Navigating Life's Transitions
Transition & Graduation
Graduating from high school, often referred to as “Transition Age,” is a significant change for many people. If a student is on an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 5 of the IEP is the transition section. Transition starts at age 14 and continues until you graduate. You will learn more about opportunities after high school during the transition years. Typically, this will include many people who want to help you succeed, including family members, school staff, employers, and HCDDS staff. In addition, you’ll work closely with people at your school and your HCDDS Transition Consultant to explore your options and plan for the future.
You can begin your planning by considering the three primary factors below. While each of these factors will impact the others, the one you start with will be specific to your family.
Learn more about these guides, including how they’re organized and how to get the most out of each guide, on the Transition Guide Home Page.
Exploration
Transition Age is a time to try different things to understand what you enjoy and what works best for you. In the years approaching graduation, you have time to explore options of what your days will look like when you finish your education. Take advantage of the significant level of support available from your school and your Transition Consultant during this transition time to prepare for the future after leaving school.
If you are interested in college or further educational training, a good place to start is talking with your school IEP team and guidance counselor. Another resource is the website thinkcollege.net. This site has information on preparing for college life and financial aid. It also manages the only national listing of college programs for students with intellectual disabilities in the United States.
What kinds of work do you enjoy? What types of jobs fit your skill set? Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) manages many job-related services for people with disabilities. OOD will have a representative assigned to your high school. You can learn more about their services on their website. Your school’s transition coordinator can help you find other opportunities. You can also contact HCDDS Employment Navigation Supervisor Nathan Beck at nathan.beck@hamiltondds.org.
Many people choose to get involved in their local communities by volunteering. Volunteering can also be an excellent way to get your foot in the door for a potential job in the future. It’s as easy as contacting organizations you’re already familiar with to ask about volunteering. Your IEP team might be able to facilitate volunteer opportunities through school. You can also work with your Transition Coordinator or reach out to Amber Cowart, the HCDDS Advocacy Coordinator, at amber.cowart@hamiltondds.org for help connecting with your local community.
You can explore other options based on your goals and your personal situation. Options might include free activities or organizations in your community, such as recreation centers, library activities, and more, or programs offered by other organizations at a cost. If you need help building connections in your community, you can contact the HCDDS ALIFE team.
HCDDS Community Navigators have assembled a resource list of local activities where people can connect with others with similar interests. You can find the Activity Resources page here.
Charting the Life Course is a set of tools that can help you identify life goals and make a plan to achieve those goals. You can use each Life Course tool alone or as part of a more comprehensive toolbox that can grow with your child. Learn more about these free tools on their website. The Life Course Trajectory Tool is a good place to start.
School Advocacy
As you work with your local school district on your IEP and transition planning, you might need support as you advocate for yourself and your needs.
The HCDDS Transition team has created an in-depth Transition LiveBinder full of family resources. The “IEP Section 5” tab of the LiveBinder includes helpful information about navigating the IEP process. there you can click on the tabs under “IEP Section 5” to explore these resources.
If you need support as you work with your IEP team, contact your school’s parent mentors/educational advocates. If you don’t know your school’s parent mentors, you can find a list here.
You can find additional guidance and resources from the Ohio Department of Education.
Legal and Financial
There are many legal and financial considerations to begin planning for before graduation, including long-term savings, public benefits, independence, and more.
If you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to begin the eligibility process. You can learn more about eligibility and complete the form here. If you’ve already been determined eligible for services at an earlier age, you’ll need to complete a redetermination assessment when you turn 16.
The process of applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid can include significant waits, so you should begin this process early. Learn more about benefits from the Disability Benefits 101 website. The HCDDS Benefits team can also help you through this process. To find out more and connect with our benefits team, speak with your SSA or HCDDS Transition Consultant.
STABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save and plan for the future without losing eligibility for public benefits programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Learn more about STABLE Accounts here.
After graduation and depending on your level of independence, you might need support to make important decisions about your life. There is a range of available options. Learn more about options, including supported decision-making or guardianship with this toolkit from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). There are also several resources on this topic in the Transition LiveBinder.
Other Considerations
Other important things to consider when you’re planning for life transitions in adulthood might include:
As you enter adulthood, you’ll transition from a pediatrician to a doctor for adults. Finding a doctor you’re comfortable with and who understands your needs is essential. A good place to start is by talking with your current pediatrician.
If you’re looking for ways to build social connections with your community and don’t know how to get started, reach out to HCDDS Advocacy Coordinator Amber Cowart at amber.cowart@hamiltondds.org or Family Engagement Coordinator Sean Bostic at sean.bostic@hamiltondds.org.
If you want to move out of your current home, you can begin considering other options. The Housing Options Guide was created by volunteers, including parents and other stakeholders. People with disabilities and their families have many things to consider when planning for housing that aligns with their vision of a good life and meets the family’s unique needs and interests. This guide provides information and resources so families can begin their housing planning journey. Find the guide here.
FSSP is designed to keep families together. Your County Board of DD determines eligibility, and the Southwestern Ohio Council of Governments (SWOCOG) administers the program. Learn more about the Family Support Services Program here.
More Info
If you have questions or are looking for guidance during this stage, contact Nathan Beck at nathan.beck@hamiltondds.org or (513) 559-6852. If you are not yet receiving services from HCDDS, begin by contacting our Introduction and Eligibility team.
If you’d like to dig deeper, the following links provide additional resources.
- The HCDDS Transition team has created a LiveBinder resource on our website. The LiveBinder compiles extensive resources to help you plan for the future and successfully navigate the Transition Age. You can find more information on all topics in this guide and more by visiting the Transition LiveBinder.
- The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital has compiled an extensive Special Needs Resource Directory.
- Charting the Life Course is a framework and a set of tools to help you organize your ideas, vision, and goals and problem-solve, navigate, and advocate for support. You can use each Life Course tool alone or as part of a more comprehensive toolbox that can grow with your child. Learn more about these free tools on their website.
- As you’re thinking about this life transition and what comes next, you might find it helpful to look ahead to the Adulthood Transition Guide.
