Mansfield ISD Transition Services

The following resources may be helpful to students and their families.

• Texas Workforce Commission

• Texas Health & Human Services

• Texas Health & Human Services - Long Term Care

• Social Security (SSI)

• My Health My Resources (MHMR)

Access to higher education is an important step toward independence, inclusion, and lifelong success for students with disabilities. Around the world, more colleges and universities are developing programs and supports to help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities thrive in academic and social settings. Below is a list of resources that will help with your future planning:

• Think College Web & Resources

• Think College - Texas Schools & Information

The following resources may be helpful to students and their families.

• Texas Driving with Disability: A Guide for Families (PDF)

• Texas Education Code §29.0113 

• Texas Driving with Disability website (Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities)

• Communication Impediment with a Peace Officer (Texas Department of Public Safety)

• Texas Transition and Employment Guide

When a person turns 18, they are legally considered an adult, regardless of disability. This means they have the right to make decisions, sign contracts, and act independently—something that can feel overwhelming for parents of a child with significant support needs. 

In Texas, parents or caregivers can petition the court for guardianship if they believe their adult child is not able to make safe or informed decisions on their own. This legal process, which can begin close to the child’s 18th birthday, may require hiring an attorney or filing directly with the court. 

As part of the process, the court appoints a lawyer to represent the adult child’s rights, and a judge will determine whether guardianship is necessary. Not all individuals with disabilities require guardianship, so parents need to explore all options and seek guidance from experienced professionals when planning for this transition.

• Tarrant County Guardianship Information

• Texas Guardianship Association

• Texans Guardianship (Brochure)

As children with disabilities grow, helping them make their own choices—even small ones—can build confidence and independence. At age 18, they become legal adults, meaning they are responsible for their own decisions. Parents may no longer have access to doctors, schools, or services without the adult child’s consent or a legal agreement in place.

Supported Decision-Making is a legal alternative to guardianship that allows adults with disabilities to choose trusted supporters—like a parent—to help them make decisions in areas such as health care, education, money, or housing. No lawyer or court process is required, and agreements can be created, changed, or ended at any time.

Families can also use a supported decision-making approach informally at any age by helping their child gather information, think through options, and communicate their choices. Starting early builds skills that make the transition to adulthood smoother.

To learn more about Supported Decision-Making, review the resource links below:

• Supported Decision Making - Navigate Life Texas

• Supported Decision Making - Disability Rights of Texas

The following resources may be helpful to students and their families.

• Texas Transition & Employment Guide

• Texas Project First

• SPED Tex - Transition Planning & Resources

The following resources may be helpful to students and their families.

• HandiTran- Arlington

• Grand Connection- Grand Prairie