TRANSITION YEARS (14-18)

The transition years are pivotal for planning your life. During this time, you can design a plan for academic and non-academic courses, other learning experiences, employment and community living. The goals of transition planning are to help you understand your disability and to determine your future. One way transition does this is by connecting you to teachers and other caring adults, support services, and experiences that build skills and help reach your goals. Transition is based on values, priorities and culture, and is focused on your interests, preferences and needs.

“Greet all people with a smile.”

Ethics of the Fathers 3:16

Transition Planning

Transition planning should begin at the age 14. While this may seem early, it can take months or years to complete the transition process. Below are important questions to consider with your support system:

  • What kind of work do I want to do?

  • Will additional education or training be necessary?

  • Where do I want to live?

  • How could I live independently?

  • What transportation options do I have access to?

  • How will I obtain and transition to adult health care and what will that mean?

It isn’t enough to simply be aware that you need guidance to transition successfully from high school to the next phase of young adulthood; concrete action steps must be taken to guide and prepare you for college, a career and independent living.

0.5M
Americans Live With an Autism Spectrum Disorder
0%
of Children Have Been Diagnosed with a Developmental Disability

Obtain an identification card:

As you transition to adulthood, it is important to obtain a State Identification Card even if you are not planning to get a driver’s license. Without a photo identification card you may find it difficult to access services at banking institutions, government agencies, and transportation centers such as train stations and airports.