Transition Timeline

The following timeline is a guide for parents of student with disabilities who are moving through the current school system.  It is suggested that, no matter what age your child is currently, you should go through the checklist from the elementary age.  Many of the suggested activities overlap and are processes that are ongoing such as positive human relationships and good social skills at home and at school.  These traits need to be developed as your child ages, but are not listed at each level of transition.  Please be aware that learning what options are available for your child are important at every level.  You are your child's best advocate.

19-22 Years of Age

• Schedule vocational education classes

• Introduce budgeting and the real cost of living on your own

• Find suitable employment that offers the desired work hours and salary

• Ensure all necessary support services (e.g, respite, recreational, vocational) are participating in transition planning and ready to provide services immediately following graduation.  Be in close contact with providers.

• Explore and obtain additional funding for adult programs.

• Ensure transition planning covers all aspects of life.

• Ensure you have a plan for medical/health coverage beyond graduation

18 Years of Age

• Apply for SSI (Social Security Income) and Medicaid.  Learn about work incentive programs through Social Security.

• Complete an application at PACT Inc. for residential or case management assistance

• Apply for adult services.  Take time to visit all providers to find the best math for your child.  Seek clear information on how un-mandated adult services differ from mandates adult services.  Also, be informed about current waiting lists

• Complete the Priorization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) by contacting PACT Inc., if not done previously

• Update transition goals in IEP.  Discuss services needed to best transition from high school to adult services

• Males register for Selective Service

• Attend a job fair

• Establish legal guardianship ONLY if deemed necessary.  This should be determined based on the best interest of your child.  Consultation with a lawyer specializing in disabilities and guardianship is recommended

• Explore options for future planning or estate planning

17 Years of Age

• Learn about and enroll in vocational education classes.

• Establish graduation date

• Update transition goals in the IEP

• Invite adult service providers to IEP meeetings

• Investigate guardianship procedures and determine what is in the best interest of your child.

16 Years of Age

• Find and hold part-time job at the school or in the community

• Update transition goals at the IEP meeting

• Complete the Priorization of Urgency for Need for Services (PUNS) by contacting PACT Inc.

• Discuss how long student will attend high school - 4 years or until the day before 22nd birthday

• Ask for a reference to DHS-DRS

• Attend any meetings that offer information about future planning

• Begin learning about wait lists for adult services.  Some wait lists can be very long.

15 Years of Age

• Ask school staff about the Department of Human Services - Division of Rehabilitation Services (DHS-DRS) and how that office is involved in transition.

• Discuss home services and assistive technology

• Ask that a staff member from DHS-DRS be invited to IEP meetings to address questions.  Many will come every if you are not currently working with them.

• Attend information nights that offer information about future planning such as residential, guardianship, employment, and recreational needs.

14 Years of Age

• Parents should participate in a NEXT STEPS program to learn more about the transition process

• Attend DuPage County Transition Planning Committee (TPC) meeting

• See that vocational education is built into you child's Individual Education Plan (IEP).

• Explore recreation and leisure interests.

• Attend every IEP meeting and have your own input known to the school team.

• Find out how funding sources (e.g., Department of Human Services), case coordination agencies (PACT Inc.) and financial assistance program (e.g., Social Secuirty) can benefit you.

• According to the law, efforts for transition planning should begin no later then why the child reaches 12 years old.  Transition goals should be a part of the IEP.

• Develop inependent living skills.

Middle School/Junior High Age

• Begin career exploration, watch movies, read books, go to work with adults, etc.

• Support the teacher's efforts to provide job training as part of the school program such as volunteering.

• Find out the types of educational programs options such as inclusion, vocational, or combination

• At home, parents can also help their child explore career by performing chores around the house, volunteering in the community, and participating in community service projects.

Elementary

• Introduce the concept of work into everyday activities.

• Student should become familiar with all types of careers

• Develop self-care and daily living skills and routines.

• Focus on human relationships and develop good social skills at home and school.

• Explore vocational opportunities at the upper grade levels that are available.

• Make your child a productive part of the household, introduce chores and an allowance

• Explore self-advocacy information and community advocacy organization that are available.  You might need additional support at some point in time.

• Ensure that accessibility issues or adaptive equipment (i.e., communication, wheerchairs) needs are being addressed.

• Request information on Public Law-105-17, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and regulation updates.  These are good resources.