Preparing for our kids’ transition out of high school and into the great, big world of adulthood can often feel like a mixed bag of emotions: excitement, joy, anxiety, gratitude — and maybe a side of panic?! If your child is in high school, part of the IEP process will include planning for their transition to post-high school, whether that includes college, day programs, or work opportunities. Children with disabilities transition to adulthood in as many different ways as they are unique, each with their own goals, talents, and challenges — and sometimes we need some help figuring out how to plan for it all.
This week, we’re walking you through the transition process with resources to help you and your kids prepare for life after high school (& do it as smoothly as possible!).
Your kiddo is growing up, and soon they’ll be 18. What’s next?
Get tips and resources on the post-high school transition, including transition planning, job and career training, public benefits and how to apply, independent and supportive living services, day- and community-based programs, and more, in our article on the transition to adulthood. Read the article here!
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to helping our kids navigate the high school experience and work toward the futures they want. Learn about the 4 ways to graduate high school with an IEP, including California’s new pathway to a diploma, and what these choices can mean for our kids, in our article High School Graduation Options for Students with Disabilities.
Does the idea of your child attending college alongside their typical peers seem out of reach, especially if they have an intellectual disability? In our article, Thinking About College for Students With Intellectual Disabilities, we dive into the pathways to college for students with disabilities, including available programs, what the admissions process might look like, and ways to prepare your young adult for a college experience.
Check out these additional articles to help your young adult transition out of high school and beyond:
- Individual Transition Plan (ITP) 101
- Supported Decision-Making 101
- Conservatorships (Limited and Full) in California
- You can help prepare your teen for college by working on certain skills in everyday life. Check it out on YouTube→
- We’re so grateful to the amazing parents in our private Facebook group who share resources, upcoming events, and personal experiences we can relate to! Join us if you haven’t already→
- Did you see Navigator Carrie at Club Twenty-One’s Tools for the Journey conference last week? We love seeing our community in person! Check it out on Instagram→
- What disability-related stories are you following in the news? Share with us on LinkedIn→
- Whether your child is 4 or 14, an Undivided Navigator can help you identify priorities and accomplish goals to prepare for your child’s future. Start here→
One Undivided member shares with us, “Thank you so much, again, for all you’ve done. I really appreciate all your help, especially just being an ear when I’ve been utterly overwhelmed and upset. It’s been really helpful to know you know how this stuff is, and I really appreciate all the times I’ve asked for info and you’ve found me what I need. Thank you!”
Office Hours with Lisa Carey
On Wednesday, February 21, 12:00–1:00 p.m. PST, Education Advocate Lisa Carey will be available to answer questions about IEPs and special education. Stop by for five minutes or the whole hour to get expert answers and connect with other parents. Bi-weekly Office Hours are virtual Q&A sessions with experts that are open to Undivided members only, so if you’d like to attend, sign up here to begin your free Kickstart!
This newsletter was originally sent to our subscribers on 2/8/24. Subscribe to our newsletter to get more resources like this in your inbox, and check out our full library of articles, templates, and videos at undivided.io/resources.
