Transitioning to Adulthood: My Experience with Transition Programs for Young Adults

A transition program helps young adults with disabilities move from high school to adult life. Typically for young adults ages 18 to 22, the program teaches them skills needed to work, live on their own and be part of the community. Each program’s services are tailored to students’ goals and needs, as outlined by their Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee.

When my son graduated from high school, he entered a transition program. But I didn’t fully understand what it offered and realized I should have asked more questions. 

I assumed the program would follow the same schedule as high school. However, it was only a few days and hours each week. I work outside of the home, so as his primary caregiver, I had to quickly figure out a solution. 

If I had asked more questions, I would have learned the programs are meant to help students slowly phase out of school services. In the end, a program coordinator helped me develop a plan. 

Here are some key topics and questions I wish I had asked about transition programs:

• Program structure.
  • What is the schedule and length of the program?
  • How many days per week and hours per day will my child attend?
• Eligibility and enrollment.
  • How do I know if my child is eligible?
  • How long can my child be in the program?
• Services and support.
  • What types of services and support (such as job training, life skills or community activities) are offered? 
  • How are these services tailored to my child's needs?
• Staff and supervision.
  • What qualifications do the staff members have?
  • What is the student-to-staff ratio?
• Goals and outcomes.
  • What are the program's goals for students?
  • How is progress measured and reported to parents?
• Transportation.
  • Is transportation provided to and from the program?
  • If transportation is not provided, what are alternative options?
• Post-program support.
  • What happens after my child completes the program?
  • Are there follow-up services or resources to support the transition to adulthood?
• Additional resources.
  • Are there other community resources or programs that can support your child’s transition to adult life?

Asking these questions can help you make sure the transition program you choose meets your child's needs and your family's expectations. It can help to talk regularly with the program staff and to ask for extra assistance if you need it.

Visit the Funding and Services From Age 18 page to learn more about transitions to adulthood.