Transition To Adulthood
When should you begin thinking about transition for your child?
The IEP (Individualized Education Program) must include post-secondary and transition goals by the time the student is 16.
Note that, in keeping with the individualized nature of the IEP, the IEP team has the authority to begin transition-related considerations earlier in a student’s life, if IEP team members (which include the parent and the student with a disability) think it is appropriate, given the student’s needs and preferences.Transition Requirements under IDEA / Special Education Transition to Adulthood Resources
Should you need information about your student's rights regarding the transition to adulthood for students with an Individualized Education Plan, PHP has several bilingual Education Specialists available to assist you.
Call 408-727-5775 and express your concern to an Education Specialist.
What changes occur when my child turns 18? Read about the changes.
Visit our page on Transition Tools
-
Ten Tips That May Help Your Child’s Transition To Adulthood http://www.pacer.org/parent/php/PHP-c107.pdf
-
Center for Parent Information and Resources http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/transitionadult/
-
Charting The Life Course: Transition tools and webinars http://mofamilytofamily.org/get-information/lifecourse/life-stages/transition/
-
Thriving in a Trade School with a Disability http://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/vocational-trade-school/people-with-disabilities/
"Work Early, Work Often" is a three-part video campaign highlighting the importance of work and work-based experiences in an individual's transition to adulthood. Each storyline focuses on a different subject and narrative, told from the perspective of key audiences that are part of the transition journey. The series was created by The Youth Transitions Collaborative, a community of more than 45 organizations, including the Office of Disability Employment Policy, that share a mission to empower young people with disabilities as they enter adulthood and the world of work.
Watch the series:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_LbKKp1vzlsnjYD54fGDDnBL-heAi8F4
Teaching the "Soft Skills"
More than 60% of managers say "soft skills" are the most important considerations in evaluating employee performance, according to a Millennial Branding and American Express study. Soft skills involve attitude, habits, communication, and social abilities.
Here is an online curriculum from Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) focused on teaching "soft" or workforce readiness skills to youth, including youth with disabilities. Skills to Pay the Bills (3.4 Mb)
A CLOSER LOOK:
Supporting Employers as they Recruit, Hire, Retain and Promote People with Disabilities
This resource guide identifies relevant federal and federally funded resources for employers looking to recruit, hire, retain, and promote people with disabilities. It is designed to answer common questions raised by employers and to identify relevant resources for employers who want additional information on specific topics.
The goal of this guide is to help employers implement commonsense solutions to ensure that people with disabilities, like all Americans, have the opportunity to obtain and succeed in good jobs and careers.
Transition Planning
Transition planning is important for all children but especially important for children with disabilities. Your child may have Section 504 eligibility or may have eligibility for special education.
If your child is eligible for special education and has an IEP, how can you learn about your rights and your child's rights related to transition planning.
When the student has a disability, it’s especially important to plan ahead for the transition to adulthood. IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Act, requires it.
PHP has an active parent group of adult children.
Join us for a Parent Coffee or a learning event, or our Yahoo Group!
Health Services
Office of Developmental Primary Care
Department of Rehabilitation
Independent Living Centers (ILCs)
ILCs are nonresidential, community-based agencies that are run by people with various disabilities. ILCs help people with disabilities achieve and maintain self-sufficient lives within the community. Operated locally, ILCs serve a particular region, which means that their services vary from place to place. ILCs may charge for classes, but advocacy services are typically available at no cost.
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center
San Mateo County Independent Living Center
Central Coast Center for Independent Living Center
San Joaquin County Independent Living Center
Independent Living Centers by County in California
National Council on Independent Living (to find contact info for local-level ILCs)
Special Education / IDEA Transition information
Disability Rights California & Community Alliance for Special Education provide us with this very useful publication:
Special Education Rights and Responsibilities
The National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC) about NSTTAC: A national technical assistance and dissemination center. Visit Their Site
Transition Planning resources from Pete Wright's web site.
Transition and Employment
A website on transition and employment; Click here
For Youth
Best Practices in Self-Advocacy