Transition to adulthood, assists a student with a disability to move smoothly from school to post-school activities (the areas of live, learn, work and play). The activities help the student develop skills for continued education (college), vocational training (trades), employment (supported/competitive), adult services (programs), independent living and participating in the community. The activities are based on the expressed future goals of the student including: interests, likes, dislikes and abilities and the development of the necessary skills that are needed for success in achieving those goals.

What Does The Future Hold For My Child?

• Change
• New Challenges
• New rewards
• New experiences/opportunities

School – A World Of Entitlement

• Skill building and development
• Work experiences
• Integrated learning environments
• Assessments and evaluations
• Career exploration

Key Elements Of Transition

• Identify student strengths and needs
• New Challenges
• Determine future goals
• New rewards

Possible Adult Services – A World Of Eligibility

• Office for People with Developmental (OPWDD)
• Adult Career and Continuing Education Disabilities  Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)
• Office of Mental Health (OMH)
• Independent Living Centers (ILC)
• One-stop centers
• New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB)
• College

How Can Parents Help?

• Develop responsibilities and independence at home
• Communicate with teachers
• Remain active in the IEP process
• Keep good records/Update
• Ask your child about their future goals and dreams
• Provide opportunities to try, to take risks, to fail and to try again

Students with self-advocacy skills are more likely to have higher achievement outcomes.

Transition statements need to be in the IEP by the age of 15.

Students with one or more parents who participate in IEP meetings are more likely to be engaged in post-school employment.

At the age of 18, you are an adult. Does your child need guardianship? All males at the age of 18 must register for the draft.

Your child should have a picture ID.