Age 14: Transition planning begins!
Transitions occur in many areas as youth become young adults. For students with disabilities, preparation beginning at age 14 focuses on academic instruction, community experiences, employment, daily living skills, and exploration of supports needed to be successful in adult life.
A youth may not have actively participated in their Annual IEP meeting previously, but it is crucial they are encouraged to attend at age 13 in order to have a voice in the plan that will be implemented once they turn 14.
Why is this plan and the youth's participation so important?
Transition Planning is the process of a youth moving through high school, preparing for graduation, and life after graduation. The three primary areas of focus include Education, Employment, and Independent Living. While the caregiver, school supports, and other team members are important in providing guidance and recommendations, every transition plan should be person-centered. This means the plan is individualized to focus on the youth's needs and wants, their strengths and preferences, and ultimately designed for the life and future they envision for themselves.
How to prepare for Transition Planning?
Disability Rights of NJ has created an interactive self-assessment tool for transition-aged students (14-21) preparing to enter adulthood. This tool is designed to empower YOU to take the lead on planning your future providing you with a document which you save and bring to IEP meetings to assist with developing your transition roadmap toward your goals for adulthood.
ASPYIR Transition Planning Tool
Obtain a non-driver Identification Card:
A non-driver identification card can be issues to New Jersey residents aged 14 and older for identification purposes only. This is NOT a driver's license and cannot be used for handicapped parking. This identification card can be used for youth 14+ to access services, opportunities, and daily life activities when official proof of identity is required.
DMV.org - applying for non-driver Identification card
New Jersey Non-Driver Identification requirements
Connect with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA):
- Who can access Pre-ETS in New Jersey?
- All students aged 14-21 who are eligible for special education
- OR Receiving accommodations under Section 504
- OR have a medically documented disability and intend to pursue employment
- What are Pre-Employment Transition Services and what's included?
- Pre-ETS are short-term services to help students explore careers, build workplace readiness skills, and prepare for postsecondary education or employment. This may include:
- Job exploration counseling
- Work-based learning experiences
- Postsecondary Education counseling
- Workplace readiness training
- Self-advocacy instruction
- Pre-ETS are short-term services to help students explore careers, build workplace readiness skills, and prepare for postsecondary education or employment. This may include:
Pre-Employment Transition Services Student Referral Form
Explore Community Resources!
When youth with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities are actively involved in community resources, they gain opportunities beyond basic support. They develop skills, build connections, and continue to a more inclusive society.
The Transition Plan should go beyond graduation goals to include developing essential skills for later in life. Some ideas include:
- Explore youth's interests and opportunities to learn more about working, volunteering and education after high school.
- Support youth in developing problem-solving, decision making, independent living, and advocacy skills.
- Help youth learn about their health and how to manage health care
- Think about types of support youth may need to make financial, medical, education, and other decisions
- Begin to help youth save for disability expenses by opening an ABLE Account.