Transition Services

What ARE Transition SERVICES? 

Transition Services support students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school.  Through an individualized transition planning process, students identify meaningful post-secondary goals and develop the skills, experiences and supports needed to achieve them.  Transition planning is a student centered process guided by each student's strengths, preferences, interests and needs.  It helps students develop the academic, vocational, social and independent living skills need to pursue their goals after high school  Required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEAS), transition on planning includes coordinated instruction, experiences and supports that prepare students for post-secondary education, employment and community participation. 

Why Is Transition PLANNING Important? 

Transition Planning helps set the course toward post-secondary goals. Without appropriate support, the process can be confusing and overwhelming. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, PL 101-476) includes a Transition component designed to help students with disabilities—and their families—access the supports and services they need to achieve as much independence as possible. Transition Services provide guidance and resources to navigate this process effectively.

Transition SERVICES at Newmark 

At Newmark Schools, transition planning is an ongoing process that prepares students for success beyond high school.  Beginning at age 14, students participate in individualized transition planning that may include self-exploration, disability awareness, self-advocacy, independent living, career exploration, participation in IEP meeting, transition assessment, structured volunteer and work experiences, Community-Based Instruction, college and training program exploration and family workshops.  Parents and guardians are valued partners through the transition process.  Newmark provides information, guidance and resources to help families support their child's goals while collaborating with community agencies and making referrals for services beyond those offered directly by the school.  Out goal is to empower every student to leave Newmark High School with a clear plan for the future and the skills, experiences and supports needed to pursue post-secondary education, employment, independent living and meaningful participation in the community 

 

Transition Team Contact

Nadene Murphy, LCSW 
Supervisor of Transition - nmurphy@newmarkeducation.com 

Please click on this link to schedule a time to talk with me.

 

 

Transition to Adulthood for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities:

Guidance For Parents

Age 14+

  • Encourage your child to participate in their IEP meetings
  • Explore your child’s interests and opportunities to learn more about working, volunteering, and education after high school
  • Support your child in developing problem-solving, decision-making, independent living and advocacy skills
  • Help your child learn about their health and how to manage their health care
  • Think about the types of support your child may need to make financial, medical, educational and other decisions
  • Begin to help your child save for disability expenses by opening an ABLE Account

Age 16+

  • Work with your child and their school to find work and volunteer experiences based on interests
  • Help your child explore how to get around in your community using public transportation or by learning to drive using the Share The Keys Resource Guide 
  • With your child, start identifying adult health care providers by asking your child’s pediatrician for recommendations
  • If you haven’t already, help your child access sexual education and understand changes related to puberty
  • Consider options for guardianship and alternatives to guardianship such as supported decision-making, if needed

Age 18+

  • Remember, young adults reach the legal age of majority, regardless of disability and whether they still live at home
  • Young adults with developmental disabilities (DD) should apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and will automatically receive Medicaid if eligible
  • Explore supports available in adulthood and how to apply 
  • Between ages 18 and 22, your child should begin receiving health care from an adult provider
  • If you haven’t already, help your child learn how to manage their medications, make appointments, and communicate with health care providers
  • Discuss where your child would like to live in the future and the supports they’ll need
  • Encourage your child to register to vote

Age 21+

  • Be aware that eligibility for special education services ends once the school year in which your child turns 21 is completed
  • Support your child in accessing services through adult systems and providers that will help them reach their goals for continued learning, employment, and community involvement
  • If your child no longer wants to live at home, explore housing options and residential supports