Teens Transitioning To Adulthood

As parents, it is our responsibility to learn everything we can about the transition process for students with disabilities in order for our son or daughter to have a smooth and effective transition into adulthood.

The Transition IEP

Sets goals for teens at age 16 for desired outcomes after high school graduation
Reflects the vision of how parents and their teen with Down syndrome see the future as an adult
Includes teen as a member of the IEP
Spells out concrete goals and outcomes
Addresses all areas of transition: employment, living, recreation, adult education, access to transportation and community services
Results in your teen achieving his or her dreams of successful adulthood

Teens Transitioning Into Adult Cloe-cropped

Programs After Senior Year …

School District of Palm Beach County Programs

Students with Down syndrome can receive services funded by the school district through the end of school year in which they turn 22.

Students may:

Continue at their current high school or at another high school in the district where they can obtain services for job training and independent life skills
Enroll in a community-based job training program at a charter school
Participate in the district-run Transition Program

College Programs

There are nearly three hundred college programs nationally for people with intellectual disabilities. Go to Think College.net for more information about local and national programs. The FAU Academy for Community Inclusion offers a college program locally in Palm Beach County.

… and into Adulthood

Medicaid Waiver

If your son or daughter with Down syndrome has not applied for the Medicaid Waiver…do that now! There continues to be a long waiting list and you cannot expect, at school exit, to have available the services he or she will need to access life in the community without the waiver.

To apply for the Medicaid Waiver go to APD (Agency for Persons with Disabilities) or call 561-837-5564.

Social Security

Young adults with Down syndrome who are 18 years old are eligible to apply for SSI – Supplemental Security Income. At this age, parents’ income is not counted as your children’s income. Every adult with Down syndrome should be approved for SSI. For information on working and social security benefits visit SSI, the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance and free employment services through Ticket to Work.