Roadmap for Successful Seamless Transition

Transition teams support students’ postsecondary goals in the areas of employment, education, and independent living. This intentional planning and collaboration process is referred to as Seamless Transition. Teams utilize seven key steps to guide this process with students and families.

  1. Encourage Families to Apply for Benefits 

As soon as a child is diagnosed, families should begin to apply for:

  1. Social Security
  2. Medicaid
  3. Medicaid Waiver
  1. Create an Interagency Team

Engage the student's stakeholders to build a collaborative network. Integrate your expertise with other providers to promote shared planning, strategy alignment, and the development of actionable next steps.

  1. Map the Vision

Use tools like the Positive Personal Profile or LifeCourse Framework. By aligning the student's current position and future aspirations, the team can create, support, and monitor goals. Advocate for the consistent use of these person-centered planning tools and resources.

  1. Enroll the Student in Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Pre-ETS offers invaluable resources for students. Promote its benefits to families of students aged 14 to 22, emphasizing its role in developing job readiness, self-advocacy, and work experience.

  1. Help Families Apply to Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)

Refer students to VRS. You’ve done so much work to make sure students’ goals are met; help families keep the momentum going! Remember, students can receive services from VR and Pre-ETS simultaneously.

  1. Address the Financial Impact of Employment

Decisions and choices about employment often involve financial planning. Pre-ETS providers, VRS, educators, and families can assist the student with this process.

  1. Discuss ABLE Accounts.
  2. Seek a Benefits Analysis.
  3. Provide information on Rep Payees.
  1. Discuss Adult Decision-Making

Before the 10th grade, inform families of the various types of legal guardianship. To ensure the student's best interests are served, families need sufficient time to review and express their concerns regarding future supports.

Share the Seamless Transition Map and Timeline with families and consider it a key resource for your own planning.

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