Transitioning to Adulthood: Options and Resources from Panel Experts webinar

Broadcast live on March 6, 2024, this web panel of experts focused on post-secondary options for young adults with disabilities that impact behavioral health.

Three panelists from Breakthru Services, Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia shared information on skill building services, the basics of eligibility for DARS post-high school services, as well as targeted supports available for young adults with mental health and neurobehavioral needs and other conditions which present challenges to traditional post-secondary education, training and employment options.

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  Panel webinar recording

Paving the Way to College and Careers: Families and Schools Together curriculum

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  Paving the Way webpage

IDEA to ADA: The Difference Between High School and College Accommodations webinar

Originally broadcast on January 10, 2023. this webinar was presented by Annie Tulkin, MS, Accessible College LLC.

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  Webinar presentation slides

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  Webinar recording

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  Accessible College Resources from presenter Annie Tulkin

Transition Planning for Youth in Foster Care fact sheet

From FFF and the WAZE to Transition project at PEATC, this fact sheet is designed for youth in foster care. It overviews individualized education programs (IEPs) and foster care transition plans.

A Spanish version of the fact sheet is also available.

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  Transition Planning Foster Care Fact Sheet

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  Spanish Transition Planning Foster Care Fact Sheet en Espanol

VDOE Credit accommodations for Advanced Studies and Standard Diplomas

This webpage provides updated information about available accommodations for earning credits needed for Virginia’s Standard and Advanced Studies diplomas.

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  VDOE Credit Accommodations for students with disabilities

IEP Transition Planning In Virginia: Tips To Know For Youth With IEPs Who Are In Foster Care

A product of the WAZE to Adulthood project, developed by Formed Families Forward. This fact sheet offers tips and best practices for implementing strong transition planning for youth and young adults with disabilities who are also in foster care. Virginia-specific policies and resources are provided.

Designed for parents, caregivers, professional partners and others.

Who’s on the IEP Team resources

From the WAZE to Adulthood project at PEATC, these fact sheets support parents/caregivers and students in understanding all roles and the members of an IEP team.

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  Who is on My IEP visual for students

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  Who is on my IEP team fact sheet for students

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  Roles around the IEP Table sheet for parents/caregivers

Applied Studies Diploma fact sheet from VDOE

Published by Va Department of Education in Spring 2021.

IEP Tip Sheets for Youth

From the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research, these TEST tip sheets are designed for youth and young adults who have individualized education programs (IEPs). One focuses on preparing for an IEP meeting and another focused on identifying community partners to participate in IEP meetings and transition planning.

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  You Got This: Taking a Leadership Role in Your IEP Meeting

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  I've Got my Crew: Inviting Community Partners to your IEP Meeting

Planning the High School Transition to Post-Secondary Education webinar recording

A 35 minute discussion about transitioning from high school to college and post-high school settings, with expert guest Annie Tulkin and hosted by FFF.

Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities online modules

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), through grant funding provided by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) and assistance provided by the Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) at James Madison University has developed five web-based training modules for parents, school professionals, and other community stakeholders that work with families whom have a child with a disability.   Parents and caregivers have certain goals in mind when their children go to school. Regardless of whether or not their children have disabilities, all parents want their children to learn, explore, and experience as much as they possibly can.  Parents strive for their children to complete their public education, obtain a diploma, and be fully prepared to move on toward their chosen path, whether that is immediate employment, higher education, or something else.  In order for children to achieve these goals, there are certain decisions that will have to be made along the way.  The modules created relate to the Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities curriculum and are designed to assist participants in understanding four things as they prepare to make these decisions:

• What are some of the keys to a child’s academic success?
• What decisions will need to be made regarding a child’s educational path?
• At what point should we be making these decisions?
• What information is needed so that we can make the most well informed decisions possible for a child?

There are a total of five modules that range in length from three to five minutes, which can be completed in a single viewing or broken up over time to meet individual time constraints.

The curriculum for these modules is also available in print and online.  A fully accessible online version is located at the following web link: Virginia Department of Education’s Special Education – Parents Section.  To obtain a printed copy of the curriculum or to ask questions about the module training opportunities, please contact Tracy Lee, Family Engagement Specialist, via email, at Tracy.Lee@doe.virginia.gov, or by phone, at (804) 225-3492.

Practice Guides for Transitions for Students with Emotional Disorders

Resources from a Translating Evidence to Support Transitions (TEST) grant is to increase the use and adoption of research-based best practices in transition planning services for high school students with emotional and behavioral disorders receiving special education services.

Scroll down page to find Practice Guides, Presentations and other resources.

PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment

The road to adulthood for youth with disabilities is filled with opportunity, and parents play a key role. PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment is ready with the information families want, presented in a way families can use. The site features a wide array of transition-related resources for families and youth.

Pathways to Success modules for families

From the Virginia I’m Determined project, the Pathways to Success is a series of online learning modules for parents and caregivers.

The Pathways to Success are set up for you, at your own pace, to learn about how to support your child in becoming more self-determined. If you are just beginning, you can follow the Parent Path in the order it has been created, and if you just want to learn more about a certain aspect, you can simply skip to that part and grab the information you need

Great Expectations program

Great Expectations program for Virginia foster youth pursuing community college and other post-secondary education options.

PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment

PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment provides information and resources for youth, families, employers and others helping teens and young adults with disabilities as they transition.

National Technical Assistance Center on Transition

National Technical Assistance Center on Transition, funded by US Department of Education to support states and local school systems.

Matrix of effective transition planning practices

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition has a matrix of effective transition planning practices and predictors. Parents and caregivers, as well as educators, can learn about what works well for transitioning students with special needs.

VDOE about the Applied Studies Diploma, other diplomas and certificates and Credit Accommodations

Information from VDOE about the Applied Studies Diploma and other diplomas and certificates.

Information from VDOE about Credit Accommodations offered to students with disabilities who are seeking a Standard Diploma.

Information from VDOE about substitute tests for verified credit.

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  Applied Studies Diploma

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  Other Diplomas and Certificates

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  Credit Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

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  Substitute Tests for Verified Credit

Secondary Transition from the Virginia Department of Education

A Fast Fact sheet on Secondary Transition from the Virginia Department of Education summarizes the requirements under IDEA.