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Division of Special Education & Student Services
Assistant Superintendent Douglas Cox, Toll free phone: (800) 422-2803
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Virginia Intercommunity Transition Council

Planning for Success!

The key to a successful transition is careful planning. Students must be actively involved in the planning process.
 
Living Independently
 
What can adult life include?
 

Young people with disabilities look forward to adult lives in the community that include

  • Friends and family
  • Relaxation and fun
  • A home of their own
  • Work or volunteering
  • Lifelong learning
 
This is a good picture of the future. It can happen when young people have a team planning with them.
 
What can students do?

Students are the most important part of the team. Their hopes and dreams are at the center of planning. Young people can be leaders in making decisions that affect their lives.

Students can:

  • Share their own interests, abilities and goals
  • Identify the supports they need to participate in the community
  • Decide where to live
  • Choose their friends
  • Let others know when they need help, encouragement and support
  • Learn skills of independence
  • Explore ways to have fun
 
How do families fit in?
 
All families hope their children will have the right skills, knowledge, friends, common sense, and determination to be successful in the world. Families must find the balance between protecting their children and allowing them to be independent young adults. This can be a tough job. Families may have concerns about the guidance and support their sons and daughters need for adult life.
 

To help, families can:

  • Be role models
  • Provide opportunities to learn skills of independence
  • Provide opportunities for choices
  • Listen to what students have to say
  • Organize family resources
  • Teach practical life skills
  • Plan for future legal and financial needs
  • Serve as a link between school and agencies
  • Learn about community resources
  • Identify supports that work for the student
  • Be active team members
 
What is the professional's role?
 
Professionals know about skills students may need to live in the community. They know about resources, accommodations, and other organizations. By sharing this information they help the team develop a plan that supports a student's choices.
 
Professionals can:
  • Promote experiences that build students' confidence as members of the community
  • Encourage students to share their dreams and goals for the future
  • Ask families to express their hopes and concerns about their children's future needs
  • Identify team members' roles, responsibilities and time schedules
  • Coordinate, cooperate, and collaborate to find services and supports
 
What makes a successful transition?

  • Active student involvement in making decisions
  • A transition plan that includes participating in work and community life
  • A transition plan that links the young adult with needed services and supports
  • Participation in regular classes and school activities
  • Community service activities
  • Work experiences in the community
  • Access to transportation
  • Opportunities to relax and have fun
  • Coordination among school, family and adult service agencies
  • A network of family and friends
  • Job shadowing
  • Person-centered planning
 
What are some important questions?
 
  • What are the student's interests, abilities, and choices for recreation?
  • What are the student's interests, abilities, and choices for work?
  • What are the student's interests, abilities, and choices for education?
  • What are the student's interests, abilities, and choices for living arrangements?
  • What programs and services are available that match the students interests, abilities, and choices?
  • What transportation needs and options exist?
  • How might computers or other technology help?
  • How will information be shared between current and future providers, family and friends?
  • What other information will help the team create a successful plan?
  • What happens if the plan doesn't work?
  • How can we continue to find out about services and supports after the student graduates?
 
Who can help?
 
  • Local schools
  • Federal, state and local agencies, departments and programs
  • Advocacy and self- help groups
  • Independent Living Centers
  • Parent Resource Centers
  • Organizations for people with disabilities
  • Attorneys
  • Estate and tax planners
  • Other parents of youths with disabilities
 
For more information, contact your local Special Education Director, local Rehabilitative Services Office, or the Virginia Department of Education
 

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