By Lateefah S. Williams, Esq.
Transitioning from high school to adulthood is a big deal for any student, but for students with disabilities, a lot of consideration needs to take place. Whether a student’s goal is to go to college, get a job, live independently, or something else, transition planning is essential to help students reach their goals and keep them from getting overwhelmed in the process.
Understanding the Importance of Transition Planning
Transition planning assists students in figuring out what they want to do after high school and the years beyond. Don’t get me wrong, most people switch job fields throughout their lives, so a student isn’t wedded to the decision they make in high school. That said, it is less stressful when you have a plan and are taking steps to implement it.
Schools usually start implementing transition planning for special education students once they get to high school. This allows the student to explore different options before settling on one path. Transition planning becomes part of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) when they reach high school.
The goal of a transition plan is to address basic questions like:
- Will the student pursue a college education, or will they go directly into the workforce?
- What skills are needed to live independently?
- What kind of support, if any, will they require as adults?
Addressing these questions early prevents students and their families from being caught in a last-minute attempt to make decisions about their future.
Components of an Effective Transition Plan
An effective transition plan for students with disabilities will usually focus on three major areas:
- Education and Training
There are plenty of options for education and training, even if the student does not want to go to college. Some options are:
- Four-year universities with or without disability support services, depending on the student
- Community colleges, with the option of taking smaller class sizes and having a flexible schedule
- Career and technical education programs that teach hands-on job skills
- Apprenticeship programs that allow students to earn while they learn
- Career Preparation
There are numerous factors to consider when preparing for a career right out of high school. Some of those factors are:
- Deciding if they want to work full-time or part-time
- Job shadowing to see what it’s like to work in different career fields
- Internships to gain experience, which can help a student land a full-time job
- Resume writing & interview preparation so students are prepared to apply for and successfully obtain jobs or careers after high school
- Sharpening executive functioning skills (many of their future co-workers will consider this “workplace etiquette”), such as being on time or seeking out an accommodation in advance, working well as part of a team, or keeping track of work assignments.
- Note: There is another discussion that can be had about whether people with invisible disabilities should have to “mask” or hide their disabilities to be sucessful in the workplace.
- Independent Living Skills
Some students with disabilities will desire to live independently. Some of the skills they can work on in their transition plan are:
- Finances (budgeting, paying bills)
- Transportation (driving, mass transit, biking, ride share, walking)
- Self-care (cooking, cleaning, hygiene)
- Social Skills (making friends, reading social cues, asking for assistance when needed)
Who Can Help with the Transition Process?
- Parents and Family Members
- A Responsible Adult who has Earned the Student’s Trust
It is Never Too Early to Start Planning your Future
Transitioning into adulthood can be a scary time for some students, particularly those with disabilities. But with a proper transition plan, all students can leave high school excited for their future.
