Prosper ISD Transition Services 

The word “Transition” means change or movement.  Students go through many transitions, from entering school, moving from preschool to kindergarten to elementary, middle, and high school, and graduation and movement into adulthood.  For students receiving support through Special Education, these transitions typically require more thought, planning, and preparation than other students may require.  

Transition planning should be a lifelong process in which stakeholders (student, family members, friends, and professionals) work together to develop a plan of action that will lead to a successful adult life.  As part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a student’s IEP will include plans for this transition beginning at the age of 14 (in Texas -- federal law requires by the age of 16).  

This transition planning includes:

• Age-appropriate transition assessments
  
  

• Appropriate measurable postsecondary goals in the areas of training, education, employment, and independent living skills based on assessments
  
  

• The transition services and courses of study needed to help student reach those goals
  
  

• Annual goals that represent the steps needed to prepare for achieving the postsecondary goals

What Can Parents & Families Do To Support Youth During the Transition Process?

Tips and ideas that parents and families can do beginning at an early age to encourage gradual independence, participate in the community, teach self-advocacy skills, and develop skills that will be necessary for future employment.

Texas Transition & Employment Guide

The Texas Transition and Employment Guide provides information on statewide services and programs that assist in the transition to life outside of the public school system. This guide covers such topics as:

• Transition services

• Employment and supported employment services

• Social Security programs

• Community and long-term services and support

• Postsecondary educational programs and services

• Information sharing with Health and Human Services agencies and providers

• Guardianship and alternatives to guardianship, including a supported decision-making agreement under Chapter 1357, Estates Code; self-advocacy, person-directed planning, and self-determination

• Contact information for all relevant state agencies

Texas Transition and Employment Guide (English) 

Texas Transition and Employment Guide (Spanish)

Texas Transition and Employment Guide (Chinese)

Texas Transition and Employment Guide (Vietnamese)

Texas Transition and Employment Guide (Korean)

Navigate Life Texas

An online resource for parents or caregivers of children with disabilities or special health care needs.  Find tools, support, and inspiration to help you on your journey.  

The Journey to Life After High School:  A Road Map for Parents of Children with Special Needs 

Very comprehensive resource including information about the transition process, employment options, day programs, housing, securing benefits, and preparing for your child's long-term future.

Resources & Help Available:  Get on the Waiting Lists Now

Accessing Waiting Lists for Medicaid Waiver Programs 

Instructions on how to get on the interest/waiting lists for community-based services through making two phone calls.  Texas has the second-longest waiting lists in the country so parents are recommended to get on the lists AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, even if you aren’t sure you will need the services.  

Texas Medicaid Waiver Programs Chart (5-2024)

Comparison of the different long-term support waiver programs as well as the different services available under each of the programs.

Explanation of IDD Services & Supports (HHS 7-2019)

Brief description of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services and supports provided by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC).

LifePath Systems (Collin County)

LifePath Systems is a community-based, non-profit organization created specifically to help individuals and their families dealing with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities and developmental delays.

Denton County MHMR

Denton County MHMR Center is a local Non-Profit Community Center specializing in the treatment of and service delivery to individuals in Denton County with a mental health diagnosis or a developmental disability diagnosis.

Texas Workforce Solutions - Vocational Rehabilitation Services

TWS helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, or retain employment and helps youth and students prepare for post-secondary opportunities.  This is a link to their website.

TWS Info for Prosper ISD 

Information about how to connect with the TWS transition vocational counselor assigned to our district.  

How to Make SSI Work For You:  Simply Said 

Several federal government programs including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Work Incentives, and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) provide benefits or support to eligible youth as they work toward their postsecondary and employment goals. Youth and families can use the information they learn to plan ahead and apply for the benefits and supports they need after high school.  Video from PACER Center.

Social Security Administration: Benefits for Children with Disabilities (2020)

This booklet is for the parents, caregivers, or representatives of children younger than age 18 who have disabilities that might make them eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. It is also for adults who became disabled in childhood (prior to age 22), and who might be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. (We call this SSDI benefit a “child’s” benefit because it’s paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record.) This booklet will help you decide if you, your child, or a child you know, might be eligible for SSI or SSDI.

The SSI Application Process (PACER Center)

What to expect during the application process for SSI.

Supplemental Security Income

SSI is a federal program through the Social Security Administration that offers monthly cash assistance to help you pay for your child’s personal and medical needs. It is for things like food and shelter, medical and dental care not covered under health insurance, and personal needs like clothing. You must apply and be approved for SSI based on your family or your child’s income.  Information about how SSI works, the application process, and documentation required.  

Texas ABLE Accounts Video 

Information about ABLE accounts, a 529A tax-advantaged savings account for eligible individuals with disabilities.  

Special Needs Trusts Video 

Information about the importance of considering setting up a special needs trust to allow your child to receive/save money without losing benefits, even future benefits.

The Changing Role of Parents after Transfer of Rights 

Video from Pacer.org about the changing role of parents when a student reaches the age of majority.

Guardianship, Supported Decision Making, & Other Legal Considerations Workshop Slides 

Parent workshop outlining what to consider when determining if guardianship or another alternative might be appropriate for your child as well as the processes involved.

Guardianship, Alternatives, & Supported Decision Making

Description of guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, and Supported Decision Making, as well as links to guardianship-related resources.

Sample Guardianship Questionnaire 

Questionnaire routinely given by courts and/or attorneys during guardianship process.  This is intended only to give parents an idea of the areas of functioning that a court examines as well as what parents may want to consider when determining if guardianship may be necessary.

Legal Matters to Consider When Planning for the Future 

From the Autism Speaks Transition Toolkit (but not just applicable to those with autism), this information outlines topics to be considered when your child reaches the age of majority (18 in Texas), including health insurance, guardianship, and special needs trusts.  Includes a useful list of questions in different areas to consider how much or what kind of assistance an individual may need assistance with decision making.  

Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities

Designed for students with disabilities, this guide includes information and resources to assist in the planning for postsecondary education supporting employment goals.

College Readiness Checklist

Designed to help students and parents honestly assess college readiness as well as what skills need to be obtained before college is a realistic option.

Think College

Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability. With a commitment to equity and excellence, Think College supports evidence-based and student-centered research and practice by generating and sharing knowledge, guiding institutional change, informing public policy, and engaging with students, professionals and families.

Top 4 Critical Success Factors for Independent Living 

Special Needs Recreational & Camp Programs

Comprehensive list of area recreational programs, day camps/programs, sensory-friendly events, etc. with emphasis on special needs.  Also includes overnight camp programs in Texas and the regional area.

National Autism Association of North Texas (NAA-NT)

NAA-NT provides community education and nationwide advocacy for children and adults with ASD Spectrum Disorder.

Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas

The Down Syndrome Guild provides accurate and current information, resources, and support for people with Down syndrome, their families and the community.

Texas Parent to Parent

Texas Parent to Parent provides support, information, and education for families of children of all ages who have disabilities or chronic illness.

Partners Resource Network

Partners Resource Network is a non-profit agency that operates the Texas statewide network of Parent Training and Information Centers [PTI’s are funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)]. The PTI Projects are: PATH, PEN, and TEAM.

The Arc

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The Arc of DFW

The Arc of DFW Area provides information and referrals to the I/DD community and provides educational, advocacy, and awareness opportunities.  More specifically, we offer regular training on I/DD topics, such as special education, transition to adulthood, legal rights and options, and Medicaid supports.  We also seek to collaborate with local and state policy-makers to advocate for the I/DD community and educate them on I/DD priorities.

Autism Society of America

The Autism Society provides advocacy, education, information and referral, support, and community at national, state and local levels in order to improve the lives of all affected by autism.

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

​Autism Speaks Tool Kits

A variety of tool kits with information and resources in such areas as diagnosis, behavior, advocacy, family support, school, finances, community, transition, and employment.

Day Programming Options 

Description of community day programs, now referred to as Individualized Skills & Socialization Services (ISS programs), including a list of questions to ask when exploring programs.

Residential Options 

Description of different community-based residential options as well as what to look for in quality programs and a list of questions to ask when exploring programs.

Community for Permanent Supporting Housing website

 CPSH is an organization that advocates, educates, and collaborates to create access to community-based, safe, affordable housing options and support services for residents with disabilities in Texas.