TRANSITIONS GUIDE HOMEPAGE

My Child with Special Needs is Graduating from High School

What is going to change now that my child isn't in school?

Changes in Services.

Your child may no longer be eligible for the services they received in high school, such as speech, occupational therapy, and other related services. You will need to work with your child's school and transition team to develop a transition plan that outlines the services and supports your child will need in their post-secondary education or employment.

1.)

Post-secondary education.

Now is the time to decide if post-secondary education is right for your child! If your child plans on attending college or vocational school, they will need to explore the accommodations and services available to them. This may include accommodation for testing, note-taking, and assistive technology. The college or vocational school's disability services office can help you understand the accommodations available for your child. 

2.)

Independent living

Your child may need assistance with living independently, including finding accessible housing, transportation, and personal care services. Organizations like Centers for Independent Living can provide resources and assistance in these areas. It can be very helpful to consult with Hamilton County DDS when trying to navigate local resources.

3.)

Legal rights and responsibilities

As your child becomes an adult, they will have new legal rights and responsibilities. It's important to understand their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how to advocate for their needs in the workplace and other settings.

4.)

What should I be doing?

Plan for the future.

This may involve thinking about your child's long-term goals and aspirations, as well as considering what types of support they may need to achieve those goals. For example, you may want to explore post-secondary education options, vocational training programs, or other opportunities that can help your child gain skills and experience that are relevant to their interests and career goals.  

This would be a great time to reach out to OOD and Hamilton County DDS to get your child set up to receive services, tips, and resources! They can work with you, your child, and the professionals who are already in their life to help develop a plan for after graduation! 

Charting the Life Course is another great place to start! It is a person-centered framework of tools that can be used to plan for your child’s future! You can take some of these tools and completed worksheets to meetings with counselors and teachers. This can help ensure that you and your child are being heard!

1.)

Connect with local and national disability support organizations.

Disability organizations can be a valuable source of information and support for parents of children with special needs. These organizations may be able to connect you with other families who have gone through similar experiences, provide information about resources and services in your community, or offer advice on how to navigate the transition to adulthood. 

2.)

Think about what is going to change when your child reaches the age of 18.

Depending on your child's level of independence and ability to make decisions, you may want to consider what options are available to ensure that they are protected and supported. Guardianship can provide parents with legal authority to make decisions on behalf of their child in areas such as healthcare, finances, and living arrangements. Guardianship is the most well-known decision-making option, but it is important to look into other alternatives before going down that path. Once an individual is appointed under a Guardianship, it is permanent and legally takes away their right to make choices about their life. This can be beneficial for some, but not for all! 

3.)

Encourage independence

Encouraging your child to be as independent as possible can help them develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in adulthood. This may involve teaching them life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and managing money, as well as providing opportunities for them to practice these skills in real-world settings.

4.)

Stay informed

Laws and regulations related to disability rights and benefits are constantly evolving, so it's important to stay informed about any changes that may affect your child. This may involve staying up-to-date on federal and state laws, as well as connecting with advocacy organizations that can help you navigate the legal system.

5.)

Foster social connections

Building and maintaining social connections can be an important part of transitioning to adulthood. Encourage your child to participate in community programs or activities that align with their interests and consider connecting with other families who have children with special needs. Social media can also be a great way to stay connected with others and find support. 

6.)

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