Transition Services

What ARE Transition SERVICES? 

Transition Services support students with disabilities in identifying and achieving their life goals. Required under federal law, these outcome-oriented services promote independence and help students move from school to post-school activities. Transition planning is tailored to each student’s strengths, preferences and interests, and may include instruction, related services, community experiences, employment development and functional vocational evaluations.

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, Transition Services offer support, information, and resources to help students identify realistic post-secondary goals and develop the skills needed to achieve them. Parents and guardians also receive guidance to understand their role in supporting their teen through this process.

Starting at age 14, students may engage in transition planning through a variety of educational and community activities. Topics can include self-exploration, disability awareness, self-advocacy, independent living and career exploration. Activities might involve participation in IEP meetings, vocational assessments, Work-Based Learning, college visits, Community-Based Instruction and family workshops. While not all services are provided directly by Newmark, referrals are made to appropriate resources for services we cannot provide.

At Newmark Schools, we aim to empower students to achieve their goals. The ultimate purpose of Transition Services is to prepare students for their future endeavors—whether college, work, trade school or other ambitions—through collaboration with parents and guardians and support tailored to each student’s path toward independence.

 

Transition Team Contact

Nadene Murphy, LCSW 
Supervisor of Admissions and Transition
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