From Entitlement to Eligibility
The most important concept to understand is the Service Cliff. In public school (under IDEA), your child is entitled to services. Once they graduate or turn 22, they enter the adult world (under ADA) where they are only eligible for services if they apply, qualify, and funding is available.
This shift means the burden of advocacy moves from the school to the young adult. Preparation must start early—ideally by age 14—to build the skills necessary to bridge this gap.
Self-Advocacy
The ability to disclose one's disability and request specific accommodations is the #1 predictor of post-secondary success.
Vocational Skills
Early work experiences (volunteering, internships) are vital. We move from "what can they do?" to "what do they want to do?"
Independent Living Roadmap
Academic success is important, but daily living skills are the engine of independence.
Executive Function
- Managing a personal calendar
- Setting alarms/reminders
- Breaking big tasks into steps
Health & Hygiene
- Scheduling doctor appointments
- Managing medication refills
- Understanding sensory needs
Social Safety
- Navigating public transport
- Understanding boundaries
- Identifying safe strangers
Pathways After High School
Higher Education
Colleges have Disability Services offices, but the student must initiate contact. 504 plans do not automatically transfer.
Employment
Explore "Supported Employment" or "Customized Employment" where roles are carved out based on strengths.
Start Planning Today
Transition is a marathon, not a sprint. We have broken it down into manageable steps.
Immediate Action Items
- 1Check if your child's IEP has a "Transition Plan" section (Required by age 16, typically earlier).
- 2Identify one household chore your teen can take full ownership of this month.
- 3Discuss "disclosure" – does your teen understand their diagnosis and how to explain it?