Transition Planning Starts Earlier Than You Think

With the new school year underway, many families have begun to think about transition planning and how to prepare their student for life after high school. For students with disabilities, there are several areas of life to consider. Employment, volunteering, continuing education, Social Security, and other adult systems require some thought and preparation before a student graduates.

Families often aren’t told that preparing for these transitions can begin much earlier than they think.

Start with the student’s vision

A successful transition plan starts with your student’s goals, strengths, and interests. What do they love? What does their perfect day look like? What kind of environment would they like to spend their time in? What supports could help them be successful?

These conversations should begin long before your student approaches graduation.

“Don’t wait until graduation to start talking about the future. Students can begin accessing transition-related services as early as age 14, giving them valuable time to explore their interests, recognize their strengths, try new experiences, and identify what supports help them succeed,” said Lindsay Will, The Arc of Spokane Community Program Coordinator. “Transition planning is most effective when it is an ongoing conversation that grows with the student and evolves over time.”

Look at everyday skills through an adulthood lens

Many skills that help a student successfully transition to adulthood can be developed through ordinary routines. As your student gets older, start looking at everyday activities and consider how those skills might show up in adult life.

Packing their own lunch and choosing what to wear can build decision-making and self-advocacy skills. Ordering at a restaurant, making a purchase, helping with chores, or navigating a new place can all help your student build skills they may use throughout adulthood.

Independence will look different for every student and doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone. It can mean learning to make choices, communicate preferences, recognize when help is needed, and use available supports.

Learn about adult systems before you desperately need them

Adulthood introduces families to a new array of programs, agencies, benefits, and services. Depending on your students’ needs, you may eventually encounter systems related to developmental disabilities, employment, Social Security benefits and Medicaid. You may also come across systems surrounding transportation, housing, community participation, and decision-making supports.

You can begin learning about these systems gradually. Find out which programs may apply to your student and learn the basic eligibility requirements. Keep track of important evaluations and records, along with when applications should be submitted. Write down unfamiliar acronyms and ask what they mean. Connecting with other families who have already navigated this transition can help make your transition easier.

Some adult services have lengthy application processes, eligibility requirements, or waitlists. Learning about these can help you feel more prepared when it’s time to take the next step.

Families aren’t alone

The Arc of Spokane is here to support your family throughout the transition process. This phase of life can bring many questions and sometimes feel overwhelming. Our Life After High School workshop is designed to make the process easier to understand.

This three-part workshop covers person-centered planning, self-advocacy, state disability supports, Social Security, community programs, and more. Families who have participated say they feel more confident in navigating transition services after graduation.

The next Life After High School series begins October 21.