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Start early. Begin thinking and
investigating your options at age14, but remember, it's never too late to
start.
Write down or talk to an adult about
what your life will be like after you graduate from high school.
Talk to your teacher or school counselor
about your plans for the future.
Collect information. You can start right
now by printing out the Transition Council Checklist
found on this website.
Apply for summer jobs or volunteer
experiences. Try out jobs in areas that interest you.
Look into transportation options that
will work for you.
Join clubs or groups that will help you
make connections with adult service providers.
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Encourage your young adult to begin
making plans. Talk about interests, skills, and goals.
Investigate the adult service agencies
that might be able to meet some of the goals you and your young adult have
discussed.
Give more responsibility at home to
build self-confidence and self-sufficiency. Give an allowance to encourage
budgeting, saving, and responsible spending.
Start accessing your community,
especially public transportation and local recreation providers like the
YMCA.
Apply for Department of Mental Health
(DMH or Regional Center) case management services
Request a Person-Centered or transition
planning meeting at school to supplement the Individual Education Plan
(IEP) and identify key goals.
Review your young adult's medical
insurance options. Apply for Social Security Income (SSI) and/or Medicaide
if appropriate.
Investigate the implications of
guardianship and make a decision that will best meet the needs of your
young adult and family.
Develop a long-term financial support
plan.
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