Transition Planning for Young Adulthood

Implications for Your Child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

The realization of emotional and practical independence is a gradual process for young adults and their families. Although chronic illness complicates the

How to Include Transition Planning in an IEP Preparing for and Attending College Receiving Benefits from the Social Security Administration Medicaid Vocational Rehabilitation Services Employment Technology Increasing Independence Transportation Travel and Recreation

picture, with careful planning and the use of community and government resources, young adults with CFS, FM, and OI can assume increasing independence. 

Preparation for the transition to independence should take place as early as possible in adolescence. It should be an integral part of special education. 

Many people do not know that adolescents receiving special education through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are legally entitled to receive transition planning services while they are in high school. Their IEPs should set preparation goals for independent living, including factors such as learning about post-secondary education, employment, workplace accommodations, transportation, health care decision making, financial management, socialization, and housing. 

If you or your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, please begin with our page about Transition Planning in Adolescence, which links to a wealth of resources to help you get started in planning for adulthood. 

Even if you are a young adult who did not receive transition planning services as part of your K-12 education, you and your family can still begin to use tools designed to support independence. The sidebar on the right provides resources to get you started.

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