TRANSITIONING YOUTH
Maryland Transitioning Youth Website
The Maryland Transitioning Youth website provides resources, and information for transitioning age teens with disabilities and their families. Click here to view the Maryland Transitioning Youth Website.
Transition Planning
Transition planning usually begins at age 14 and includes various partners such as the student, family, IEP team, adult service agencies and providers, and others. During the planning process postsecondary goals and activities are identified that relate to employment, training, education, and independent living. At this time, referrals to adult service agencies will also be made, if appropriate. For additional information on transition planning, view the Transition Planning Guide: Preparing Children with Disabilities to Move From School to Appropriate Postsecondary Outcomes (PDF).
Additional transition guides include the Transitioning Youth Handbook (coming soon) developed by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and the For High School Students with Disabilities & Their Families: Design Your Future guide developed by the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS).
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The Maryland Exit Document
The Maryland Exit Document is a companion document to the Maryland High School Diploma and Maryland High school Certificate of Completion. All students with disabilities receiving special education services through an IEP will receive the Exit Document when they graduate or exit from school. The document summarizes the student’s skills, strengths, and interests while also providing important information that may be useful as they transition from high school. For more information, view the Exit Document fact sheet (PDF) or (Word).
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Think Your Son or Daughter Can't Work and Still Keep Benefits?
If you have questions about how paid work will affect your child’s cash and medical benefits when they turn 18, click here (PDF) or here (Word) to view the Think Your Son or Daughter Can’t Work and Still Keep Benefits fact sheet.
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Support Services
The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), through the Governor’s Transitioning Youth Initiative (GTYI) is able to fund supported employment and other day services for eligible graduating students. Click here for information about eligibility and transition services provided by the Developmental Disabilities Administration.
The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) provides transition services to eligible youth including college preparation, summer job placement, mentoring, and help with assistive technology. Click here for more information on transition services provided by the Division of Rehabilitation Services.
The Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MD-TAP) provides service and product information, consultation, and resource assistance in order to make assistive technology more available, affordable and usable for Marylanders with disabilities. This program is especially useful for transitioning youth who are not eligible to receive services through DORS but are in need of an assistive technology device once they exit school. Click here for more information on the MD-TAP program.
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Tips for Parents Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides tips for parents of transition age chld. In addition, it also provides a worksheet designed to allow students to practice self-advocacy skills.
Tips for Parents / Tips for Parents
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Transition Fact Sheet Order Form
If you would like to order a paper copy of Tips for Parents or any of our other transition-related fact sheets, please use our Transitioning Youth Order Form / Transition Youth Order Form.
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