Transition Services

What ARE Transition SERVICES? 

Transition Services play a crucial role in supporting students with disabilities in identifying and achieving their life goals. Under federal law, these services, designed within an outcome-oriented process, promote independence and help students move from school to post-school activities. Transition planning must be based on the student’s individual needs, considering their strengths, preferences and interests. It may include instruction, related services, community experiences, employment development and functional vocational evaluation.

Why Is Transition PLANNING Important? 

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

Transition SERVICES at Newmark 

 At Newmark School, the Transition Services provides valuable support, information and resources. Our focus is on helping students identify realistic post-secondary goals and equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve those goals. Additionally, parents and guardians receive guidance and assistance understanding their role in helping their teen through throughout this journey.

Starting at age 14, students engage in transition planning through education and community activities. Topics covered include self-exploration, disability awareness, self-advocacy, independent living and career exploration. Activities may involve participation in IEP meetings, vocational assessments, Work Based Learning, college visits, Community Based Instruction and family workshops.

At Newmark Schools, we want students to feel empowered to achieve their goals. The ultimate aim of Transition Services is to help prepare them for their future endeavors, whether that involves college, work, trade school or other ambitions. We are committed to supporting students, and collaborating with parents and guardians, as they navigate their chosen paths toward independence.

 

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
  • 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