Transition to Adulthood
The transition from high school to adulthood is a major milestone for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. It’s a time filled with big changes, overwhelming to-do lists, and a flood of information about services, supports, and next steps. To help make this journey a little easier, we’ve gathered key resources to guide you through important areas like education, employment, independent living, and community connections. Clark County also holds a yearly training series in collaboration with school districts and other agencies called The Family and Educators Training Series, which covers these important topics. While these tools can provide valuable information, you don’t have to navigate this transition alone—we’re here to support you every step of the way. For this year’s Training Series visit: https://www.gowise.org/fts/
High School and Beyond
Your student is eligible to receive special education services from the school district beginning at the age of 3 and up to the age of 22. Your student does not remain eligible for special education services if they graduate with a high school diploma before they turn 22. Transition programs help young adults with disabilities prepare for life after high school by building skills for employment, independent living, and further education. Many local school districts offer these programs for students ages 18-22, providing hands-on learning, community experiences, and support tailored to individual goals. Below is a list of local school districts with transition programs designed to help students navigate this important next step
Applying for Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) services before entering a transition program is crucial because it ensures that students can access the supports they need without delays. Many transition programs collaborate with DDA services, such as Job Foundations and employment supports, to help students build skills and prepare for adulthood. Early eligibility allows families to plan ahead and ensures a smoother transition to adult services, including long-term employment and independent living supports.
Social Services
Community
Helping you Young adult Make Decisions
Transition Services Overview - Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction OSPI
As your student gets older and progresses through school, her/his special education program is required to focus more intentionally on preparing your student for life after s/he graduates or “ages-out” of the school system.
What’s Next? High School Transition Planning Timeline - PAVE
Check these milestones to ensure high school paves a pathway for young adult success and achievement!
Is College Possible? - Think college
Think College provides resources, technical assistance and training related to college options for students with intellectual disability, and manages the only national listing of college programs for students with intellectual disability in the United States.
Building a Whole Life
Building a full and meaningful life as a young adult with disabilities involves accessing the right resources for support, independence, and community involvement. In Washington State, several programs can help with employment, education, independent living, and social connections. Key resources include the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) for long-term services and supports, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for job training and employment assistance, and Social Security benefits (SSI/SSDI) for financial support. Other valuable resources include housing assistance, local transition programs for skill-building, and community organizations that offer advocacy, peer support, and social opportunities. These supports can help young adults create a future that aligns with their goals and aspirations.
Employment
Students in participating transition programs who are DDA-eligible can take part in Job Foundations to receive individualized assessments and recommendations for employment pathways. This helps ensure that when they leave the school system, they have a solid plan and the right supports in place for a successful transition into the workforce. Many local transition programs work directly with Job Foundations to provide students with hands-on work experiences, connections to employment providers, and a clearer path toward meaningful employment.
The Youth Employment Services (YES) program provides pre-employment transition services to students with disabilities, ages 14-21, that reside in Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Wahkiakum, or Pacific County. YES is designed to improve employment outcomes by providing work readiness training, career related learning experiences and paid internships.
Informing Families - Ageas 14-21 Overview
During these years that your family member is immersed in school, make the most of the support they have to focus on emerging independent living skills, employment opportunities, and connections to your community. Typically, after age 21, school activities and school based services end. It is important to learn as much as you can about the road ahead so that you can begin to prepare your family member for a full life after school.
As teens with disabilities transition to adulthood, they may need support in making decisions while maintaining their independence. Options for decision-making support range from informal supports, like guidance from family and trusted individuals, to formal arrangements, such as supported decision-making agreements (SDM), where a person chooses supporters to help them understand and make choices. Other legal options include power of attorney, which allows someone to make specific decisions on their behalf, and guardianship, which is a more restrictive option used only when necessary. The goal is to provide the right level of support while respecting the individual’s rights and preferences. Visit https://www.peacenw.org/guardianship to learn more.
Student and Youth VR Transition Services - The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation works with schools and other agencies to provide Transition Services. DVR also offers Transition Services to youth with disabilities who are not in school and who have applied for and been determined eligible for vocational rehabilitation services.
Young adults transitioning to adulthood may need support in navigating essential financial and healthcare resources. Social Security benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can provide financial assistance for those who qualify. Medicaid offers healthcare coverage, including long-term services and supports, while Medicare may be available for individuals receiving SSDI. Understanding and accessing these programs can help young adults maintain stability and independence as they move into adulthood.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) are both benefits provided by the Social Security Administration, but they have key differences. SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSDI, on the other hand, is based on work history and is available to individuals who have earned enough work credits through employment.
When a young adult with a disability turns 18, they can apply for SSI based on their own financial situation, rather than their parents' income and assets. This is important for those who may not have qualified before due to family income. The application process includes proving financial need and demonstrating that the disability significantly limits their ability to work and function independently.
Medicaid and Medicare are both government programs that provide healthcare coverage, but they serve different populations and have different eligibility requirements.
Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that provides healthcare for individuals with low income, including many people with disabilities. In Washington, Medicaid is called Apple Health, and it covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and long-term services and supports. Young adults with disabilities can qualify for Apple Health through SSI-linked Medicaid (if they receive Supplemental Security Income) Click here to learn how to apply.
Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, but young adults with disabilities can qualify if they receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months. Medicare covers hospital care (Part A), medical services (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D), though out-of-pocket costs may apply. Click here for more
In Washington, young adults with disabilities who qualify for both programs can receive dual coverage (Medicaid and Medicare), which helps cover costs like premiums, co-pays, and services not fully covered by Medicare. Those who need long-term services and supports can also apply for Medicaid waivers through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) or other state programs.
Building community is essential to creating a whole and fulfilling life, providing connection, support, and opportunities for growth. Our Building Independence group brings people together to develop social connections and life skills, while events like the Special Celebrations Prom offer a chance to celebrate and connect. We also share events from other community organizations and host various gatherings throughout the year to support individuals and families. Stay informed about upcoming opportunities by subscribing to our newsletter!