The transition out of high school and into adulthood is a big milestone for our children, and in truth, ourselves as well. While we’re watching our kiddos grow up at what feels like a mile a minute, we also have to prepare for their life post-high school — whether that includes college, day programs, or work opportunities — at the same time. This process can evoke a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from excitement and gratitude to anxiety and worry. But remember: there isn’t just one way to prepare or one path to take. Children with disabilities transition to adulthood in countless ways, reflecting their unique goals, talents, and challenges.
At times, we might need support to figure out how to plan for it all. This week, we’re walking you through the high school transition process, with resources to make sure you and your child are ready for what comes next.
Turning 18 is a big milestone — what’s the next chapter for your teen? Discover helpful tips and resources for navigating the post-high school transition, from creating a transition plan to exploring job and career training, applying for public benefits, accessing independent or supportive living services, finding day and community-based programs, and more. Check out our article on The Transition to Adulthood for all the details!
Bonus → add this goal to your Undivided account for the step-by-step process to working through all the tasks to prepare your teen for the transition to adulthood, including school supports and public benefits.
Event recap: 12 Frequently Asked Questions about High School IEPs and the Transition to Adulthood. Thinking about life after high school can be an overwhelming and emotional subject for lots of families. Luckily we have an expert on deck to help us feel confident about navigating this transition. We sat down with Undivided Education Advocate Lisa Carey to ask all our burning questions about high school IEPs, Individualized Transition Plans, diplomas, the Department of Rehabilitation, and more. If you missed the virtual live event, or you’re ready for another watch to take notes, find the full recording and read the highlights in our article.
What are the options to graduate high school with an IEP? The decision to work on the standard diploma track, a certificate track, or an alternate pathway requires some thought and should always be made with a focus on a child’s long-term goals and available supports. Start the discussion with your child’s IEP team now so that your child will not miss any opportunities available to them, including California’s new pathway to a high school diploma!
Learn about the four ways to graduate high school with an IEP, and what these choices can mean for our kids, in our article High School Graduation Options for Students with Disabilities, then dive into the new pathway in our article California’s New Pathway to a High School Diploma for Students with Intellectual Disabilities.
Is your teen getting ready to head to college? Sending your child off to college can be nerve-wracking for any parent, especially if your child has an intellectual disability. In our article, College for Students With Intellectual Disabilities, we break down the pathways to college, explore available programs, walk through the admissions process, and offer tips on how to prepare your young adult for this exciting next step.
Do accommodations exist in college? The short answer: YES. But college is different from high school in terms of what a school’s obligations are, the types of support they provide, and the ways to access that support. Get the 411 in our article College Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.
What happens when your young adult reaches eighteen and isn’t ready to make adult decisions? You may find yourself faced with the question, “Is pursuing a conservatorship the right thing to do for my child, and if so, how does it work and where do I begin?” Our article Conservatorships (Limited and Full) in California can help answer these questions (and provide you tons of parent tips!).
Check out these additional spotlight articles to help your young adult’s transition out of high school:
- Individual Transition Plan (ITP) 101
- Supported Decision-Making 101
- How the Department of Rehabilitation Can Help with the Transition to Adulthood
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in the Transition to Adulthood
As one parent told Undivided, “Undivided was extremely generous with us and allowed us a scholarship for many, many months. Our Navigator was literally an angel brought to us, with so much information that we NEVER would’ve had without her. Having her to turn to was priceless. We are SO grateful.”
How Public and Private Health Plans Work Together
One of the top questions we get from parents of kids with disabilities: “How do I pay for it all??” Between therapies, medical supplies, equipment, and other care, families like ours have more expenses to worry about. Here to give us the lowdown on how to cover those expenses with Medi-Cal and private insurance are Lisa Concoff Kronbeck and Leslie Lobel, Undivided’s specialists in public benefits and health plans. Join us on Thursday, November 14 at 1:00 p.m. PT for their expert tips and a live Q&A! Register for the FREE event here→
UD Convo: Transition to Adulthood
The transition to adulthood is a pivotal time for young people with disabilities, and having the right support can make all the difference. In our upcoming Undivided Conversation on Saturday, October 19 at 12:00 p.m. PT, Richard Rosenberg, PhD, board member of the California Transition Alliance, shares key insights on preparing for this important life stage. Learn about essential planning steps, available resources, and how to ensure a smooth transition into adulthood with the right tools and guidance. Tune in for stream on our Facebook page!
- Our explainer video “The Transition to Adulthood: Who is Responsible, and When?” covers the most important things you need to know about the transition to adulthood in just 90 seconds! Check it out on YouTube→
- What is an Individualized Transition Plan (ITP)? Listen to Dr. Sarah Pelangka’s explanation on Instagram→
- Do you have questions about supporting your child in high school? Join our supportive community of parents on Facebook→
- Help other parents of kids transitioning to adulthood find our resources! Share Undivided on LinkedIn→
- Supporting your kiddo in the transition to adulthood involves many steps, meetings, and applications. Stay organized throughout the process and get easy walkthroughs on the Undivided platform! Get started→
