Education

• Student should attend all IEP meetings and could be leading them.
• IEP should address all areas where skills are needed for independence.
• IEP emphasis should be on post-education goals and skills.
• Get agency representatives that are likely to pay for adult transition services to attend IEP meetings.
• Research college options and services offered for people with disabilities.
• Document steps taken to ensure students preferences, strengths and interests are considered even if they are not at the IEP meeting.
• Parents should get all annual IDEA notices from the school.

Employment

• A first job gives individuals experience and skills.
• Meet with DVR to help your teen find a job.
• Pay attention to the rights of people with disabilities in the workforce.
• Establish transportation necessary to get to work.

Eligibility Funding

• Medicaid — Youth should carry and use insurance card.
• SSI — Supplemental Security Income - Plan ahead if SSI is an option.  Check for eligibility the month before the person turns 18.
• CHIP — Children's Health Insurance Program State Insurance for Children for families with children under the age of 19 that don't qualify for Medicaid.
• Begin exploring adult options for healthcare coverage if current coverage will end and teach teen how it will work (Deductibles/co-pays/referrals).

Health

• Discuss transition of care with your primary care physician.
• Reinforce healthy choices and how they affect your teens medical condition.
• Discuss what your teen needs to function independently in terms of therapy, equipment, and technology.
• Encourage proper nutrition and exercise.
• Teach young adult how to make medical appointments and fill prescriptions.
• Keep a medical health record file that includes all paperwork.
• Allow youth to spend time alone with doctor during office visits.
• Schedule and have youth attend annual wellness visits with primary care physician (PCP).
• Locate an adult provider and finalize adult health care coverage.
• Transfer medical records to adult provider.

Parent/Caregiver and Young Person Interaction

• Participate and encourage your child's participation in the IEP or 504 process.
• Help young person participate in their IEP. A practice session might help.
• Help young person to monitor progress on his/her IEP.
• If you haven't already, open a joint bank account in your young adult's name.
• Help your young adult apply for a driver's license.
• Develop a long-term plan and make sure your child has employment, community and independent living skills they need.
• Find adult or teen role models for your child.
• Assess your teen's perception and basic knowledge of his/her special needs. Build on understanding. Encourage them to ask questions at doctors' visits.
• Continue teaching self-care skills; include those related to his/her condition. Encourage all attempts, reward successes. Expect positive outcomes.
• Continue teaching self-advocacy skills, especially with healthcare providers and teachers.
• Discuss age of majority and the rights that will transfer to your child when they turn 18.
• Begin helping your teen keep his/her medical summary.
• Discuss relationships and sexuality with your teen and how his/her medical condition may /or may not affect this.
• Help your teen identify and build on his/her strengths and personality traits to build self- esteem.
• Explore your teen's thoughts, hopes and dreams for his/her young adult life.
• Continue to have your teen help with family chores.
• Continue to encourage hobbies, and leisure activities, emphasizing positive lifestyle choices.
• Parents be a role model for your teen to advocate for what they need, plan ahead, be persistent, in accessing resources and services.
• If guardianship is necessary, investigate options for your child's legal protection at least two months before they turn 18.
• If necessary get a power of attorney, health care proxy or conservatorship.
• Register to vote at age 18. 
• Men should register for Selective Service. 
• Explore alternative living arrangements.
• Teach young adults about nutrition and proper exercise.
• Discuss disability rights with young adults and what that means in the workplace.
• Consider how youth will make BIG decisions when they turn 18 and arrange for assistance if necessary.
• Research supported decision making to determine if this may be an option for your young adult.
• Help young person continue to develop and use self-determination and self-advocacy skills.

Services

• Begin researching/discussing any possible supports/services that may be needed from outside agencies and how funding sources can benefit your student (SSI, Medicaid, DVR, Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), etc.)
• Identify and apply for services provided by adult agencies.
• Initiate eligibility process for adult services in state.
• Be persistent when accessing services.
• Complete DDDS application, if applicable.
• Apply for Section 8 housing if desired.
• Check into services offered at potential colleges.
• Establish connection with DART or public transportation.

Supports

• Explore support groups for teens, as interested.
• Talk with other parents of teens, with and without special needs.
• Stay connected to partners, friends, family, faith-based and community.
• Let professionals know when you need help. Accept help when offered.