Planning for the Future

Graduating from high school can be both exciting and overwhelming for many individuals with disabilities and their families. Transitioning from school to adult life can lead to may things. It may be continuing education, employment or taking part in other meaningful activities, such as volunteering and vocational or life-skills development.  

Transition planning is the process schools use to help students with disabilities. It helps them and their families as they plan for their lives after high school.  

The sooner the process begins for the student, the better. Schools need to inform students and families about that process and help them navigate through it. 

OPWDD has outlined some facts that parents need to know: 

• Schools must help students/families initiate school transitioning with OPWDD staff. This must happen before the student is 15 years old. The student’s goals must be identified on his/her Individual Educational Program (IEP). 
• Students interested in OPWDD adult supports should begin working with OPWDD at least three years prior to completing their educational program. 

• To be able to work with OPWDD, schools need to get signed consent forms from the student’s family. This is necessary in order to share records or to tell them about students who may be eligible for services.  

These forms and much more information about transition planning  from school to adult life can be found on the OPWDD website here or you reach out to your Care Manager for guidance.