FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about transition services. Just click on a question below to reveal the answer associated with it.

What should be included in a transition plan?

How do I develop a transition plan?

What options should the transitioning student consider after high school?

Where can my young adult live?

Are health care, insurance and other public assistance available?

What is the Delegation of Rights to Make Educational Decisions and do I need one?

What should be included in a transition plan?

A transition plan must be in your child’s individualized education plan (IEP)] starting at age 14Â½.

The transition plan must have age-appropriate goals related to:

Training
Education
Employment
Independent living skills

The plan must address services (including classes) to help your child reach goals. A plan should be result-oriented and based on individual strengths, preferences, interests and goals. A transition plan should include a coordinated set of activities that:

Helps improve your child’s academic and functional achievements as he or she moves toward higher education, employment, independent living and community participation
Is based on your child’s needs, while taking into account strengths, preferences and interests
Includes instruction, community experiences and the acquisition of life skills and job goals

How do I develop a transition plan?

Your child should go to the IEP meeting and help plan for transition services. Consider your child’s goals and needs, and what your child wants for the future. The school must consider your child’s desires when writing the IEP. Goals should be specific and written into the IEP. Goals may include:

Getting a job or working
Going to a community college or a university
Living in a dorm, an assisted-living community or an apartment
Getting a driver’s license
Taking the bus alone or going grocery shopping

Include written accommodations and supports so your child can meet the goals. To create an effective plan, know about your rights and talk with your child about the future.

What options should the transitioning student consider after high school?

There are several options to consider after high school, including:

Higher education such as college or junior college, with modifications as needed
Vocational education and job training
Integrated employment
Continuing adult education
Continued community and recreational participation
Adult services
Social skills training to increase community involvement
Job and skills training can include:
Apprenticeships that have on-the-job training and work experience;
Other options such as trade and technical schools, or competitive employment
Volunteering
Supported employment, which can provide:
- A job coach who helps your child learn and perform the job and adjust to the work environment
- Transportation
- Assistive technology
- Specialized job training

The Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (VR) provides services to people with disabilities with a focus on career development, employment preparation, achieving independence, and integration into the workplace and community. To apply, make an appointment with the local VR and fill out an application. To be eligible for services:

Your child must be person with a disability
The disability must be a substantial barrier to employment
Your child must require services to get and keep a job

For more information go to http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29736

Where can my young adult live?

Your child may live:

In an apartment or home
At home with a parent or family member
In a group home that has:
- Few residents, in a neighborhood, and help to increase their independence
- Staff that helps with cooking, laundry, money management, making personal choices, health and safety issues, mobility, self-medication, social skills and vocational skills
In semi-independent living that provides:
Supervision, care and training for the person with a disability
In assisted living for people who need help with daily living but who do not need intensive medical help. Services can include:
- Health care management and monitoring
- Help with daily living activities such as dressing and eating
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Help with taking medication, recreational activities, security and transportation

More information about housing can be found through Housing and Urban Development.

Are health care, insurance and other public assistance available?

Yes, these are among the forms of help available:

Medicaid is a health program for low-income people with disabilities. You can apply through the

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services

.
Medicaid Waiver Programs allow children who would normally be institutionalized to live at home.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) helps people with a mental or physical impairment that results in the inability to do any substantially gainful activity and can be expected to result in death or will last for longer than a year continuously. To apply, make an appointment with Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
Food stamps (SNAP) also help low-income families buy food. Contact the Department of Human Services.

What is the Delegation of Rights to Make Educational Decisions and do I need one?

In Illinois, when your child turns 18, the rights under IDEA are transferred from you to your child. One year before your child turns 18, your child must sign a statement that he or she is aware that these rights will be transferred. These rights include:

Making decisions about his or her education and future
Being responsible for his or her own IEP
Changing his or her placement
Attending mediation
Filing due process
Initiating dispute resolution
Getting notice of upcoming IEP meetings
Giving consent to be re-evaluated
Determining his or her eligibility for services

As the parents, you must also be notified that all rights will transfer to your child. Your child can sign a Delegation of Educational Rights Form so you have the right to make educational decisions for your child after age 18, even if your child has NOT been declared incompetent.