Turning 18 Checklist

When your student turns 18 they will be a legal adult. He or she will be responsible for their own decisions unless they have a legal guardian.

There are many areas to take into consideration when planning for adulthood:

Transition Checklist

The following is a checklist of transition activities that you may wish to consider when preparing transition plans with the IEP Team.

Four to Five Years Before Leaving the School District

Identify personal learning styles and necessary accommodations to be a successful learner and worker.
Identify career interests and skills, complete interest and career inventories, and identify additional education or training requirements.
Explore options for secondary education and admissions criteria.
Identify interests and options for future living arrangements, including supports.
Learn to communicate effectively your interests, preferences, and needs.
Be able to explain your disability and the accommodations you need.
Learn and practice informed decision making skills.
Investigate assistive technology tools that can increase community involvement and employment opportunities.
Broaden your experiences with community activities and expand your friendships.
Pursue and use local transportation options outside of family.
Investigate money management and identify necessary skills.
Aquire identification card and the ability to communicate personal information.
Identify and begin learning skills necessary for independent living.
Learn and practice personal health care.

Two to Three Years Before Leaving the School District

Identify community support services and programs (Vocational Rehabilitation, County Services, Centers for Independent Living, etc.).
Invite adult service providers, peers, and others to the IEP transition meeting.
Match career interests and skills with vocational course work and community work experiences.
Gather more information on post-secondary programs and the support services offered; and make arrangements for accomodations to take college entrance exams.
Identify health care providers and become informed about sexuality and family planning issues.
Determine the need for financial support (Supplemental Security Income, state financial supplemental programs, Medicare).
Learn and practice appropriate interpersonal, communication, and social skills for different settings (employment, school, recreation, with peers, etc.).
Explore legal status with regards to decision making prior to age of 18.
Begin a resume and update it as needed.
Practice independent living skills, e.g., budgeting, shopping, cooking, and housekeeping.
Identify needed personal assistance services, and if appropriate, learn to direct and manage these services.

One Year Before Leaving the School District

Apply for financial support programs. (Supplemental Security Income, Independent Living Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Personal Assistant Services).
Identify the post-secondary school you plan to attend and arrange for accomodations.
Practice effective communication by developing interview skills, asking for help, and identifying necessary accomodations at post-secondary and work environments.
Specify desired job and obtain paid employment with supports as needed.
Take responsibility for arriving on time to work, appointments, and social activities.
Assume responsibility for health care needs (making appointments, filling and making prescriptions, etc.).
Register to vote and register for selective service (if male).

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