabilities.
Disclaimer: The contents of this webpage were developed under grant H235F250007 from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this webpage may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this webpage does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of, or be an endorsement of any view expressed or material provided by, any Federal agency. (EDGAR 75.620)
