Phone: 440-324-5777 Fax: 440-324-7355
1885 Lake Avenue, Elyria, OH 44035

Timelines for Transition

Student Age Action Needed
Age 14 • Statement of transition needs that focuses on your child’s course of 
  study (college or vocational training)
Age 16 • Transition planning (focus on interagency responsibility or needed
   linkages including MRDD, BVR, SSA, etc.)
• Identify when student will leave school (can attend through age 21)
• Identify job interest and abilities
• Include activities such as career exploration, job sampling and some
  job training
• Begin to identify community services that provide job training and
  placement
• Begin application to adult service agencies
• Consider summer employment or volunteer experience
• If college bound, take PSAT and plan for test accommodations if
  needed
• Consider AP classes and review class schedule with guidance
  counselor
• Develop an understanding of own disability and learning style
• Practice self advocacy skills, co-lead IEP meeting if appropriate
16-18 • Contact Adult Services Programs:
       - Colleges, vocational or technical schools
       - Social Security Administration
       - Residential or independent living services
       - Recreation/Leisure groups
       - Medical Services
• Identify graduation date (may remain in school through age 21)
• Begin formalized vocational assessments
17-18 • Begin to consider and research guardianship
• Continue to review and update transition plan
• Take ACT, SAT tests
• Visit colleges and disability services office
• Register with Disability Service Office of your preferred college by the
  end of Senior year
• Pursue college scholarships, grants. etc.
• Review eligibility of medical insurance due to age
18-21 • Establish health benefits if needed
• At age 18, males will need to register for Selective Service (mandatory
  registration, forms available at your local post office)
• Check local taxation code for any yearly filings that will need to be done
  (ex. Middletown income tax is filed by each individual)
• Continue to update and review Transition Plan
• Develop long term financial support plan (ex. SSI) if needed