WeInclude - Employment Initiative for Californians with Developmental Disabilities

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Transition to Adult Life

How parents can help with the transition planning process

There are many ways that parents can help make a son or daughter’s transition to adult life, including college and/or work, as smooth as possible. It is important to include your son or daughter in setting goals for their future. It is also important to make sure that the school prepares him or her to meet these goals.

Transition to Adult Living Guide
This guide, from the California Department of Education, is designed to help students and their families plan for leaving school and entering the adult world.
- Family Workshop (PowerPoint) is to assist families in using the Transition to Adult Living Guide
Parent and Family Guide to Transition Education and Planning
This easy to use guide from San Diego State University is a workbook for students and families that will help you begin transition planning.
California Department of Education
Schools have work experience programs that provide the opportunity to explore different kinds of employment and acquire job skills.
California Community Colleges
Community Colleges offer many services through the Disabled Students Program and Services to assist with participation in community college classes. College is one pathway to skill development leading to employment and career pathways.
Think College! College Options for People with Intellectual Disabilities
This website shares what is currently going on, provides resources and information for transition aged students as well as adults attending or planning for college

The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) has many publications parents will find helpful. Some topics include:

Encourage Independence

Getting around on your own, managing money and making decisions - both big and small - are an important part of becoming independent. Some young adults may need support in these and other activities, but it's never too soon to begin helping your son or daughter by encouraging independence.

Many resources can help you learn more about the transition to adult life. The Special Edge is a newsletter published by California Department of Education designed to support and inform parents to help their children learn.

Another resource, The Riot, is a publication by and for self-advocates designed to help people live the lives they want with the support they need.

Familiarize Yourself with the Adult Service System

Parents need to be informed about available programs and the eligibility criteria for each. There are two principle agencies to assist you in gathering information about your local area.

The regional center can assist with learning about resources for independent and supported living as well as employment services options.

The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) specializes in helping individuals with disabilities enter the workforce and maintain jobs. DOR can help with career counseling, the planning needed to transition from school to work, and other services. In addition, DOR provides assistance with finding, learning and keeping jobs through the Supported Employment Program. Click here for more information about local DOR offices.

Encourage Skills That Support Independence

The Department of Developmental Services Consumers Advisory Committee (CAC) has developed printed and video resources to help plan, make decisions, and think about entering the world of work. Again, these are videos that families can watch and learn from together.

Provide opportunities to manage money early. Managing money is an important skill. When that first paycheck arrives being able to handle banking, bill paying, and budgeting will be important. Practicing opportunities to acquire these money management skills is crucial.