Age 16: Transition Services Start!
When a student with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) turns 16, they can start getting formal transition planning through their school. This planning happens in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and with help from state agencies.
A transition plan can include job training, learning life skills, joining community activities, and getting ready for college or work after high school.
In New Jersey, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) works with schools, families, and students to create a plan that matches the student’s goals for their future.
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Apply for Transportation Services
In NJ, once you're 16, you can apply for Access Link. Access Link is NJ TRANSIT’s ADA paratransit service. It is for people with disabilities who cannot use the regular bus or light rail system. The service picks you up at the curb and drops you off at the curb, as long as your trip is within ¾ of a mile of a bus or rail route.
NJ Disability Information HUB - ACCESS LINK
Why apply for Access Link at age 16?
- Eligibility is based on disability, not age. You can apply at 16 if you have a disability or medical condition that makes it hard or impossible to use NJ TRANSIT’s regular buses or light rail.
- You may need transportation for important trips. Access Link can help you get to school, work, medical appointments, or other places you need to go safely and on time.
- It supports independence. Many riders say Access Link helps them live more freely and depend less on rides that are unreliable or hard to arrange.
- You can save money. Access Link fares cost about the same as regular bus fares, including zones and transfers.
- You can manage rides easily. The Access Link mobile app lets eligible riders book, cancel, and track their trips right from their phone.
Find more Transportation Resources Here!
Start Thinking about Guardianship or appropriate alternatives
When a loved one with a developmental disability needs help making important choices, a court can appoint someone called a guardian. This guardian can then help with decisions about medical care, where the person will live, and managing their money. This is a legal way to protect the person and make sure they are safe and well-cared for. It's used when the person can't make these decisions on their own, and only after careful thought and looking at other options.
Why should you be thinking about Guardianship when your child is 16?
Planning early helps you prepare for what your child may need in the future. If your child has a disability, a long-term illness, or another condition that may require support as they grow older, starting the guardianship process at 16 gives you time to choose the right guardian, complete background checks, and get legal paperwork ready before they turn 18.
Find out more about Guardianship and Alternative options
Continue working with Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) to gain pre-vocational support and services
Working with DVRS when you are 16 gives you a head start on planning for your future. You can begin learning about careers, building real?world skills, and getting support that fits your needs. Starting early helps you move from school to a job or more education more smoothly. This early planning can make a big difference in your success later on.
What are the benefits of working with DVRS at 16?
- Early Career Exploration: DVRS (New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services) works with students as early as age 14, but age 16 is a common starting point because it’s when most students are in their final high school years. At this stage, students can begin exploring career interests, identifying job skills, and learning about post-secondary education or training options.
- Pre-ETS (Pre-Transition Employment Services): At age 16, students can access Pre-ETS, which is designed to help them develop skills, gain work experience, and build confidence before graduation. This includes vocational counseling, job readiness training, and opportunities to practice workplace skills.
- School-to-Work Bridge: DVRS counselors are assigned to each high school and work closely with teachers, child study teams, and parents to ensure transition plans are in place. Starting at 16 allows for coordinated planning so that when students graduate, they are ready to enter the workforce or pursue post-secondary education.
- Individualized Support: If a student has a documented disability (e.g., 504 Plan) that affects employment, DVRS can provide tailored services such as job coaching, specialized training, or accommodations to help them succeed in competitive jobs.
- Long-Term Career Path Planning: DVRS services can continue until competitive employment is obtained, often extending into the 18–21 age range. Starting at 16 ensures that students have enough time to build a strong foundation for their career before they leave school.
Find great resources at:
Getting involved in the community helps 16-year-olds with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities do more than just join activities. It gives them chances to grow, become leaders, and make meaningful contributions to the places where they live.
Looking for Inclusive programs? Here are a few ideas:
- DSACNJ Club Dreams - Breaking down barriers for people with Down Syndrome, Developmental Disabilities, and Neurotypical youth looking for a welcoming environment.
- Family Resource Network - offers Community Inclusion for individuals impacted by disabilities, chronic conditions, autism, and epilepsy.
- Neurodivergent Youth Support Program - Partnered with Resilient Student Athlete to offer Mentoring program.