What opportunities are available after high school?

Action Plans > How can I make sure the transition to adulthood goes smoothly?

What opportunities are available after high school?

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1Employment

2Postsecondary Education

3Community Living

4Additional Info

Employment

Individuals with disabilities are employable. The state agency, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, is an important partner in the process of helping youth with career exploration, employment readiness skills, and job placement.

Acronym Key: IEP = Individualized Education Program | VR = Vocational Rehabilitation

Developing skills for the workplace

Learn to use time management strategies at home and in school (i.e., checklists, calendar, planner)

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, family

Take on more chores at home.

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, family

Consider taking community based classes to expand your hard and soft skills and explore your interests (i.e., Adult Basic Ed programs at community colleges, programs at Parks & Rec or local library, toastmasters, webinars)

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, family

Consider postsecondary education options (see postsecondary education checklist)

Approximate Age: Start at 14 and ongoing | Who can help: Individual, family, School/IEP Team

Resources: What’s Next: College?! A Guided Exploration of NC Inclusive Postsecondary Options for Students with Disabilities, NC Postsecondary Education Programs for Young Adults with I/DD

Gaining volunteer or work experience

Review how course of study pathways can support the student’s employment options (i.e., certificate versus, occupational course of study and future ready diploma pathway)

Approximate Age: 13 (Middle School) and ongoing | Who can help: School Personnel/IEP Team

Resources: High School Graduation Requirements

Identify career interests and skills, complete interest and career inventories, and identify education or training requirements for careers.

Approximate Age: Starting in middle school and ongoing | Who can help: Individual, school/IEP Team

Resources: NC Careers

Begin exploration of personal learning styles and necessary accommodations/supports to be successful in a work setting

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, school/IEP Team

Investigate assistive technology & communication tools that can increase employment opportunities.

Approximate Age: Starting at age 14 & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, family, school/IEP Team

Consider summer employment or volunteer experience.

Approximate Age: High school | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: Volunteer Match, NC Careers

Determine eligibility for SSI, and apply, if desired. Learn about asset limits (the impact of your income on your benefits). See the adult services action plan for more details.

Approximate Age: Start the application at 17.5 | Who can help: Individual, school/IEP Team, Vocational Rehabilitation or other benefits counseling agency (i.e., Service Source)

Resources: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Explore your transportation options for getting to work. See transportation action plan for details.

Approximate Age: Age 15 | Who can help: Individual, School/IEP Team, and Family

Explore apprenticeship and/or internship options

Approximate Age: Starting at age 14 & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, school/IEP Team, Vocational Rehabilitation

Resources: Apprenticeship NC, NCCDD Project Search

Request meeting with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, including inviting them to IEP meetings

Approximate Age: Age 16 | Who can help: Individual, school/IEP Team, Vocational Rehabilitation

Finding a job

Explore Work Together NC’s employment service library and contact service agencies of interest

Approximate Age: Starting at age 16 & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, family, school/IEP Team, Vocational Rehabilitation

Resources: Employment Services

Begin a resume and update it as needed.

Approximate Age: Starting at age 16 & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, school/IEP Team, Vocational Rehabilitation

Match career interests/skills with vocational course work as well as school and community-based work experiences.

Approximate Age: High school | Who can help: School transition facilitator/IEP Team

Seek out an evaluation for services by NC Vocational Rehabilitation *Note: Evaluation for VR adult services could risk in school VR services if student is deemed ineligible for “competitive integrated employment”

Approximate Age: Age 16 | Who can help: Individual and family

Learn about social security programs such as the Ticket to Work and Benefits Counseling and policies such as Work Incentives (i.e., Student Earned Income Exclusion)

Approximate Age: Age 16 | Who can help: Individual and family, Vocational Rehabilitation

Postsecondary Education

Learning is life long and doesn’t end with high school. Postsecondary education settings includes universities and colleges, as well as trade, continuing education, and vocational schools.

Acronym Key: IDEA = Individuals with Disabilities Education Act | ADA = Americans with Disabilities Act | CTP = Comprehensive Transition Program | IEP = Individualized Education Program | FERPA = Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Continuing education after high school

Become familiar with the key differences between high school and college (I.e., IDEA vs ADA, accommodations vs modifications, changes in expectations)

Approximate Age: 14 | Who can help: Individual, School/IEP Team

Resources: Making the Transition from High School to College for Students with Disabilities | Other: Home schooling –language used in this arena–plain language review.

Explore options for postsecondary education and/or training. As a starting point, check out Work Together NC’s postsecondary education program list and Exploration Guide

Approximate Age: Start in middle school and ongoing | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team

Resources: A Guided Exploration of NC Inclusive Postsecondary Options for Students with Disabilities, NC Postsecondary Education Programs

Review how high school course of study could impact the student’s postsecondary options (i.e., certificate versus diploma pathway)

Approximate Age: 13 (Middle School) and ongoing | Who can help: School/IEP Team

Resources: High School Graduation Requirements

Attend open houses, college fairs, virtual or in-person tours of postsecondary options

Approximate Age: Start at 14 and ongoing | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team

Resources: North Carolina Inclusive Virtual College Fair 2020

Become familiar with parental rights regarding the young person’s educational records, as outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Approximate Age: Year before entry to Post-secondary | Who can help: Family

Resources: Parent Rights & Responsibilities in Special Education

Identify a representative from chosen post-secondary option to attend IEP meetings, if possible

Approximate Age: Year before entry to Post-secondary | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team

Work on study skills and organizational habits (i.e., using time management tools)

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team

Resources: Foundational Skills for College and Career Success

Determining which postsecondary programs to apply to

Compare program admissions criteria, location, cost, residential options, # years, and other factors that may influence decision making. Consider which options are most aligned with the individual’s goals

Approximate Age: Start at 14 and ongoing | Who can help: Individual, Family, and School/IEP Team, Vocational Rehabilitation

Research financial aid options, such as FAFSA (if program is a CTP), Vocational Rehabilitation, NC Legislative Scholarships, NC Promise, Ruby’s Rainbow, and other individualized scholarship programs.

Approximate Age: 1-2 years before entry to Postsecondary | Who can help: Individual and family, School/IEP Team/School financial aid officer or guidance counselor

Resources: NC Promise, Paying for College: Resources

Support an individual to identify the postsecondary option(s) of interest, based on their career and life goals. Work with support team to ensure admissions criteria are met.

Approximate Age: 14-16 | Who can help: Individual, Family, and School/IEP Team, Vocational Rehabilitation

Resources: Think College Search

Create a College Foundation of North Carolina account and explore the resources on this site.

Approximate Age: 16 | Who can help: Individual, Family, and School/IEP Team, Vocational Rehabilitation

Resources: CFNC

Attend open houses, college fairs, virtual or in-person tours of postsecondary options–consider accessibility of the physical environment

Approximate Age: 1-3 years before entry to postsecondary program | Who can help: Individual, Family, and School/IEP Team

Resources: Self-Advocate’s Guide to Choosing a Post-Secondary Program, Self-Examination: How Inclusive Is Your Campus?

Refer to the employment action plan to clarify career interests and goals, which will inform postsecondary goals

Approximate Age: As early as possible | Who can help: Individual, Family, and School/IEP Team, Vocational Rehabilitation

Finding resources in postsecondary education

Explore how adult services can be used in a postsecondary setting (i.e., vocational rehabilitation services, NC Medicaid Innovations Waiver or 1915(i) services)

Approximate Age: Year before entry to Post-secondary | Who can help: Individual, Family, and School/IEP Team, Managed Care Organization, Vocational Rehabilitation

Gather more information on support services offered at programs of interest (i.e., disability services, peer support groups). Connect with the accessibility and disability support services office when visiting college campuses or vocational programs. extend existing services (i.e., waiver)

Approximate Age: 16-18 | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team, Postsecondary Program

Research student wellness programs at identified programs of interest (i.e., for mental health, study/organizational skills)

Approximate Age: Year before entry to Post-secondary | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team, Postsecondary Program

Completing applications

If applicable, make arrangements for accommodations to take college entrance exams.

Approximate Age: 16-17 | Who can help: School/IEP Team

Collect/request final copies of all necessary financial and disability documents for applications/ accommodations after high school (I.e, Most recently updated IEP, Medical documentation of disability , Power of attorney & other guardianship documentation)

Approximate Age: During the last year before graduation | Who can help: School/IEP Team

Complete applications and await admissions decision. Consider applying to multiple programs in case the student does not get into their top choice.

Approximate Age: Depends on admissions window (see website for program of choice) and desired year of entry | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team

Develop “back up” plans in case the student is not admitted to their desired PSE program or any programs. Consider ways a “gap year” could be used to further prepare for PSE.

Approximate Age: When applying to PSE programs | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team

Community Living

Addressing the housing needs for youth with disabilities is greater than just finding places for them to live. It’s also involves developing daily living skills, setting up adult services for daily living needs, and finding “belonging” in the community. The Medicaid Innovations Waiver is the main funding source for adult services to support community living.

Acronym Key: MCO = Managed Care organization

Preparing for Community Living

Contact your local managed care organization (MCO) to assess the child’s eligibility for services. If eligible, ensure the child is added to the Registry of Unmet Needs (also known as the “waitlist”) for the NC Medicaid Waiver.

Approximate Age: As early as possible– infancy is not too young. It can take 15+ years to get off the waitlist! | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: NCDHHS Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, LME-MCO Directory, NC Innovations Waiver

Contact your local MCO to ask about eligibility for home and community services. Even if an individual is still on the registry of unmet needs, they may qualify for other services. [see Adult Services checklist for information]

Approximate Age: Contact MCO at least once a year, starting at 14 (there are oftentimes updates in policies/services available) | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: Accessing Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services

Learn about housing rights for people with disabilities

Approximate Age: 14 | Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, and School/IEP Team

Resources: Housing Rights

Explore natural support resources to help develop an individual’s community network

Approximate Age: 13 and ongoing | Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, and Transition Facilitator/IEP Team

Resources: Natural Support Network Development

Utilize resource mapping tools to gain awareness of local resources

Approximate Age: 13 and ongoing | Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, and Transition Facilitator/IEP Team

Resources: Essential Tools – Community Resource Mapping, Community Resource Map

Apply to be added to the waitlist for housing options of interest

Approximate Age: Middle school or as early as possible | Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian

Explore other Work Together NC action plans that are relevant to community living: transportation, adult services, financial well-being, self determination, and more!

Approximate Age: As early as possible and ongoing | Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, and Transition Facilitator/IEP Team, Adult Service Providers

Developing daily living skills

Review life skills checklists and resources with the individual throughout the transition process

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, School/IEP Team

Resources: PEATC Life Skills Checklist, Lista de Verifcaci de Habilidades para la Vida

Learn daily living skills (budgeting, shopping, cooking) from classroom and community-based instruction or experiences.

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual and School/IEP Team

Resources: Life Skills Checklists

Increase responsibilities at home (i.e., chores, using a schedule or planner) and explore support needs (i.e., assistive technology, visual checklists)

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual and Family

Identify preferred leisure activities for home and the community. If necessary, develop a choice board or other structure needed for leisure time.

Approximate Age: Ongoing through life | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: Parks and recreation, churches, YMCA, community billboards & kiosks

Learn and practice coping skills

Approximate Age: Ongoing through life | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team, Therapist

Resources: Prioritize Coping and Calming Skills

Achieving safety and social belonging in the community

Broaden experiences and skills through community activities. Check out Work Together’s social/recreational program library.

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: : Individual and family

Resources: Social Recreation Resources

If applicable, prepare for living with roommates (i.e., practice relevant social skills like setting boundaries, communicating preferences)

Approximate Age: High School | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: Common’s Guide to Living With Roommates

Learn and practice community safety skills

Approximate Age: Ongoing through life | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: Safety Powers Skills for all abilities, Safety in the Community, Bridging to Adulthood Tips: Safety Resources for Adults with Disabilities

Become familiar with safety strategies for social media i.e., how to recognize scams, avoid predators, protect personal information

Approximate Age: Ongoing through life | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: How to Stay Safe Online

Learn how to understand and respond to emergencies in the home and community

Approximate Age: High school age | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: Emergency Preparedness Tips

Learn and practice communication and self-advocacy skills for different settings (employment, school, recreation)

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, School/IEP Team

Exploring options for housing and community living

Identify interests and options for future living arrangements, including supports. Check out Work Together NC’s housing and daily living service libraries.

Approximate Age: Start in middle school and ongoing | Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, School/IEP Team, Managed Care Organization

Resources: Housing Services, Daily Living Supports

If the individual is receiving the NC Medicaid Waiver, learn about the NC Medicaid Supported Living Definitions and understand what they mean for your family

Approximate Age: Individuals are re-assessed for their “level” every 3 years by the MCO | Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, Managed Care Organization

Resources: Supported Living Service Definition, Supported Living

If the individual is not receiving the NC Medicaid Waiver, ask your MCO care coordinator about supported living services that may be available through the State

Approximate Age: High school | Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, Managed Care Organization

Resources: State-Funded Supported Living Periodic

Review the Autism Society’s Housing Guide to learn about living options/models for adults (much of this information is applicable for adults with IDD, not just autism)

Approximate Age: 13 | Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian

Resources: Autism Society Residential Options

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Disclaimer: This checklist is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be comprehensive, and should not be taken as legal advice. Services and programs mentioned may vary by county. Please consult with professionals with expertise in this topic area for guidance specific to you, your family or student/client’s situation. Have a suggested correction or addition to this checklist? Email worktogethernc@med.unc.edu.