When To Start Transition Planning For a Child With a Disability

For those of us with a child with a disability, it's vital to start planning their transition to adulthood as soon as possible. It used to be believed that after high school, our children's ultimate fate was to end up at home, essentially a shadow of our lives and schedules. Times have changed for the better, and today there are a wealth of resources that can help us plan an environment suited to their needs and preferences. This planning is specifically for when our children have left the education system. It must include plans for employment, careers, or training, and everything related to providing them with the most independent life possible.

The first step is to start by asking ourselves simple questions like: What do they like to do? What activities do they enjoy? What are their strengths? Would they like to stay in school or would they prefer to start working? Where would they like to live? Asking ourselves these questions and asking our children these questions will form the foundation of our transition plan. It's recommended to start this plan at age 14, as this is when the school should formally begin the process. That said, if the school doesn't mention it, it is very important that you schedule a transition ARD meeting.

This is done through a written request in which you specify that the ARD meeting will be specifically to discuss transition. This first meeting will cover the topics mentioned previously. It is important that this be included in the student's IEP. Clearly state the goals for after the student leaves school. This is the time to ask about the different graduation programs the school offers, as well as information about the 18 and Over program. Taking into account your child's condition and needs, you can determine how long they will remain in school. This is also a good time to request a transition assessment to better understand your child's interests and abilities and what support they will need. This assessment helps in setting realistic goals.

Between the ages of 14 and 16, encourage your child to gain work experience in their community. This can be through volunteering or internships. Exposing them to different work environments will give you an idea of ​​where your child might feel most comfortable working in the future. Contact vocational rehabilitation agencies such as the Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Health and Human Services. These agencies offer various programs to help children from adolescence onward. Look for information on their websites and open a case with them as soon as possible. The wait to receive services can be months, so the sooner you contact them, the better.

Start developing skills that will help you become more independent. Communicating with others, managing money, and advocating for yourself are all good examples of motivation to foster their independence. Review and update the plan at least once a year. As your child grows and is exposed to different experiences, their goals and abilities will change. Make adjustments to the plan based on the student's progress.

This timeline will be very useful for building your transition plan step by step.

Remember, this is just a guide to get you started with planning. Depending on what stage you're at, new questions will arise, and we're here to guide you every step of the way. We know that thinking about our children's future can be overwhelming, but focus on the fact that the more prepared you are, the easier it will be to deal with the challenges you'll face.

If this process feels confusing or you don't know where to begin, we invite you to take our Transition to Adulthood Course at VELA. In this course, we walk with you step by step to help you understand your options, create a clear plan, and feel more confident about the decisions ahead for your child's future. You don't have to do it alone—we're here to support you.

The transition to adulthood doesn't happen overnight; it's built step by step with intention, information, and action. Starting early allows you to explore options, strengthen skills, and make clearer decisions along the way.

Remember: you know your child better than anyone, and your leadership is crucial on this journey.