TRANSITION YEARS (14-18)
The transition years are pivotal for planning your life. During this time, you can design a plan for academic and non-academic courses, other learning experiences, employment and community living. The goals of transition planning are to help you understand your disability and to determine your future. One way transition does this is by connecting you to teachers and other caring adults, support services, and experiences that build skills and help reach your goals. Transition is based on values, priorities and culture, and is focused on your interests, preferences and needs.
“Greet all people with a smile.”
Transition Planning
Transition planning should begin at the age 14. While this may seem early, it can take months or years to complete the transition process. Below are important questions to consider with your support system:
It isn’t enough to simply be aware that you need guidance to transition successfully from high school to the next phase of young adulthood; concrete action steps must be taken to guide and prepare you for college, a career and independent living.
Obtain an identification card:
As you transition to adulthood, it is important to obtain a State Identification Card even if you are not planning to get a driver’s license. Without a photo identification card you may find it difficult to access services at banking institutions, government agencies, and transportation centers such as train stations and airports.
State Identification Cards
As youth transition to adulthood, it is important to obtain a State Identification Card a local division of motor vehicle services location even if you are not planning to get a driver’s license. Without a photo identification card, individuals may find it difficult to access services at banking institutions, government agencies and transportation centers such as train stations and airports.
The Florida Department of Education Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services
Administers programs for students with disabilities. Additionally, the bureau coordinates student services throughout the state and participates in multiple inter-agency efforts designed to strengthen the quality and variety of services available to students with disabilities. Offers transition services beginning at age 14 through age 22 for students with significant disabilities.
Project 10: Transition Education Network
Assists Florida school districts and relevant stakeholders in building capacity to provide secondary transition services to students with disabilities in order to improve their academic success and post-school outcomes.
The Dan Marino Foundation
The Dan Marino Foundation (DMF) is a results-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons with autism or other developmental disabilities. Using innovative approaches to problem solving and leveraging the latest computer technologies, the DMF is creating unprecedented opportunities for the disability community. At the core of the Foundation’s initiatives is Marino Campus, an intensive 10-month post-secondary educational program to help young adults with autism or other developmental disabilities bridge the gap between high school and employment.
Helping Adults with Autism Perform and Excel (HAAPE)
Provide adults with autism the opportunity to benefit from meaningful employment to become more independent and enhance their lives. HAAPE has established a technology center as a workplace for adults with autism that will provide training, employment, and a social environment conducive to their needs.
Picasso Einstein
Picasso Einstein provides educational and consulting services to create meaningful employment for someone with a developmental disability by starting a small sustainable business focused on the strengths and interests of the individual. Picasso Einstein offers courses, consulting and benefits counseling.
NSU CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities) At Nova Southeastern University
CARD services are designed to build on the capacities of state and local resources, not to duplicate or replace them. CARD provides families with resources specific to their needs. Some of the services that CARD provides include:
- Individualized Client and Family Support
- Family and Professional Training
- Public Education and Awareness and Community Outreach
- Programmatic Consultation and Technical Assistance
