At Van Alstyne High School, we are committed to preparing every student for life beyond high school—including those with mild to moderate disabilities. We recognize that the transition to adulthood is a critical time, and we are dedicated to providing the support, resources, and planning necessary to help students achieve their postsecondary goals. Whether a student is preparing for college, pursing vocational training, entering the workforce, joining the military, or working toward living as independently as possible, our transition services are designed to meet individual needs and build on each student’s strengths and aspirations.

What supports and services are available for my student served through a 504 or IEP after high school?

Because each student has a unique set of needs, it is important to remember that there is a wide variety of support and services for students after high school, depending on the student's academic and functional levels.

The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency that provides transition support to students with a wide range of disabilities through a variety of ways, which can include, but are not limited to:

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION: financial assistance with college or a technical/vocational program
JOBS: on-site job training, job coaching, finding job opportunities
LIVING ASSISTANCE: self-advocacy training, social skill instruction

Check this presentation out from Texas Workforce Solutions about Soft Skills and Employment.

What supports can my student get at College who had a 504 plan or IEP in high school?

Students will need to apply for supports through the Office of Student Disability Services at the college they are going to. The college will determine what supports the student will be able to receive. Remember, once a student turns 18, colleges will not talk to parents/guardians directly. Students will need to have a copy of their most recent evaluation and plan. Here are some examples from Texas Colleges.

Texas A&M UT Austin Texas Tech

Collin College Grayson College

What collegiate options are there for my student with more significant academic needs?

Comprehensive Transition and Post-Secondary Programs

A CTP program for students with intellectual disabilities means a degree, certificate, or nondegree program that is offered by a college or career school and approved by the U.S. Department of Education. CTP Programs are designed to support students with intellectual disabilities who want to continue academic, career, and independent living instruction to prepare for gainful employment (studentaid.gov). Most of CTP programs accept federal grants (FAFSA application).

Click here for a complete list by state. Texas CTP Programs are listed below.

Texas A&M University

TAMU-San Antonio

Houston Community College

University of North Texas

What options are there for my student who is needs more support with independent living and care?

There are many things to consider when a student with moderate to severe disabilities is transitioning out of high school and into adulthood, such as living arrangements, adult employment/day programs, independent living skills, medical support etc. Check out the resources below!

Resources for parents of students with disabilities, including a guide to the financial assistance component (HCBS, CLASS, SSI, and more).

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers some cash help for living expenses. There are income limits and other disability-related requirements for this program.
Transition to adult health care, including information on Medicaid, public program that provides medical services for people who meet certain income or disability requirements. This program can cover many things, including health care costs, hospital expenses, transportation to a doctor’s visit, and much more.
Waivers are a gateway to services for many families. The income limits for waivers are only based on the income of the person with a disability or special health care needs, regardless of their age. This means that a parent’s income level is not considered when applying for one of these programs. Even if you aren’t sure whether your child will use the services from a waiver, it might be a good idea to get on a waiting list for any program(s) that might meet your child’s needs, because it can take years to get into these programs.
Legal Help with understanding and navigating wills and trusts, power of attorney, and guardianship verses supportive decision making.
Housing options for your student after high school, including HCS group homes.

Information on statewide services and programs that assist in the transition to life outside of the public school system.

Full Version here.

Condensed Version here.

Video here.

TEA provides guidance for parents and students with disabilities about driving requirements in Texas.

Watch Navigating Adulthood: Transportation Planning for Students with Disabilities from TEA and SPEDTex here.

TCC will provide or contract to provide an array of services and supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Videos and documents to assist parents in planning for their student's transition outside the public school system.

Watch online webinars covering Navigating Higher Education After High School, Financial Advice for Special Needs Caregivers, Educational Options After High School for Special Needs Families, Special Needs Trusts, and More!