Making The Transition to Adulthood
Big changes , adventures and opportunities are ahead for your young adult with a disability ! There will be change , new experiences , new challenges , and most importantly new rewards !! No worries , it is all manageable with planning . Transition to adulthood for young adults with disabilities incorporates four areas of life … living , learning , working , and playing . School provided ( s ) foundational skills and activities in these areas of life but we need to be prepared for when they exit school . When the bus stops coming , we become the main support to the young adult , we need to be ready and prepared to help them make decisions and choices that will put them on the path to adulthood .
Key elements of transition are to identify the young adult ’ s strengths and needs in all areas of life . Have conversations around what their future goals are and what they need do to achieve those goals . Provide opportunities for them to develop the skills they will need to be productive members of their community , and provide activities that will encourage and grow their self-determination and their self-advocacy .
Adult activities that help young adults continue to develop their skills could be continued education ( college ), vocational training ( trades ), employment ( supported / competitive ), adult services ( programs ), independent living , and participating in the community . Participating in some or all of these activities are what will help lead to the achievement of the goals . More importantly , they will help develop independence and self-sufficiency that promotes confidence in the young adult .
Tip for your Transition Toolbox
Understanding the difference between school services ( a world of entitlements ) and adult services ( a world of eligibility ) is very important . While in school , students receiving special education are given a lot of entitlements , programs , services and supports the school HAS to provide to help the student successfully complete their education . Our adult services systems are based on eligibility through documentation and meeting criteria to receive services . The young adult and their family are the initiators and must complete the applications and follow-up .
Become familiar with the Adult Services Systems such as Office for People with Developmental Disabilities ( OP- WDD ), Office of Mental Health ( OMH ), Adult Career and Continuing Education
Empower
Inspire
Ability Advocate
Special Needs
Potential Thri� Growth Strategies
Services-Vocational Rehabilitation ( AC- CES-VR ), New York State Commission for the Blind ( NYSCB ), Independent Living Centers ( ILC ), College Accessibility Offices , and Department of Labor One-Stop Centers . These systems can provide guidance , support , and services which help the young adult with disabilities develop the skills and opportunities that are needed to achieve their goals .
How can parents help ?
Planning for when the bus stops coming is a challenge . You may ask yourself questions like — How do we address safety concerns ? Where do we go for help ?
These questions are your first step in helping ; by asking the questions you can get answers and make the plan that will best meet the needs of your young adult .
Start at home ! Home is where most of our experiences and opportunities are when growing and learning how to be adults . Give your young adult responsibilities around the home ; along with every member of the family , your young adult should contribute to the daily household . This will help prepare them for when they move out on their own one day .
Stay active in their schooling those final years ; make sure you have a plan and goals in place for when they exit school . Ask questions at their meetings and make sure the young adult is involved in the decision-making process about their future ( Nothing about me without me !). Ask the school for the most recent records and documentation ;
64 WNY Family June 2018